Freshford Pre-school

Inspection of Freshford Pre-school Freshford Memorial Hall, Freshford Lane, Freshford, BATH BA2 7UR

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children bounce in happily, greet the staff with smiles and eagerly go and seek out their favourite activities. Children are very interested in being 'builders' and delight when they see a new toolbox next to the home corner, now an 'Elf workshop'. They cooperate and negotiate well as they share the new tools in their imaginary play. They admire their previous work, a fireplace made from boxes 'to keep the elves warm'. They hammer some more 'nails' into the boxes and say 'this to make sure it doesn't fall apart'.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are very excited when two police officers visit. They are curious about all the pieces of equipment they have on their uniforms, such as walkie-talkies and different torches. Children delight in seeing themselves on the police officer's body camera saying, 'it's like us on TV!' Children make immediate connections between their own experiences. For example, they say that they also wear reflective jackets when they go out on walks so that they can be seen and be safe. Children know many rules about road safety and proudly sing their 'traffic light' song to the officers.

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The provision is outstanding

The manager and staff value and celebrate what children achieve. For example, they proudly display children's work, to enhance the environment.

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The provision is outstanding

Children have very close bonds with all staff. They seek support from staff when they need help with an activity or when feeling emotionally overwhelmed. Staff are extremely sensitive and respectful to each child's needs, and this helps children feel safe and secure.

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need to do better?

n The manager and staff devise a full programme of planned activities that cover a broad and ambitious curriculum. Staff skilfully incorporate key concepts into all activities by using concise and flexible planning systems that cover all areas of learning. For example, mathematical language, such as 'pairs', and estimation is introduced in group times. Leaders and staff carry out assessments of children's needs and progress exceptionally well, with meaningful next steps planned, which help all children make the best possible progress. n Children show an extremely keen interest in activities. For example, they practise counting by carefully placing figures onto a bus. They use a dice to create further challenge and use their drawing skills as they count beyond 10. Children love to experiment and persevere as they saw balsa wood or drill holes into it to see if it will break. They use their imagination as they use the wood as

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need to do better?

a vacuum cleaner to 'suck up the sawdust'. Children look at orange pips with fascination, and staff explain how to see them by holding a segment of orange

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need to do better?

7 December 2022 to the light. Children warm up balls of play dough to see if this will make them smoother and roll further. Children show exceptional persistence, involvement, and pride in their work, and their behaviour is exemplary. n Children benefit from weekly, outside sports sessions. These are led by an enthusiastic trainer who, along with staff, ensures all the children can participate fully. These activities improve children's physical development and increase self- confidence. Children follow complex instructions as they eagerly carry out challenging routines using hoops and balls. They practise new movements, such as hopping, and they notice shadows as they move about. n Staff encourage children's independence skills. For example, they learn how to clean their teeth, pour drinks and change into outdoor clothing. This helps children gain the skills they need for the future. n Staff take children on walks that enable them to gain an appreciation of their

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need to do better?

local community. Children also benefit from stimulating experiences, such as forest school, and exciting outings, such as going on a train ride, and by working with visitors on yoga and music sessions. n Parent partnerships are very strong. Parents have absolute trust in the manager and team to provide a safe environment where children can thrive physically and emotionally. Parents appreciate that children are learning and developing from a breadth of enriching experiences and are well prepared for school. They report that lines of communication are excellent, and opportunities exist for parents to become involved in their children's learning. n The manager and committee have well-organised systems in place for safe staff recruitment, and provide opportunities for professional development and monitoring of performance. This creates a culture of continuing improvement that underpins the consistency of this high-quality provision.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a thorough understanding of safeguarding, including knowing the signs and symptoms of abuse and the external agencies available to offer further support. Risk assessments are in place for all areas, including a playing field and area of woodland. All staff are trained in paediatric first aid. Children are very aware of road safety and how to keep themselves safe when on outings.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY472387 Local authority Bath and North East Somerset Council Inspection number 10236300 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 24 Number of children on roll 22 Name of registered person Freshford Pre-school CIO

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reference number

Telephone number 07928 013998 Date of previous inspection 12 December 2016

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Information about this early years setting

Freshford Pre-school re-registered in 2013 and is located in Freshford, near Bath. The pre-school employs four members of childcare staff and a business manager. Of the childcare staff, one holds qualified early years teacher status at level 6, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 5, one holds an early years educator qualification at level 3 and one has a qualification at level 3. The pre- school also employs suitably qualified supply staff. The pre-school opens on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 9am to 3pm, and on Thursday between 9am and 1pm, term time only. It receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector conducted a learning walk with the manager. n The inspector took into account the views of parents from both oral and written feedback. n The inspector observed interactions between staff, visitors and children. n The inspector spoke to staff and children. n The inspector and manager discussed a joint observation. n The inspector scrutinised a sample of documents. n The inspector had discussions with the manager, committee members and the business manager. n This is the first routine inspection the pre-school 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.

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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

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.

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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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