Humpty Dumpty Pre-school

Inspection of Humpty Dumpty Pre- school All Saints Church Hall (The Thomas Smith Hall), 1 Sutton Road, SOUTHEND-ON- SEA, Essex SS2 5PA

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 Good

p.1

The provision is good

Children arrive eager to play at this community pre-school. The friendly, welcoming staff check for any updates from parents and support children to settle quickly. Children seek out their friends and soon settle into play. For example, they put on a chef's hat and start 'cooking breakfast' in the home corner. Children enjoy the role-play area. They scribe and draw pictures and pretend to call 999 to report a burglar. They are learning more about the community and people who help us.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's days are filled with a range of fun learning experiences. For example, they go for a learning walk in the community. They count blue buses and children call out with excitement each time a bus drives by. Children develop fine motor skills. They flock to the dough table, where they enjoy rolling, squishing and shaping the dough. Children cut out heart shapes and present them to staff.

p.2

The provision is good

Children play well together. For example, in the home corner, they make a 'birthday cake' for their friends and show each other how to cut a slice for everyone. Older children work together. They use a range of tools, such as scoops and tongs, to transfer rice between containers. Together, they work out which tool helps to fill the container quicker.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager has implemented a curriculum that meets the needs of all children. Staff use their extensive knowledge of children to plan interesting and engaging activities. For example, children learn why corks float and stones sink as they explore them in the water tray. Staff provide a range of vocabulary as children play. For instance, they explain that a stone can also be called a pebble or a rock. n Staff consider children's interests and experiences when planning activities. The team holds regular planning meetings and uses assessments to ensure that staff build on the knowledge children already have and identify gaps in learning. As a result, children are making good progress in their learning. n The manager demonstrates an incredible passion for making a difference. She has an excellent oversight of the children who attend and a thorough understanding of how the setting supports all children. Staff receive regular

p.2

need to do better?

supervision and training that supports them in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities. This results in continuous improvements to the curriculum and teaching. n Staff help children to understand about healthy lifestyles. Children are encouraged to eat healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables. Older children know that they must wear sunscreen to stop their skin from burning. Children are encouraged to drink water throughout the day.

p.2

need to do better?

14 June 2023 n Children are developing an understanding of a range of emotions. They demonstrate empathy as they check on friends who are sad. However, younger children do not yet have the language to express themselves. At times, this leads to emotional outbursts and incidents of poor behaviour. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well. They make good progress from their starting points. Staff demonstrate patience and encouragement. Effective arrangements are in place to provide targeted support for children. This includes working with other professionals and parents. n Children are developing confidence and self-esteem. Relationships between children and staff are secure and trusting. As a result, children show high levels of happiness and a positive attitude to their learning. Children respond well to instruction. For example, they line up to use the bathroom and tidy up when

p.2

need to do better?

asked. Children demonstrate good manners, saying please and thank you with little prompting. n The manager and her team use evaluation well. The pre-school is part of 'A Better Start' programme which is run by the local authority. This enables staff to assess children's progress and identify any gaps in learning and development. As a result, next steps are swiftly identified and gaps are closing. n Parents express their appreciation of the pre-school. They say the manager and her team are supportive and take the time to listen. Parents feel happy with the progress their children make. They value the open communication and say they have complete trust in the staff.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff have a good understanding of how to keep children safe. They demonstrate a secure knowledge of the indicators of abuse and when children might be at risk of harm. Staff are confident in their reporting responsibilities and know how to raise concerns, including how to whistle-blow. The manager has ensured that staff also have a good understanding of broader safeguarding topics, such as county lines. Staff are skilled in identifying when families may require early help. The manager carries out robust suitability checks for staff and committee members. These checks ensure that only those who are suitable can work with children.

p.3

should:

n support children to learn the language they need to express their feelings and emotions.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 119484 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10289247 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 16 Name of registered person Humpty Dumpty Pre-school Committee

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07984 879986 Date of previous inspection 17 November 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Humpty Dumpty Pre-school registered in 1993. It is located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. The pre-school employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, one member of staff holds a qualification at level 5, one at level 4, two at level 3 and one at level 2. The pre-school opens during school term time, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8.30am to 1.30pm. The pre-school is in receipt of funding for the early education of two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the pre-school and discussed the early years curriculum. n The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. This included a joint observation of a group activity. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability

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

14 June 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