Woodland Magic Pre-school

Inspection of Woodland Magic Pre- school Bennetts End Adventure Playground, Rant Meadow, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 8EQ

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are excited to arrive at this friendly pre-school. They greet staff enthusiastically and are quick to join their friends and investigate the engaging activities staff skilfully plan. Children enjoy a wealth of exciting learning opportunities indoors and in the extensive garden area. For example, they explore slopes and climb trees in the vast wooded area.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are highly independent. They pour their own drinks and serve themselves healthy snacks. Staff use carefully designed sessions to encourage children to develop skills needed for school. For example, children are split into small, age- appropriate groups, where they learn to put on shoes and coats at their own pace.

p.2

The provision is good

Children form close bonds with one another. They are kind to others and cooperate well during activities. For example, children are practising mark making skills by writing cards to their friends. They support each other in identifying the initial letters and sounds in the names they write. When their friends struggle to put cards in envelopes, children are swift to offer help and advice.

p.2

The provision is good

Children demonstrate high levels of confidence. They are rehearsing for their winter concert. They proudly stand up to sing songs and play musical instruments in front of their friends and visitors. Staff support children's self-esteem by offering lots of praise and encouragement during all activities.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff place sharp focus on developing children's language and communication skills. They interact well with children during activities, modelling new and descriptive vocabulary. The manager delivers a well-designed phonics programme. Children are split into small groups where they explore carefully differentiated activities. This encourages children to develop early literacy skills in preparation for starting school. n Children's well-being is a priority in the pre-school. Staff are swift to identify when children may need additional support or one-to-one time with their key staff member. The pre-school staff have recently established a sensory tent. They encourage children to relax here and explore their emotions and the effects their behaviours may have on themselves and others. n Staff are knowledgeable about how children learn. They plan exciting and engaging activities based upon children's interests and development needs. For

p.2

need to do better?

example, staff have set up a festive role play area. Children develop fine motor skills by wrapping presents, and practise early literacy skills in a card writing activity. n The pre-school has a highly effective key-staff system in place. Staff engage well

p.2

need to do better?

7 December 2022 with families from the start to gather detailed knowledge of children's early experiences. They use this information to plan activities to support children's development. For example, children enjoy extensive play sessions in the wooded outdoor area. They learn to manage risks in their play and develop an understanding of this unique environment. n Relationships between staff and parents are strong. Parents speak highly of the manager and staff and the nurturing care they provide. They particularly value the high-quality communication they receive about children's development. Parents comment on how approachable staff are and how they are always available to offer support and advice. n The manager and staff reflect well on the care they offer. They are swift to identify areas where they can provide additional support for the current cohort of children. For example, the manager recognises that children need additional

p.2

need to do better?

support to develop their social skills. She has implemented daily small group sessions where children learn the importance of sharing and taking turns. n Staff work well together, and morale is high. The manager is highly focused on supporting the progress of all staff. She conducts regular appraisals and supervisions to identify areas for development. The manager ensures that staff have regular opportunities for training, and encourages them to take on additional responsibilities to reflect their interests and learning requirements. n Children are aware of the rules in the setting and generally follow them well. However, staff are not always consistent in implementing their behaviour management strategies. This can give children mixed messages about the impact of inappropriate behaviour.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The manager and staff have a strong understanding of their role in keeping children safe. They demonstrate good knowledge of the signs and symptoms which can indicate a child is at risk from harm. All staff complete regular first-aid and safeguarding training to ensure that they remain up to date with changes in legislation. Staff complete robust risk assessments of all areas of the pre-school, and supervise children well, both indoors and in the extensive outdoor areas.

p.3

should:

n provide a more consistent approach to behaviour management to better support children's understanding of appropriate behaviour.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2603425 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10251614 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 40 Number of children on roll 28 Name of registered person Woodland Magic Pre-School Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07933779910 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Woodland Magic Pre-School registered in 2020. It operates from a building in Bennetts End Adventure Playground, Hemel Hempstead. It opens from 9am to 2.45pm, Monday to Friday, during school term time only. All staff working with children hold a relevant childcare qualification to at least level 3.

p.4

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 considered the views of parents by speaking to several during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all staff. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and manager completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with staff about the monitoring of learning and development in the pre-school and tracked the progress of several children.

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

7 December 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