Dallow Stars

Inspection of Dallow Stars The Dallow Centre, 234 Dallow Road, LUTON LU1 1TB

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate confidence and energy as they begin their day in this welcoming pre-school. They settle quickly and play with their friends. Children are polite to each other as they sit and wait their turn at the snack table. They behave well and are eager to explore the range of play opportunities available.

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The provision is good

Children strengthen their hand muscles as they squish play dough, paint and draw. Staff help them to hold scissors correctly and safely. Children stand on tiptoes and stretch their whole body to cover the board in chalk markings. These skills are vital when they learn to write. Children ride tricycles and scooters in the garden, practising their coordination. Young children balance on beams. When they fall off, they persevere and try again, going a little further with each effort.

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The provision is good

Children use their imaginations during their time at pre-school. They play 'families' with toy dinosaurs, using different voices when the mummy and daddy dinosaurs put the babies to bed. Staff play with the children to help the storyline develop. Children dress up in builders' hats to dig in the gravel pit and build with bricks. This helps develop children's creative thinking.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and staff focus on helping children to learn essential skills so they are ready to move on to the next stage of education. For example, they make sure children have opportunities to build on their communication skills. Staff sing a song that encourages children to listen carefully as to when to roll a ball. They add gestures to help children understand when to do this. This particularly supports children who speak English as an additional language. n Staff have a good understanding of child development and know the children well. Children benefit from the good interactions as staff spend time playing and talking to them. The staff team plans activities together based on children's learning needs. At times, staff do not provide enough challenge for the older and most able children in the pre-school during play. n Staff build on children's vocabulary. They label underwater creatures with the

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need to do better?

correct names. Staff sing songs and read books to children, which encourages them to practise new words. On occasion, during group times, children are not fully engaged, which does not help extend their concentration skills. n Staff use mathematical terms when they talk to children. For example, they speak about 'big' whales and count octopus tentacles accurately. This helps children to understand what these terms mean. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. Staff recognise emerging needs and contact specialist professionals so children receive assessment and support to help them continue good progress from their

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need to do better?

25 May 2022 starting points in learning. n Leaders gather information about the children and their families when they begin. Staff use this information to help ensure children receive a rounded experience. For example, they encourage children to sit at tables to eat to benefit those who do not have dining tables at home. Additional funding is used well. Staff focus on physical development opportunities because many children do not have access to a garden at home. n There are strong trusting relationships between parents and staff to enhance communication that promotes children's well-being. Parents comment that their children have learned many new things since attending pre-school, including using more language and loving books. Parents receive a lot of information about their children's development, such as photographs and reports. Additionally, staff work together with parents to provide children with consistent

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need to do better?

support, for example when they are struggling to use the toilet or to sleep. n Staff help children understand how to keep themselves safe. They remind them to all stay together when they walk to the garden or in the community room. Staff consider hazards and check that spaces are safe for children to play in. n Leaders help staff to reflect on their teaching. They meet regularly to discuss their work and general well-being and to identify any training that benefits their work. Staff are aware of what they need to consciously consider to become better teachers.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a strong knowledge of safeguarding topics. They know how to recognise the types of abuse and neglect. Furthermore, they are knowledgeable about the local area child protection issues, such as county lines. Staff know the agencies to report concerns to. Additionally, they understand that when staff and leaders do not act swiftly, they have a duty of care to report information themselves. This helps to ensure that children receive support quickly.

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should:

n help staff to develop children's concentration during group times more effectively n help staff to challenge the most able children even further during play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2674680 Local authority Luton Inspection number 10242961 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 26 Name of registered person DS Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01582235550 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Dallow Stars registered in 2021 and is located in Luton. The pre-school employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including two who hold a qualification at level 6. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 8.30am until 3.15pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.

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Inspection activities

n Children talked with the inspector during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

25 May 2022 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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