Learning Tree Pre-School (Swindon) Limited

Inspection of Learning Tree Pre- School (Swindon) Limited The Old Library, the Circle, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 1QZ

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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children arrive at the pre-school with smiles on their faces. They separate confidently from their parents and form close attachments to staff. Children demonstrate they feel safe and secure in their surroundings. The manager and staff make sure that they talk with families and children about what their lives are like outside the nursery, to help them to plan meaningful learning experiences.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well and show a good understanding of the pre-school rules and expectations. For example, at group times, children confidently recall the rules and why they are important. Children learn how to share and take turns and are supported to manage their own feelings. Children show care and concern for each other. For example, children support each other when balancing on equipment outdoors and hold the hands of children who need a little support.

p.2

The provision is good

The pre-school is highly inclusive. Staff recognise the impact of COVID-19 on children's learning. They work hard to ensure they support children to reach their full potential and to catch up in all areas of their development. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who are receiving additional funding are superbly supported to learn and develop. For instance, a new intervention room means they have a dedicated space to allow staff to deliver smaller group sessions in a quieter space.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager is passionate about providing high-quality care and education. She shares the pre-school vision with staff and it is evident within their practice. Staff feel well supported and describe the team as being like 'a small family'. n Staff have a clear intent about what they want children to achieve in their time at the pre-school. They provide appropriate planned activities to support identified needs. Staff know children's next steps and monitor their progress from their starting points. Staff are able to focus on areas to develop as a result of clear, precise assessments. However, during children's chosen activities, younger children are not as well supported and this can result in children being disengaged from their learning. n Partnerships with parents are good. They speak positively about the pre-school and comment that staff share information with them about their child's progress and provide advice on how to support their child at home. Parents and their

p.2

need to do better?

children's key persons work together to identify children's next steps in learning and development. This ensures continuity in children's care and learning. n Staff place a strong focus on developing children's language and communication. For instance, captivating group activities support children's communication well. Children are captivated by engaging staff who develop their speech, listening

p.2

need to do better?

8 June 2022 and attention through songs, stories and rhymes. However, staff do not consistently encourage the use of children's home language in their play and learning. n Children's independence is promoted well. Children are given choices during snack times and serve their own snacks and pour drinks. They are aware of good hygiene practices. Children are confident to approach staff for help if needed. Staff offer praise for their accomplishments and this raises children's self-esteem. n Children have plenty of opportunities to promote their physical development and their small- and large-muscle skills. For example, children spend lots of time outdoors, running, jumping and balancing. Children show skilful scissor control and good hand-to-eye coordination as they create their own 'aliens' during an art activity. n The manager and her team continually reflect on their practice. They constantly evaluate the pre-school, and the team works together to make changes and

p.2

need to do better?

drive improvement. For instance, staff have recently changed the self- registration process for children going to school, to challenge them when recognising their name. Staff access regular professional development opportunities that are linked to the needs of the children, which supports staff to tailor their teaching accordingly. n The pre-school has developed good partnerships with local schools and professionals. For instance, staff work closely with professionals such as speech and language therapists and specialist teams within the local authority, to give children and families close support.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The manager and staff prioritise children's safety and well-being at the nursery. They have a secure understanding of their responsibilities to protect children. Staff know the correct procedures to follow if they have concerns about children's safety and welfare. This includes being able to identify if a child is being drawn into radicalisation. Security within the setting is good; staff have a clear system to ensure that children do not leave the nursery unaccompanied at the end of the sessions. This helps to keep children safe. The provider and manager use robust recruitment and selection procedures. They carefully identify staff who are suitable for their roles.

p.3

should:

n support younger children to be more engaged during times of their chosen activities

p.3

should:

8 June 2022 n strengthen opportunities for all children who speak English as an additional language to develop and use their home language.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2555057 Local authority Swindon Inspection number 10215794 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 35 Number of children on roll 53 Name of registered person Learning Tree Pre School (Swindon) Limited

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 01793 313929 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Learning Tree Pre-School (Swindon) Limited registered in 2019 and is located in Pinehurst, Swindon. It is open from 8.45am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, term time only. There are seven members of staff who work with the children and all have relevant childcare qualifications from level 2 to level 6; one staff member is a qualified teacher. The pre-school receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting 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 setting. n The inspector and the manager completed a learning walk across all areas of the pre-school to understand how the early years provision and the curriculum are organised. n The inspector sampled relevant documentation, including evidence of the staff suitability checks. n A joint observation of an activity was carried out by the inspector and the manager. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the manager, staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection.

p.6

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.6

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.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7