St James The Less Pre-School

Inspection of St James The Less Pre- School The Old School Room, Burnley Road, Rossendale, Lancashire BB4 8HH

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

The provision is good

Children enter the pre-school with enthusiasm and excitement. They settle quickly and feel secure in the warm, friendly environment. Staff know children very well and plan activities for them which link to their interests and next steps in learning. Children show a positive attitude to their learning. They are confident to explore the environment. For example, they examine with interest the shells, fish and boats they find in the sand. Outside, they explore the planting areas, using binoculars and magnifying glasses to look for minibeasts.

p.2

The provision is good

Children show high levels of independence, both in learning and self-care skills, such as pouring their own drink, washing their hands and using the toilet. Children enjoy leading their play. They make their own decisions when setting up 'a show'. Staff are skilful at knowing when to intervene and when to step back and allow children to resolve any disagreements. This helps children to reflect on why it is important to take turns and share the instruments. Children confidently sing their favourite nursery rhymes, while the other children listen attentively. Children develop good communication skills. They benefit from enthusiastic staff who play alongside them, speaking clearly and adding new words to their vocabulary, such as 'propeller' and 'globe'.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager and staff have a good knowledge of how children learn. They assess children's progress regularly, identify any gaps in learning and plan what they want the children to learn next. The curriculum reflects this and takes account of children's current interests. As a result, children make good progress. n Staff promote children's language skills effectively. Children listen intently when staff read stories to them. They enthusiastically demonstrate their knowledge of sea creatures and make comparisons between the shell of a crab and the shell of a turtle. However, quieter children need more encouragement to contribute during group activities. n Numeracy skills are well supported. For example, resources have been added to most activities to encourage children's mathematical development. Staff provide regular opportunities for children to count during activities. They discuss the price of fruit in the shop and count cups in the home corner. However, there are

p.2

need to do better?

less opportunities available for children to practise and develop their early writing skills. n Children behave very well. They demonstrate an understanding of staff's expectations for their behaviour and follow instructions with ease. For example, they know that when staff ring a bell, they need to tidy up. Consequently, children are developing a strong sense of responsibility. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported

p.2

need to do better?

8 June 2022 and have one-to-one support. Staff have good working relationships with professionals involved with the children. Staff follow the children's targeted learning plan and ensure that the children are involved in activities that provide challenge and capture their interest. n There is a strong team spirit at the pre-school. The manager provides individual supervision meetings for staff to discuss their work and the children they care for. Staff have access to ongoing professional development through an online training provider. This helps to support their practice and children's learning needs.

p.2

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff and the manager attend regular training to keep their knowledge of safeguarding issues up to date. Staff have a good knowledge of child protection procedures, such as the action to take if a child displays symptoms of physical abuse or neglect. They know the signs and indicators of abuse and who to report concerns to, including signs of extreme and radical behaviour. Staff use risk assessment effectively to keep children safe. Children are well supervised at all times.

p.3

should:

n provide consistent opportunities for children who have less confidence to share their ideas and thoughts n support staff to maximise opportunities for children to develop early writing skills during everyday activities.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY292081 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10233320 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 12 Name of registered person St James the Less Pre-School Committee

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07749174504 Date of previous inspection 18 November 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

St James the Less Pre-School registered in 2004. The pre-school employs four members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 to level 6. One member of staff has qualified teacher status. The pre- school opens from Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 9.15am until 12.15pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider 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 children to learn. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n The inspector observed the quality of the education provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector spoke to some parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the manager throughout the inspection to keep her

p.5

Inspection activities

updated as the inspection progressed. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

8 June 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6