Walton Under Fives Pre-School

Inspection of Walton Under Fives Pre- School Walton Village Hall, Meadow Lane, Walton, STREET, Somerset BA16 9LA

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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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive at this setting. They enjoy a range of exciting and stimulating activities that are adapted to suit their individual needs and interests. Staff highly praise children, which contributes to children's exceptional levels of confidence and independence within the nurturing and engaging environment. Children have a secure understanding of the routines and know what is happening next. For example, staff use strategies, such as ringing a bell. Children immediately recognise what this means and begin to gather for registration.

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The provision is outstanding

Children show excitement and motivation to learn. As a result, children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make excellent overall progress from their starting points. For example, children eagerly join in with junk modelling, showing great anticipation when using their imaginations to decide what they are going make. Highly skilled staff carry out regular assessments of children's learning, enabling them to fully support children's next steps. For example, staff are enhancing children's communication and are focusing on mouth movements to support speech sounds.

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The provision is outstanding

Relationships with parents and other professionals are exceptionally strong. Parents feel valued by the staff in supporting their children's learning. The highly effective communication systems that have recently been implemented by new management ensure that parents are fully aware of their children's experiences and how to continue this support while at home.

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need to do better?

n The inspirational manager leads the ambitious and passionate staff team well. She is an excellent role model and has an inspiring commitment to provide the highest possible quality of care for the children. Staff performance is closely monitored and, as a result, staff feel valued and supported. The manager provides regular opportunities for staff to discuss their teaching practice, which is highly effective in helping to ensure excellent outcomes for children. n Staff are extremely successful in creating an ambitious curriculum. Children confidently choose from the stimulating resources that are set out in a very relaxed and calm atmosphere. They have plenty of opportunities to explore and investigate indoors, and thoroughly enjoy an Easter egg hunt outside with their parents. n Children's behaviour is superb. They show exceptional care and concern to their friends, the resources and the environment. For example, children exclaim 'they

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need to do better?

are allergic' when they see another child, who previously had a milk intolerance, pour milk into a cup. Staff swiftly praise the children and offer immediate reassurance. Furthermore, children show perseverance and good problem-

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need to do better?

31 March 2023 solving skills when faced with challenges, such as when attempting to stick up their golden rules. They continue work together to achieve what they intended and are successful. n Staff focus heavily on providing children with the skills that they need to develop and maintain consistent hygiene practice. For example, children are encouraged to wipe their noses and independently get a tissue, and they wash their hands afterwards. Staff have conversations with children about the links between making healthy food choices and maintaining good dental hygiene. Children enjoy listing healthy foods, such as 'lemon', and share their likes and dislikes. n The manager places a high emphasis on raising children's awareness of personal safety, such as during snack time. For example, staff share safety picture cards and discuss the importance of fire safety. Children confidently talk about 'mighty mouse', which is a lockdown procedure that has been introduced to children.

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need to do better?

n The manager and staff know exactly what they want children to achieve in preparation for their transition into school. This is embedded well and supports children's well-being and emotional development. The manager and staff have established strong links with the local school, and have shared strategies to support children's communication skills. For example, children choose books to take home to enjoy with their parents alongside a communication book that parents can add to. n The newly appointed manager recognised the need for more-robust communication with parents. The manager has used highly effective self- evaluation strategies to enhance communication links. For example, parents now receive termly reports on their child's development, supporting home learning. Parents comment positively on the more in-depth and regular communication that they receive. Parents recognise the positive impact that the new

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need to do better?

management has had on the quality of setting. n The special educational needs coordinator liaises very closely with external agencies and other professionals to ensure that children receive the very best possible care and learning opportunities. Consequently, children with SEND make steady progress and any gaps in children's learning are identified swiftly.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff have an excellent understanding of safeguarding procedures. They are extremely confident in recognising the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk from harm. They have an excellent knowledge of whistle-blowing procedures and are aware of safeguarding issues. Robust recruitment and vetting procedures are in place to ensure that those who are working with the children are safe to do so.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 143024 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10276377 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 34 Name of registered person Walton Pre-School Group Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07970443157 Date of previous inspection 13 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Walton Under Fives Pre-School registered in 1995 and is run by a committee of parents. It operates from the village hall in the rural village of Walton, near Street, Somerset. The pre-school sessions run during term time only from 9am until 1pm on Monday, 9am until 3pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9am to 1pm on Thursday and Friday. The pre-school receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The pre-school employs five members of staff, of whom four hold early years qualifications at level 3, and one holds a qualification at level 2.

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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 joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education and carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector spoke to several parents and children during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke to staff at convenient times and assessed their safeguarding knowledge. n The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n A meeting was held between the inspector and the management team to discuss

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Inspection activities

leadership. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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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

31 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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