The Little Rascals Pre-School

Inspection of The Little Rascals Pre- School The Methodist Church, Bramford Road (North West), Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2NA

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children are at the heart of this exceptional pre-school. They thrive in the nurturing and highly vibrant environment. Children enjoy meaningful interactions with staff, who ignite their curiosity and interest. As a result, children are constantly engaged and completely immersed in their learning. For instance, story time is a joyous occasion, where children cannot contain their excitement. Children learn an array of stories, which encourages their language and literacy development. They are extremely inquisitive and ask questions to further extend their knowledge. For example, as children make play dough they discuss why it feels 'sticky'. Children share their thoughts and ideas and tell staff that there is 'too much water'.

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The provision is outstanding

Children show high levels of imagination and a sense of wonder in their learning. They pretend to be scientists and talk about using 'pipettes' as they wish to 'gather samples of bacteria to study and grow'. They learn about important healthy practices, such as washing their hands and brushing their teeth. They tell visitors how they need to 'clean their teeth to keep them healthy and strong or they will go black.'

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is impeccable. They are happy, calm and friendly. Younger children readily share and take turns. Older children are excellent role models. They recognise the feelings of others and willingly invite them to join their activities.

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need to do better?

n The pre-school is a hive of activity. Everywhere you look, children are actively engaged in exciting and meaningful learning. Staff plan stimulating activities around children's individual interests and needs. The quality of teaching across the pre-school is outstanding. n The provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is superb. Staff complete training to meet children's specific learning and medical needs. They work closely with parents and professionals to implement targeted interventions with respect and sensitivity. n Additional funding is used successfully. The manager carefully considers how funding can be used to give children the best opportunities. For example, staff enhance the environment with a specific area to support children who need high levels of sensory stimulation. This ensures that all children feel welcomed and valued. n Staff's focus on children's speech and language skills is exceptional. They expose

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need to do better?

children to an abundance of new words as they play. For example, knead, mould' and 'squash'. The sound of conversation and curious children's questions flows through the pre-school. Staff ask thought-provoking questions that

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need to do better?

18 November 2022 encourage children to think deeply. For example, children discuss in depth what country a scorpion comes from. n Children thoroughly enjoy their explorations and discussions, particularly outside. Staff spark their inquisitive spirit when they encourage them to look for insects in the garden. Children become absorbed as they find spiders and bugs. They ask staff to help them to put them in the pre-school bug house. Children proudly share facts about what they have learned, such as some insects fly and others crawl. They discuss about using a magnifying glass, so they can get a closer look at the insects. n Opportunities for mark making and mathematics are securely embedded in activities, both indoors and outdoors. Younger children learn letters and new words rapidly. Older children learn to write their name and other familiar words. Children share their mathematical knowledge through everyday activities. At

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need to do better?

mealtimes, children count how many sandwiches they have. They talk about 'more' and 'less' when looking at quantities. n Snack time is an incredibly sociable experience. Staff and children chat and their relationships are harmonious. Children demonstrate independence by pouring their drinks and cutting up their fruit. Staff challenge children to take the lid off their yoghurt. When finished, children put their rubbish in the bin and wash their plate. n Partnerships with parents are superb. Parents share the staff's passion for the setting. They comment that they get regular updates on their children's development. Parents describe how independent their children have become since starting at the setting. They describe the staff as 'amazing' and 'wonderful'. Parents comment that pre-school offers children a wealth of wonderful and happy learning experiences. n The manager is passionate about providing the highest quality care and

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need to do better?

learning. She successfully leads a very dedicated staff team, who consistently state that they are extremely well supported.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff have an excellent understanding of how to safeguard children and are aware of wider safeguarding issues. They know how to report concerns in a timely manner, if they believe that a child's well-being is at risk. Robust recruitment and vetting arrangements help ensure that staff working with children are suitable to do so. Staff know the procedures to follow if they have concerns about the behaviour of another adult working with children. Effective staff deployment means that children are well supervised and cared for. This promotes children's safety and welfare.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 251573 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10234418 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 34 Number of children on roll 28 Name of registered person Methodist Pre-School Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07963217777 Date of previous inspection 19 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The Little Rascals Pre-School registered in 1996. The pre-school employs four members of childcare staff. All staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The pre-school operates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays, during term time. Sessions are from 8.45am to 11.45am and from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. A lunch club runs from 11.45am and 12.30pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views. The inspector also spoke to children throughout the inspection. n A meeting was held with the manager. This included a review of relevant documentation, including staff suitability and training. n The inspector observed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector held discussions with staff, at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n A joint observation of an activity was carried out by the inspector and the

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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

18 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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