Little Elves Community Pre-School Ltd

Inspection of Little Elves Community Pre-School Ltd The Key Centre, The Key, FLEET, Hampshire GU51 1HA

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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 confidently and independently enter the pre-school, eager to begin their day. They are warmly greeted and welcomed by smiling staff. Children know where to store their belongings before choosing what to play with and where to play. They show they enjoy their time at the pre-school, as the setting fills with children's excited chatter and laughter. Children know who their key person is, which helps them to develop a secure sense of belonging. Their individual needs are known and met. This has a great impact on children's confidence, behaviour and emotional well-being.

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The provision is good

Children clearly demonstrate that they are settled and feel secure in the staff's warm and attentive care. Children play cooperatively with one another, taking turns with resources and communicating effectively. Staff are positive role models for children, who behave well. Children know the expectations from staff, such as to wear a helmet before riding bikes. They are capable and independent learners. Children listen to what staff say and swiftly respond to instructions. Older children help younger children. For instance, they remind them what the 'teacher said' to help keep them safe when playing in the mud kitchen. Children of all ages show positive attitudes to each other and to their learning.

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need to do better?

n The manager and her staff team have a secure understanding of their aims and aspirations for children during their time at the pre-school. They have reflected on where children need the most support in their learning and tailored their curriculum to meet these needs. n Staff place a strong focus on supporting children's communication skills. They have developed language groups, for example, to offer highly engaging activities designed to excite children and support their speech development. Sign language is effectively used alongside speech, enabling all children to have a voice. Children are learning to be effective communicators who can make their needs known. n Children benefit from a stimulating and inviting learning environment that staff provide to support and ignite their learning. Outdoors, children climb and balance, make mud cakes and investigate water. Indoors, children explore art resources, role play as pirates in a boat and discover sensory experiences.

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need to do better?

Children are generally self-motivated to play and learn. However, after lunch, children are less engaged with their learning, and there is less of a 'buzz' from them. Although staff offer some new challenges in the afternoon, children are not as motivated, and they learn at a slower pace. n Additional funding is very effectively used to offer all children equal opportunities in the pre-school. Staff know where children need more help with their learning

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need to do better?

30 September 2022 or would benefit from different resources to engage them. This allows staff to make a positive impact on helping to close gaps in children's experiences, opportunities and learning. n Children take part in activities to support their physical development. They hunt for treasure, for instance, completing physical challenges along the way. Staff are effective role models, and children copy star jumps, 'walk the plank' and catch balls. Children are excited and motivated to join in. However, occasionally, adult-led group times are not effective in supporting children's learning. At times, group activities are too long, and there are too many children to cater for all their learning needs. n Children have many opportunities to be independent. They make choices and are encouraged to serve their own snacks and drinks. Children clearly enjoy washing up and beam with delight at the task. Staff offer children warm praise

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need to do better?

and encouragement. This further promotes their self-confidence and self- esteem. n Parents report that their children settled into pre-school rapidly, and they value the timely and informative feedback from staff. Parents say that staff go 'above and beyond' their expectations for the education and care of the children. n The manager and provider are reflective and forward thinking. They regularly evaluate the setting, using feedback from children, parents and staff. Plans for ongoing development are ambitious, as they strive to provide children with a high-quality pre-school experience.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and provider ensure all staff are confident and secure in understanding their roles to keep children safe. Safeguarding is a high priority, which is shared with parents from their initial contact with the pre-school. Staff have regular training to keep their skills and knowledge current. They know the signs of possible abuse and how to report any concerns about children's welfare. Staff recruitment follows a robust process to ensure all staff are suitable to work with children. Effective supervisions, appraisals and checks are embedded in practice, allowing staff to reflect and share information regularly.

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should:

n develop staff practice and help them to understand how to plan and deliver a more challenging and exciting curriculum to maintain children's interest and motivation throughout the day n review the organisation of adult-led group activities, considering the needs and abilities of all children in the group, so that all are equally engaged and their

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should:

30 September 2022 learning is maximised.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY449669 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10228081 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 52 Number of children on roll 75 Name of registered person Little Elves Community Pre-School Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01252 625332 Date of previous inspection 20 October 2016

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Information about this early years setting

Little Elves Community Pre-School Ltd registered in 2012. It is run by a management committee of parents. The pre-school operates from Elvetham Heath Community Centre, in Fleet, Hampshire. The pre-school operates Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm, during school term time only. There are 14 members of staff who work directly with the children. Of these, seven hold a relevant early years qualification to at least level 3. 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 provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken this into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they intend for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector talked to staff and the children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager. n A meeting was held between the inspector, the provider and the manager. The inspector looked at relevant documentation and viewed evidence of the suitability of staff. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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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

30 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.

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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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