St Nicholas Pre-School

Inspection of St Nicholas Pre-School St Nicholas Church Hall, Church Road, Whitchurch, Bristol BS14 0PR

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children enter the pre-school enthusiastically. They are happy to see their friends and are greeted by smiles from staff as they begin to play. Staff place a strong focus on supporting children's well-being from an early age. They have formed exceptional relationships with all children and take great care to ensure that they feel nurtured. Children feel safe and well cared for. They demonstrate good manners and behaviour. They frequently receive clear messages about expected behaviour and boundaries as they play. They confidently remind each other of the 'pre-school promise', such as to 'be kind' and 'no running indoors'. This helps children to understand the rules of the pre-school and to be respectful to others.

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The provision is good

Children delight as they take part in an abundance of stimulating learning experiences. They benefit from superb, memorable experiences that teach them about the wider world. For example, they purchase items from the local garden centre to grow in their allotment. Staff then teach them how to cook with the produce that they have grown, such as making vegetable soup. Children enjoy visits to the local library and learn about oral health from a dentist visiting the pre- school. They learn about special events, such as Chinese New Year and the King's coronation. Children know that all people are different. As a result, they develop an understanding of their own uniqueness and respect for others.

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need to do better?

n The dedicated management team is passionate and ambitious, with a clear vision to provide children with a rich and varied curriculum. Staff know their key children exceptionally well. They talk confidently about their starting points and the progress they have made. Staff plan clear next steps, which help to prepare children for their next stage in learning. They regularly look for ways to improve outcomes for children. For example, staff use the pre-school library they have created to promote a love of books at home. n Children understand and follow established routines. They confidently come together when they hear the 'bells', to join in with group-time activities. Staff listen closely to children and understand when they want to share something with the group, such as a song they made up at home. They then reward children with praise and clapping. Children smile, laugh and join in with the clapping, proud of what they can do. This helps staff to reinforce children's

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need to do better?

positive social interactions and maximise their enjoyment. n Children's health and hygiene practices are also supported effectively. Children know to wash their hands before eating and understand the need to remove potential germs. They know that in warm weather they need to wear their sun hat and to drink water to prevent them becoming dehydrated. n Staff use their good teaching skills as they play alongside the children. However,

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need to do better?

17 May 2023 on occasions, staff do not consistently implement their teaching effectively to encourage children to develop their own thoughts and ideas. For example, as children play with construction and craft activities, staff tell them what to make and how to do it. As a result, children's creativity and own thoughts are not always challenged to prepare them for their future learning. n Parents are very complementary about the pre-school. They share that the staff are 'nurturing' and 'fun', and 'invest time' to ensure that their children make secure attachments. Parents value the opportunities the pre-school provides for their children. They speak highly about recent learning on basic first-aid skills, and how their children confidently know how to call 999 in the event of a medical emergency. Parents comment on how knowledgeable the staff are. They appreciate the information they receive, including learning about toilet training,

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need to do better?

emotions and healthy eating. This helps them extend children's overall development at home. n Staff report high levels of well-being and enjoy being part of a very supportive team. Managers monitor the quality of teaching carefully. They use this information well to provide staff with coaching and training to extend their teaching skills. Recent training has helped them reflect on and enhance the language and communication curriculum, such as making sure they give children plenty of time to respond to the questions they ask. This has improved the quality of the provision.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

All staff demonstrate a secure understanding of their roles to safeguard children. They recognise the need to record and report any concerns without delay. The management team ensures that all staff undertake regular child protection training. This helps staff understand and know the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. Staff supervise children very well. They complete regular risk assessments to ensure that the environment in which children play is safe and secure. Staff have discussions with children about keeping themselves safe, such as when using the internet and when crossing the road. Children confidently share where and when it is safe to cross a road with staff, when out on walks.

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should:

n adapt teaching to enable children to develop their own thoughts, ideas and creativity skills further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 155709 Local authority Bath and North East Somerset Council Inspection number 10285802 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 24 Number of children on roll 31 Name of registered person St Nicholas Pre-School Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07759 381610 Date of previous inspection 19 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

St Nicholas Pre-School registered in 2001. It is located in Whitchurch, Bristol. The pre-school is open term time only. Sessions run from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. The pre-school employs eight staff. Of these, five hold appropriate childcare qualifications at level 3, two hold a childcare qualification at level 2 and one is unqualified. The pre-school receives funding to provide free early years education for children aged three and four years old.

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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 this into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. 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 Children spoke to the inspector about what they do at pre-school. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching through observations while evaluating the impact it has on children's learning. n The manager and the inspector completed a joint observation of an activity together and discussed the quality of teaching and learning. n The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

n The opinions and views of parents were considered. n A sample of documentation was reviewed, including staff suitability checks and first-aid certificates.

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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

17 May 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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