Falconwood Preschool

Inspection of Falconwood Preschool Scout Association, 7th Welling, 30 Falconwood Parade, WELLING, Kent DA16 2PG

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children develop strong relationships with staff. They greet each other with smiles and talk about their day. Children behave well. They understand the boundaries that are in place to keep them safe and listen well to instructions. Staff give gentle reminders of manners to children when they forget.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy opportunities to improve their physical development. They learn to control their vehicles as they race around the outdoor area. They pretend to put out a fire by scooping water out of the tray and excitedly throwing it at the fence. They participate in regular sessions with a football coach and enjoy the opportunity to try horse riding at the end of each term.

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The provision is good

Children have lots of opportunities to be creative. For example, they use the resources in the role-play area to make ice creams. They politely offer an ice cream to visitors and ask about their favourite flavour. Children move chairs to make a 'train' and chat about the journey they are going to take to the beach. The train driver collects tickets the children make using the different resources on offer. Children enjoy decorating biscuits using inspiration from the 'Gruffalo' story. They talk about his 'purple prickles' and 'poisonous wart' as they choose from a range of materials for decoration.

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need to do better?

n Staff consistently remind children of the expectations of the pre-school, such as 'kind hands, walking feet' and 'listening ears'. They regularly praise children for their achievements. This helps to create a positive learning environment, where children are keen to have a go at a variety of activities. n Staff know what the children can do and what they need to learn next. Managers ensure that additional funding for children is used well to target their specific needs. All children make good progress in relation to their individual starting points. n Managers and staff successfully work in partnerships with parents. Parents say that they receive information about their children's progress, which helps them to support their children at home. They feel welcome at the pre-school and their children return home with lots of stories about their day. Staff have further supported parents by inviting them to a parenting workshop at the pre-school.

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need to do better?

The pre-school staff work closely with local schools and nurseries to ensure a smooth transition when the children move on. n Staff plan the environment, so that children have opportunities to engage in an interesting range of learning experiences. They model, question and provide a narrative as they join children in their play. This provides challenge and creates purposeful learning experiences. Staff use stories about people from different

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need to do better?

5 July 2022 backgrounds to ensure the children understand and respect that people have similarities and differences. This helps to build their own self-esteem. n Generally, children develop their independence skills. For example, children open their own packed lunches and spread butter onto their toast at snack time. However, staff do not always plan activities to enable children to be more independent or encourage children to try to achieve something without support. As a result, children do not have the opportunity to consistently practise skills for independence throughout the day. n Staff introduce mathematical vocabulary to children as they play. They encourage children to count fish as they find them buried in the sand. They describe shapes and count the number of sides together to make sure they have used the correct name. The children make tickets for their train journey, writing the numbers carefully and talking about which ticket is more expensive.

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need to do better?

n There is a strong focus on improving children's language and communication across the pre-school. For example, the role-play area is set up to create opportunities for communication and to develop children's social skills. Staff focus on children's speech and language through songs and stories at group times. Children are confident communicators. They regularly join in with conversations and show good listening and attention skills. n The manager values her team and gives them support and guidance. She utilises their strengths and identifies training to enhance their knowledge and skills. As a result, staff feel more confident in identifying areas where children may need additional help.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a secure knowledge of child protection issues. They can identify the signs and symptoms which may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. They know who to contact if they have concerns about a child's welfare or safety. Staff also know the procedure to follow if there is an allegation against a member of staff or manager. They keep the premises safe and complete regular checks on the equipment. Staff also help children to understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, they regularly practise fire drills and talk to the children about what to do in case of emergencies.

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should:

n improve consistency in how practitioners support children to develop their independence and self-help skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY478348 Local authority Bexley Inspection number 10236376 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 26 Number of children on roll 39 Name of registered person Falconwood Preschool Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 0208 303 4742 Date of previous inspection 20 September 2016

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Information about this early years setting

Falconwood Preschool registered in 2014. It operates from a scout hut in Falconwood, in the London Borough of Bexley. The pre-school is open Monday to Wednesday, from 8.15am until 3pm, and Thursday to Friday from 8.15am until 12 midday, term time only. There are seven members of staff, four of whom hold a childcare qualification at or above level 2. The pre-school receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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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 carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk of the setting. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children throughout the day and evaluated the impact on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with the manager, staff and children during the inspection. n The inspector reviewed relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability of those working with children.

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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

5 July 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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