Whitchurch Pre-School CIO

Inspection of Whitchurch Pre-School CIO The Village Hall, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport DT6 6RF

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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

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The provision is good

Children feel very happy, safe and secure at this charming setting. Staff know children well and have very positive and nurturing relationships with them all. Each child is treated as an individual, and the inclusive setting carefully supports children to develop their confidence, resilience and independence. All staff track children's progress and assign next steps in their learning. These are shared with parents to support children in their learning at home.

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The provision is good

The curriculum focuses on teaching children about the environment as well as catering for children's interests. The setting is predominately based outside with a forest school approach. This enables children to learn about the world around them through engaging in practical, hands-on experiences. For example, children learn how to plant and grow fruit, vegetables and flowers. They also use the campfire to cook food daily. Staff have very high expectations of children. Children are highly engaged in their learning and are beautifully behaved. All children make good progress in their learning and development.

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need to do better?

n The setting engages very effectively with the local community to provide the children with meaningful learning experiences. For example, children go on walks in the village to the church and to visit animals. This helps them to learn about religion and gain an understanding of animals. Furthermore, members of the community visit the setting to share stories and sing songs with the children. n The manager is visionary in her leadership and her aspirations for the staff. All staff work together harmoniously, sharing the same values in their practice. Staff report high levels of well-being at the setting. There is a positive and caring atmosphere among the staff and children. n Children have plentiful opportunities to develop their physical skills. Children walk in the locality daily. In the garden and the park, children have the opportunity to develop their climbing and balancing skills. Furthermore, children

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need to do better?

are also taught to carry, transport and lift items when working in the garden. n The setting supports the children to develop their independence skills and encourages them to make their own choice about what it is they would like to play with. For example, the children can freely access the 'snack shop', whereby they select the food they would like to eat. They then prepare the food and clean up after themselves when they have finished. n Staff skilfully use everyday routines and opportunities to teach children how to count and learn mathematical concepts. For example, children learn to count when lining up, singing songs and sharing stories. When staff interact with children, they discuss concepts such as size and use words like 'enormous' and

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need to do better?

14 June 2023 talk about different shapes. n The majority of staff interact well with children, asking questions, modelling language and introducing children to new vocabulary such as 'bill' when talking about birds. However, some members of staff engage in more instructional language with children as opposed to quality back-and-forth interactions. As a result, children do not make as much progress in their communication and language skills as they could. n Parents speak very positively of the setting. They report that they are well informed of their child's progress and next steps in learning. The setting provides parents with frequent updates on their child's learning via an online platform. Parents say their children are happy and learning well, and they would recommend the setting.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff have a good understanding of their responsibility in recognising and reporting any concerns about a child's welfare. Safeguarding is given a high priority, and staff are vigilant to any concerns through regular discussions and monitoring of children. The setting has comprehensive risk assessments in place, and staff carefully implement systems to ensure children are safe when moving around the premises and on outings. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, such as by applying sun cream and walking around the outside of the campfire.

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should:

n develop the quality of staff interactions to help children build their communication and language skills even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2637646 Local authority Dorset Inspection number 10291749 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 33 Name of registered person Whitchurch Pre-School CIO

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reference number

Telephone number 01297 480884 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Whitchurch Pre-school CIO re-registered in 2021. It was originally established in 1979. The pre-school operates from the village hall in Whitchurch Canonicorum, near Bridport, Dorset. The pre-school is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am until 3pm, during term time only. The pre-school employs nine staff. Of these, four hold relevant early years qualifications at level 3 and two hold qualifications at level 2. The pre-school is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting 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 setting. n The manager gave the inspector a tour of the premises. She talked about children's learning and progress and how they deliver the curriculum. n The inspector spoke to parents to gain their views about the setting. n A range of documentation was reviewed, including qualification certificates. n The inspector spoke to the manager, staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector and manager observed children during activities and completed a follow-up discussion about children's learning and development.

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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

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.

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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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