Ducklings Preschool Limited

Inspection of Ducklings Preschool Limited Meeting Place, 45 Springfield Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK6 3JH

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Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

Overall, children are happy and settled to come to this pre-school. Children who find it difficult to separate from parents are offered cuddles and reassurance from staff.

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The provision requires improvement

Children enjoy their time together at pre-school and show joy when they are greeting each other and the staff during morning registration. Children begin to learn about themselves and enjoy finding their own name and photos as part of self-registration during morning group time.

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The provision requires improvement

There is a variety of activities and resources planned and ready for children as they arrive. However, staff do not have clear intentions for the activities provided. Children do not consistently benefit from meaningful play and learning. They often move from one activity to another quickly and do not build on what they already know and can do on to their next steps in learning.

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The provision requires improvement

Children are generally polite and respectful to their peers and staff. However, they do not show the same respect for the toys and equipment. Staff do not consistently support children's engagement with toys and activities. As such, children lose interest quickly. Children often drop or tip toys on to the floor and step over them.

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need to do better?

n The manager has high ambitions for all children. However, because she completes so many roles within the pre-school, she does not have the capacity to ensure that all staff share the same goals for children. n Staff are well supported, and the manager offers guidance of where she would like staff to be and what she would like staff to do during the pre-school sessions. However, staff do not receive regular supervision. As such, they are not adequately supported and guided to develop the skills and confidence necessary to carry out their responsibilities independently. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. Staff are aware of their needs and offer one-to-one support so they can engage in activities they enjoy. For example, children show a particular interest is singing the alphabet and recognising letters in their names. Where further or external support is needed, the pre-school's special educational needs

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need to do better?

coordinator works closely in partnership with other professionals. She shares relevant information with the nursery staff team. n Staff plan activities that look inviting and fun for the children. However, staff do not consistently reflect on their knowledge of the interests and learning needs of the children. They do not engage the children in the learning and development of new skills effectively.

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need to do better?

22 March 2023 n Parents are happy and feel well supported. They receive feedback each day, and information about their children's progress is shared through the online portal. Flexible settling-in arrangements allow children and parents time to get to know what happens at pre-school. Parents comment on the care and education their children receive. They speak positively about the friendly staff team and feel that their children have made progress. n While staff get down to the children's level, they do not always plan, deliver, or adapt adult-led activities effectively. Children are not consistently provided with suitable age-appropriate challenges, and, at times, they become distracted and lose interest. n Staff build positive relationships with the children. They warmly welcome the children in pre-school, offering cuddles and reassurance. Staff talk about children's emotions and what they can do to help them feel better.

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need to do better?

n Staff help children to develop healthy lifestyle habits. Children enjoy nutritious snacks. They have opportunity for physical exercise and fresh air. Children learn to be independent. For example, they practise using cutlery to prepare their own snacks.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a good understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures. They can identify potential risks for children. They can demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of signs and indicators of abuse. Staff know how to document and record concerns effectively. Staff have a good understanding of how to make referrals and escalate these to appropriate safeguarding partner agencies. They are clear on the setting's whistle-blowing policy and know how to raise concerns should they have any about the conduct of colleagues.

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Due date

provide staff with the skills and confidence they need to carry out their responsibilities without the constant supervision of the manager 17/04/2023

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Due date

devise and implement an ambitious and exciting curriculum that supports children's learning and development in all areas. 17/04/2023

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY486119 Local authority Milton Keynes Inspection number 10280369 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 32 Name of registered person Ducklings Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07519849762 Date of previous inspection 11 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Ducklings Preschool Limited registered in 2015 and operates from a community centre building. The setting is open Monday to Friday, from 9.15am until 2.30pm, during term time only. The pre-school receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years, and it is in receipt of early years pupil premium funding. The pre-school employs five staff, four of whom hold relevant qualifications.

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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 inspector discussed the learning intent for the pre-school. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with a sample of parents and took account of their views. n The inspector observed staff interaction with the children, inside and outside, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The manager and inspector held a meeting. The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of staff qualifications and suitability.

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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

22 March 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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