The Willows Preschool

Inspection of The Willows Preschool Church Lane, North Bradley, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 0TA

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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 settle well and thrive on the thoughtful, patient support they receive from the pre-school staff. They form strong and beneficial relationships with their key person and the whole staff team, which helps to foster children's confidence and well-being effectively. Parents say that staff value the children as individuals and take care of children to a high standard.

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The provision is good

Children are inspired by the well-thought-out environment that staff provide at the pre-school. They are motivated to explore, follow their interests and ideas and develop their skills. Their self-confidence grows with the reassurance given by staff as they test out their skills. They traverse obstacle courses outside and relish the many sensory opportunities available. They experiment with making marks in the sand or investigate how sand and water travel down different pipes. They explore the roles of the 'people who help us' as they create an imaginary fire engine or act out being a doctor. They imaginatively paint fire pictures and pretend to put out the fire with lengths of hose. Children learn about nature during sessions in the main school's forest school area. They develop positive attitudes to learning. They take turns, play cooperatively and begin to manage their emotions. They make good progress, including children in receipt of additional funding.

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need to do better?

n The manager liaises with staff and the committee to outline improvements and enhance practice. They all show dedication to the pre-school and the children that attend. They gain the views of parents to identify ways to develop the provision further. Parents say they can tell that staff really care about the work they do. n The whole staff team works together to observe children as they play, and each child's key person tracks their achievements carefully. All the staff know children well. They follow their interests and focus on children's individual learning needs. However, occasionally, staff do not flexibly adapt planned small-group activities, and children's involvement and learning at such times do not progress as much as they could. n Staff work in partnership with parents, ensuring that there is a strong two-way flow of information and helping to provide a consistent approach to the support children receive. They share ideas with parents for supporting children's learning

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need to do better?

at home, and their pre-school library beneficially helps to develop children's interest in books at home as well as in the pre-school. n Children develop their independence skills and sense of responsibility very well. They help to tidy away toys. They change out of their boots and work hard to get their shoes on, listening carefully to the staff's well-placed tips. Children learn considerable skills. They serve themselves their snack, pouring their drink

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need to do better?

4 January 2023 carefully. They conscientiously clear away their items. They are keen to do things for themselves and are proud of their achievements. n The manager and staff promote a strong community feel within the pre-school. They take children on trips out into the village and the nearby town. They visit the library, post letters or chat with local older residents, broadening children's knowledge of the world and their understanding and appreciation of people of different ages. n Children's communication develops well. Staff get down to children's level. They model and explain words to ensure children understand and progress their skills. They ask children questions to encourage their thinking and conversation. Children use mathematical language as they construct items, comparing and estimating, and they learn about thermometers during their doctor play. n There is a strong focus on preparing children for their move on to school, and

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need to do better?

children benefit from the close links that have been forged between the pre- school and the school on site. Older children relish their classroom time and physical education sessions in the main school in the morning. Parents comment positively on the benefits of this and say that children flow effortlessly on to school. n The manager works with the deputy manager to observe staff skills and undertakes regular supervision meetings with staff to support them in their role. They work together to outline any training needs. Two members of staff are currently being supported to undertake relevant early years qualifications and develop their skills further.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Managers, committee members and staff have a clear understanding of their responsibilities to ensure that children who attend the pre-school are kept safe. Staff carry out thorough risk assessments of all areas. They all ensure that the robust security procedures are followed closely. They know what to do if they are worried about a child in their care or the conduct of other staff. The manager and committee chairperson ensure committee members and staff are suitable for their roles. They follow safe recruitment and careful induction processes. The manager checks and supports the staff's safeguarding knowledge during regular meetings and ensures that staff renew their knowledge through a range of training.

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should:

n flexibly adapt planned activities to support children's involvement and extend their learning as much as possible.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY267101 Local authority Wiltshire Inspection number 10263252 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 38

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Name of registered person

The Willows Pre-School, North Bradley Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01225 769489 Date of previous inspection 26 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The Willows Preschool registered in 2003 and is located in the grounds of North Bradley C of E Primary School, near Trowbridge. It is independently run by a committee. It operates from 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. There are nine members of staff; one holds qualified teacher status and six hold appropriate qualifications at level 3. The pre-school provides funded places for children aged 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 that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector met with the chairperson of the committee and discussed how the committee supports the running of the pre-school. n The inspector viewed all areas and discussed with the manager how these areas are used. n The deputy manager and the inspector evaluated the effectiveness of an activity together. n The inspector observed the children and staff and spoke with them at appropriate times during the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the provision with the inspector. n Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector, including suitability checks and paediatric first-aid qualifications. n The manager discussed their safety and child protection procedures, and

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Inspection activities

safeguarding discussions were undertaken with members of the staff team.

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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

4 January 2023 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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