Harrietsham Preschool

Inspection of Harrietsham Preschool St John the Baptist, Marley Road, Maidstone ME17 1AX

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they feel happy and secure at this unique setting. For example, on arrival, children happily separate from their parents at the church door and say goodbye. They know the routine well, as they place their belongings into different boxes. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing as children freely explore and choose what activities they engage with. They quickly settle into their learning and play.

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The provision is good

Children make continued progress in their learning and development. The staff have high expectations for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). For instance, they ensure that they differentiate their teaching to enable children's participation in all activities that take place. This is done in an inclusive way that supports children learning together. They develop a good understanding of their differences and what makes them unique.

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The provision is good

Children behave well throughout their time at the setting. For example, children share and take turns as they cooperate with each other successfully during free play. They can be heard saying 'it's your turn' as they build towers with bricks. Relationships reflect a positive and respectful culture that impacts positively on children's emotional development and security.

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need to do better?

n Staff know their children well. This enables them to plan an engaging curriculum that is built around their current interests and next steps in learning. For instance, children are engaged and motivated to learn as they explore colours, feelings and emotions. Children share their thoughts, such as 'I feel happy', with the practitioner. However, on occasions, staff do not allow children enough time to process information that is presented to them. Staff ask lots of questions without allowing children appropriate thinking time. This results in children not responding, which impacts on their communication and language development. The manager has already arranged training for all staff to support the quality of their interactions. She is confident that this will have a positive impact on the quality of teaching at the setting. n Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. For example, staff teach

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need to do better?

children about their emotions in an age-appropriate way. They enjoy sharing the story 'The Colour Monster', as they explore the meaning of different feelings. Staff consistently model positive language and, on occasions, give gentle reminders of the rules, such as 'walking feet inside'. Children respond well to adult requests. This has a great impact on children's well-being and character development, and is reflected in children's positive behaviour and conduct. n The manager and her staff team have created an inclusive setting that values

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need to do better?

10 November 2022 diversity. For instance, children who speak English as an additional language make continued progress from their starting points, as their language development is well supported. However, their teaching of different cultures and faiths in the wider world needs to be expanded and improved. This will enable children to develop a better understanding and appreciation of people and families that are different, and prepare them for life in modern Britain. n Children benefit from being physically active inside and outside every day. For example, children take part in daily 'music and movement' sessions. They are highly engaged as they learn to listen to simple instructions and move in various ways. The staff give clear and consistent messages to children that supports their understanding of healthy choices around food, rest and exercise. This supports children's physical and emotional health well.

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need to do better?

n The manager has a clear and ambitious vision for providing high-quality inclusive care and education to all, including those with SEND. For example, the manager recognises weaknesses in teaching and the training needs of staff through regular observations and supervision. She implements targeted training to improve practitioners' knowledge and skills over time. This ensures that the quality of teaching is continually enhanced. This directly impacts on the good progress that children make across the seven areas of learning and development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and her staff team have a very good understanding of their duty to protect children in their care from harm and abuse. They can confidently talk about policies and procedures that are in place if they have any safeguarding concerns about a child or family. They have a good working knowledge of a range of safeguarding issues, such as female genital mutilation, preventing radicalisation and domestic abuse. The staff understand what to do if they have a concern about the manager or another staff member's conduct. The manager keeps accurate and up to date records that are stored securely. All staff receive regular safeguarding training to keep their knowledge up to date.

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should:

n improve further the quality of staff interactions with children, to allow them more time to process information that is presented to them n build on opportunities to deepen children's awareness of different cultures and diversity further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2606076 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10251693 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 30 Number of children on roll 26

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Name of registered person

Harrietsham Playgroup Association Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07897 821399 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Harrietsham Preschool is situated in Maidstone, Kent. They operate Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, term time only. They offer funded places for two-, three- and four-year-olds. There are seven staff, including the manager, of whom four are level 3 qualified. All other staff are currently undertaking level 3 study.

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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 that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

10 November 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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