St. Edith's Preschool

Inspection of St. Edith's Preschool West End, Kemsing, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 6PU

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children enjoy attending the pre-school because staff provide a welcoming and stimulating environment. Children have secure bonds with their key persons and peers. Staff use their knowledge of children to plan and provide unique learning opportunities for every child. They consider children coming in each day and their interests to decide which resources to put out. Children are confident to access and explore these resources. This helps in meeting the unique needs of every child. It also impacts positively on children's behaviour.

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The provision is good

Children are confident communicators. Staff role model effective communication with the children. They use effective methods, carefully tailored to the specific needs of children, to enhance children's communication skills. Children are making good progress in their reading because of the good support they receive from staff at the pre-school.

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The provision is good

Leaders and staff have high expectations for all children. Children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, receive suitable and timely support from staff. This ensures that gaps in children's development close swiftly.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and staff have a strong focus on preparing all children for the world beyond the pre-school. Staff liaise with local primary schools to arrange reading sessions and familiarisation visits for children. This provides opportunities for the pre-school's staff and children to interact with school-aged children and school staff. It develops a high level of confidence in children. n Leaders have regular discussions with staff. They invest available funding in resources that staff can access easily. They monitor the use of these resources effectively. They support staff to access training targeted at meeting the individual needs of children. This enhances staff's performance and children's experience within the pre-school. n Staff communicate effectively with children. Staff make use of a variety of methods and resources with children. They make good use of humour and props in play. This enhances children's understanding and ability to respond

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need to do better?

appropriately. n Children have opportunities to access engaging routine and activities that encourage their physical development. Staff offer regular rhyme sessions, where children listen to and enjoy various nursery rhymes. Staff encourage children to move in ways that increase their heartbeats. Staff also support children with how to be independent when they are hungry. They teach children to grow fruits, like strawberry and tomatoes, in the pre-school's garden. Children

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need to do better?

20 June 2023 confidently talk to staff about the importance of eating these healthy fruits and vegetables. n Overall, teaching is strong. Staff support children effectively to have a good understanding of basic mathematical concepts. However, there are times when staff become so engrossed in large-group activities that they do not notice when some children lose interest. This impacts on some children's ability to make the most out of such activities. n Children are independent. Very young children can identify what happens if they get muddy. They independently get their boots to put them on, or they seek the support of adults. n Staff have good partnership with parents. They regularly encourage parents to dress children in clothes suitable for messy play. They share information about children's hygiene and personal care. This enhances children's experience and level of engagement within the pre-school.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff are aware of the procedures to follow in the event of any safeguarding concern. They know the relevant personnel to contact in the event they require further support. Staff have knowledge of various safeguarding scenarios and the action to take. They access regular training, such as on the 'Prevent' duty guidance and female genital mutilation, to keep their knowledge up to date. Leaders and staff review the pre-school's layout to ensure the safety of all children. They carry out regular risk assessment, both within the setting and when children go on outings. Staff teach children about safety practice.

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should:

n review the organisation of large-group activities to engage the interest of all children more effectively.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY313294 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10295228 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 35 Name of registered person St. Edith's Pre-School Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01732 760220 Date of previous inspection 7 December 2017

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Information about this early years setting

St. Edith's Preschool registered in 2005. The pre-school is situated in the grounds of the Kemsing Primary School, Kent. It operates each weekday, term time only, from 9am to 3pm. The provider receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are seven staff who work directly with the children. Most of these hold relevant early years qualifications at level 2 and level 3.

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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 and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the pre-school and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. 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. n The inspector spoke to some parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector viewed documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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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

20 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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