Skylarks Pre-School Ltd

Inspection of Skylarks Pre-School Ltd Village Hall, Magdalen Road, Tilney St. Lawrence, KING'S LYNN, Norfolk PE34 4RF

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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 are happy and enjoy attending this warm and welcoming pre-school. Staff are kind and caring towards children and their families. Children settle quickly and eagerly explore the variety of activities on offer. Children show excitement as they use their imaginations in the construction area. For example, they pretend to build a 'house' and 'swimming pool' using foam bricks and tools.

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The provision is good

Staff promote children's independence very well. Children are confident and are willing to always 'have a go'. They dress themselves, pour their own drinks and attempt to cut fruit. Children's behaviour is good. Staff are positive role models who gently remind children of the rules and boundaries. Children are kind and considerate to others. They learn how to share and work collaboratively. Children say 'please' and 'thank you' without prompt.

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The provision is good

Staff plan and provide meaningful activities relating to the emerging interests of children. They confidently support the individual needs of children, ensuring they make good progress. Children show high levels of concentration as they carefully select water beads. They explain to staff the amount they have collected. For instance, children use mathematical language, such as 'full' and 'empty', as they transport their collection.

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need to do better?

n The members of the management team are passionate and work exceptionally well together. Staff explain what it is they want children to learn, and ensure children make good progress. Staff are proactive in extending their continuous professional development. They attend training courses based on the current developmental needs of children. n Staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well. They are confident to identify barriers to children's learning. Staff work well with outside agencies and other professionals. They ensure arrangements are in place to support the individual needs of children. n Staff encourage children to express themselves through creativity. They support children to think for themselves and encourage their own ideas. Children use available media, materials and equipment freely. Staff support children as they are inquisitive in using equipment. For example, they teach children how to use

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need to do better?

scissors and glue sticks. n Children are fully engaged in purposeful activities. For instance, they eagerly search for 'hidden treasure' in the sand tray. Children shout 'I found treasure' with excitement as they find hidden coins. n Staff embrace opportunities to teach children about other faiths, cultures and festivals. They broaden children's experiences and extend their knowledge of the

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need to do better?

19 January 2023 wider community. Children enjoy visits from police officers and a falconry expert. They also show delight as they visit the local post office, farm and park and go on nature walks. n Children have opportunities to develop the hand and arm muscles they need for early writing. For example, they use available resources to develop mark-making skills. Children give detailed explanations of what they have drawn, both indoors and outside. For example, they use large chalks as they create treasure maps and say 'x marks the spot'. n Staff promote children's independence and self-care well. They encourage children to use tissues to blow their noses and wash their hands. Staff also teach children the importance of oral hygiene. They arrange for children to brush their teeth at appropriate times. Staff give clear guidance, explanations and support. n Staff understand the importance of promoting children's communication and

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need to do better?

language skills. They share stories together and provide non-fiction books for children. Staff link books to themed activities for children to access further information. For example, children look at sea creatures in books as they explore a sea-life activity. However, staff do not always utilise opportunities to extend children's vocabulary through conversations. n Parents comment positively about the strong relationships between staff, children and their families. They receive regular information about their children's day and developmental progress. However, parents are not informed how to support their children's continued learning at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The management team's safeguarding knowledge is particularly strong. Robust risk assessments have been implemented for both the pre-school and children's needs when on outings. Staff complete mandatory training about child protection and safeguarding. The management team follows a vigorous recruitment process, ensuring the ongoing suitability of staff working with children. Staff have an excellent knowledge of wider safeguarding issues, such as the risks of children being exposed to extremist views and female genital mutilation. They are confident to identify signs and symptoms of abuse, and know how to report any concerns about a child's welfare.

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should:

n support staff to engage in conversations with children to promote their developing speech and language skills n strengthen parent partnerships to share ideas in how to support children's continued learning at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY428394 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10264086 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 26 Number of children on roll 24 Name of registered person Sky Larks Pre-School Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07920 054 320 Date of previous inspection 22 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Skylarks Pre-School Ltd registered in 2011 and is located in King's Lynn, Norfolk. There are four members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 9am to 3pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9am to midday on Wednesday. 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 manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n A number of parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection and their views were taken into account.

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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

19 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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