Launceston Pre School

Inspection of Launceston Pre School 3 St Thomas Hill, Launceston, Cornwall PL15 8BL

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 enjoy their time at this welcoming pre-school. They are keen to involve staff in their play and feel safe in their presence. Staff plan a curriculum that meets children's interests and needs. Younger children learn simple vocabulary, such as 'metal' while playing with magnets. Older children talk about how different materials, including pipe cleaners and paper clips, 'attract' to the magnetic force. All children show a positive attitude to learning and demonstrate high levels of curiosity.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff use additional funding effectively to support children's emotional development. The recent addition of two pet guinea pigs in the pre-school supports children's understanding of how to care for animals. Children learn how to regulate their behaviour to provide comfort for their new pets, such as using quiet voices. As they stroke the animals gently, children show they feel calm and relaxed.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are very confident learners. Staff have high expectations for every child, ensuring they have challenging yet achievable activities. For example, all children learn how to peel carrots independently in preparation for snack. Younger children lay the carrot on a plate as they take the skin off, while older children expertly hold the carrot in one hand as they peel with the other.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children enjoy a wealth of songs and stories. Staff ensure these are an integral part of the pre-school day to encourage children's early reading skills. Children enthusiastically join in with action rhymes and confidently participate when listening to their favourite tales. n Staff help children with their care requirements. Younger children begin to potty train with staff support and older ones manage their personal needs independently. Staff have recently introduced teeth cleaning for children to help them develop an awareness of oral health. However, staff do not work closely enough with parents to ensure that children benefit from healthy food and drink options at lunchtimes, to support children's physical well-being and a healthy lifestyle. n Partnerships with other professionals are effective. Staff have formed close links with the local school. They work well together to ensure the consistent teaching

p.2

need to do better?

of letter sounds for the most-able children. Staff ensure all children are independent and confident communicators before their move to formal education. n Children enjoy daily opportunities to play outside in the fresh air. They talk about how the wet sand feels 'sloppy' and 'sticky' compared to the sand indoors, which feels 'dry' and 'soft'. Children leap into large hoops placed on the

p.2

need to do better?

23 March 2023 playground floor. Staff extend this by writing numbers with chalk inside the hoop and encourage children to count aloud while jumping. n Staff share information with parents about children's progress through face-to- face discussions and via an online communication system. Parents positively comment on how their children have developed confidence and how their vocabulary has improved since starting at the pre-school. All children enjoy choosing a book to share at home. Staff also provide older children with 'learning packs' to complete with their family to help develop their writing and scissor skills in preparation for school. However, staff do not provide learning activities in a similar way for the younger children to support their development when at home. n The recently appointed manager has implemented positive changes to the pre- school. All staff have attended sign language training to further support

p.2

need to do better?

children's language skills. Children copy and use actions, coupled with speech, to communicate their needs and feelings effectively. n Children develop good imaginations. They create buildings using wooden bricks and ask staff to make a 'road' for their toy vehicles using sticky tape on the floor. Outside, children use the playhouse as an 'ice-cream parlour'. They pretend to take their friend's 'order' and use imaginary money to create their sale.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Children's safety is of high importance. Staff ensure the premises are always secure, including when visitors are present. Staff vigilantly supervise children when eating and cut up foods such as grapes, that are a potential choking hazard, to ensure their welfare. The recruitment of staff is robust. Leaders ensure all staff have significant experience in childcare and they consistently monitor their ongoing suitability to work with children. All staff recognise and know how to report any child protection concerns to the relevant safeguarding partners to ensure children are not at risk of harm.

p.3

should:

n strengthen partnerships with parents to develop nutritional eating practices that benefit children's lifelong health n provide opportunities for parents to help younger children practise and develop their skills at home.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2621149 Local authority Cornwall Inspection number 10276101 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 24 Number of children on roll 17 Name of registered person An Daras Multi Academy Trust

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01566 777529 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Launceston Pre School registered in 2021 and is located in Launceston, Cornwall. The pre-school operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, term time only. The pre-school provides free early education funding for children aged two, three and four years. There are five members of staff who work directly with the children. They all hold relevant childcare qualifications from level 3 to 6.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the pre-school 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 the early years curriculum. n Parents shared their views of the pre-school with the inspector via written statements. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing at the pre-school. n The manager provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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

23 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.

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