Harpole Pre-School

Inspection of Harpole Pre-School Old School Hall, School Lane, Harpole, Northampton, Northamptonshire NN7 4DR

p.1

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children receive the best possible start to their education at this pre-school. Children behave exceptionally well. They learn about how to behave, as practitioners talk to them about 'kind words, listening ears and walking feet.' Children form strong friendships as they play cooperatively together. They enjoy making and serving ice creams for each other in the outdoor playhouse.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children are highly motivated to explore their environment and have a positive attitude to learning. They become deeply engaged in their play with the wealth of stimulating resources, both indoors and outdoors. For instance, they make marks on light boards, developing their hand strength in readiness for early writing. Children delight as they pour coloured rice into containers, developing their understanding of early mathematical concepts, such as volume. Children develop a passion for books. They listen attentively and respond to familiar stories as they eagerly recall lines, such as 'hey, bear, are you there?', from the story.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children feel safe and secure. From the start children develop extremely strong bonds with the caring and nurturing practitioners. Children's characters are developed to build an understanding of what makes them unique. 'Wow stars' are used to celebrate personal achievements from home, and children share their achievement and receive a sticker to acknowledge what they have done. This further raises the already high self-esteem of children.

p.2

need to do better?

n The curriculum is meticulously planned and embedded across the provision. The highly skilled practitioners have an exceptional understanding of how children learn. Children thrive as their experiences are consistently built on and tailored to their specific needs. As a result, children make outstanding progress. n The manager is inspirational to the team. She fully supports practitioners to expand on their already detailed knowledge. They receive highly focused professional development which enables them to meet the needs of the children effectively and ensure that the quality of teaching remains at the highest level. Their well-being is paramount to her. Regular well-being sessions provide opportunity for practitioners to get support for any emerging issues. As a result, practitioners feel extremely valued and proud to be a part of this exceptional team. n The provision provides a language-rich environment. Practitioners ensure that

p.2

need to do better?

interactions are of a high quality. They build on children's language effectively through discussion and conversations. For instance, practitioners talk to children about the marbles 'rolling' and 'mixing' in the paint as they make pictures. They use song to introduce new language. Young children choose objects from a bag

p.2

need to do better?

13 September 2022 which represent their favourite songs. They learn signs that relate to the songs they sing. This allows children to become confident in using a wide range of vocabulary, providing a secure foundation for future learning. n Children show high levels of independence in readiness for school. For example, they skilfully pour their own drinks at snack and wash their plates and cups up after. Practitioners work very closely with schools and parents to support transition. Children visit their local school to familiarise themselves and meet their teacher. As a result, they are completely prepared when they move on to school. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) experience excellent care. Practitioners are highly skilled at identifying children who may need additional intervention. Leaders have exceptionally well-developed relationships with outside agencies to ensure there is a collaborative approach to

p.2

need to do better?

children's learning. The manager is persistent in securing support that children require, such as equipment and therapies. Exceptional efforts are made to make the learning environment accessible for children with SEND. This allows children to have the best opportunity to achieve and make rapid progress from their starting points. n Practitioners develop excellent relationships with children's families. An extensive range of support is provided to them. For instance, parents have access to workshops on how children play, develop and learn. Parents can fully support children's learning at home, as the children bring reading books, 'busy boxes' and baking bags home on a regular basis. Parents provide highly complimentary feedback about the pre-school, stating that 'There is quite simply nothing compared to what Harpole offers.'

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Children's safety and well-being are paramount. Staff demonstrate excellent awareness of the signs and symptoms of potential abuse and/or neglect. They are clear about how to report a concern. Training provided for staff is extremely effective and helps maintains the highest knowledge and commitment towards the protection of children. Staff remain vigilant and supervise children extremely well. Additional training to help staff use equipment correctly for children with complex medical needs ensures children are kept safe. Robust safe recruitment and vetting procedures are followed to ensure staff working with children are suitable.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2545597 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10233433 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 47 Number of children on roll 48 Name of registered person Harpole Pre-School Cio

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07377876266 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Harpole Pre-school re-registered in 2019 and is managed by a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It is located in the village of Harpole, Northamptonshire. The pre-school employs 13 members of childcare staff. Of these, 10 hold early years qualifications between level 3 and 6. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday, during term time. Sessions are on Monday from 9am until 1pm, and on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am until 3.30pm. 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 setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the pre-school. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk. She talked to the inspector about the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors. She discussed children's progress with staff. n The manager and inspector carried out a joint observation. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation. This includes evidence of staff suitability and staff training records. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of written feedback provided.

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

13 September 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