Stanion Pre School

Inspection of Stanion Pre School Stanion C of E Primary School, Cardigan Road, Stanion, KETTERING NN14 1BY

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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children make good progress at this friendly pre-school. They become deeply engaged in high-quality learning opportunities, both indoors and in the extensive garden areas. For example, children delight at exploring sensory play in their outdoor kitchen. They use different herbs and flowers to create special 'cakes' for their friends.

p.2

The provision is good

Children demonstrate high levels of curiosity when exploring their environment. Staff ask thought-provoking questions and support children to reach their own conclusions. For example, children discover an unusual insect in their 'bug hotel'. Staff encourage them to describe its unusual features. Children dash excitedly to their noticeboard and use their observations to identify the insect.

p.2

The provision is good

Children of all abilities receive high-quality learning experiences that support their individual needs. Staff interact well with children during activities, adapting their approach to meet each child's specific needs. For example, a large group of children explore a farm shop activity. Staff encourage young children to count potatoes into their shopping bags. Together with staff, they explore the textures of various vegetables. Staff model new vocabulary when describing the 'bumpy' cauliflower and 'fuzzy' beans. Older children carry out more challenging tasks, with staff's support. They weigh out vegetables, identify numbers on the scales and calculate how much their shopping will cost.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children behave well in the pre-school. They are kind to one another and follow the setting's rules well. Staff implement highly effective strategies to support children's understanding of the need to play cooperatively. For example, children independently use sand timers and a register system to monitor the time they spend exploring popular activities. n Children's transitions are well planned and executed. Staff engage exceptionally well with the local primary school. They work together with teaching staff to create unique transition plans to meet the specific needs of individual children. New children settle swiftly in the pre-school and are sensitively introduced to their new routines from the start. For example, children attending their first session are supported to follow snack time routines. They pour their own drinks, prepare their snacks and tidy away afterwards. n Relationships between staff and parents are of a high standard. Parents take an

p.2

need to do better?

active role in supporting the pre-school. They use their skills and knowledge to support children's learning. For example, parents help maintain the garden area, sharing their expertise with children. Parents are complimentary about the nurturing care staff provide. They acknowledge how this supports children's

p.2

need to do better?

6 July 2023 well-being and progress. n Staff place sharp focus on developing children's communication skills. They provide additional learning opportunities for children who need more support. For example, staff conduct daily small-group story sessions. Children use props and puppets to explore new sounds and extend their vocabulary. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive high levels of support. The manager demonstrates great integrity when distributing additional funding. She ensures that all children have access to equal learning opportunities in the pre-school. The manager and staff work closely with other professionals to support children with SEND. They share detailed assessments and observations as well as seeking ideas and advice. This enables pre-school staff to further support children's progression. n Staff interact well with children throughout the day. They support children's

p.2

need to do better?

learning and development and their understanding of appropriate behaviour. For example, children know they must tidy toys away so they do not get lost or broken. Staff turn this routine into a game that supports children to identify initial sounds in words. However, the same high-quality interactions between staff and children are not consistently observed during lunchtime routines. n The manager is committed to supporting the progression and well-being of all staff. She conducts regular supervisions to evaluate staff performance and identify areas for improvement. The manager actively encourages staff to seek out training opportunities to support their knowledge and development. However, the manager does not consistently use such robust methods of evaluation to identify ways to enhance other areas of her practice.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The provider, manager and staff have a strong understanding of their role in keeping children safe. They demonstrate robust knowledge of the signs and symptoms that can indicate a child is at risk from harm. All staff confidently discuss the appropriate referral process to follow if they have concerns about a child. They attend regular first-aid and safeguarding training to ensure that their knowledge remains up to date. Staff complete regular risk assessments of the pre-school and gardens to support children's safety.

p.3

should:

n enhance current mealtime routines to provide opportunities that further support children's learning and development n establish more robust methods of self-evaluation to support the manager and team to raise the quality of practice to an exceptionally high standard.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2643862 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10295763 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 32 Name of registered person Stanion Pre School CIO

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07982984790 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Stanion Pre School registered in 2021. The pre-school employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The pre-school opens from 9am until 3.15pm, during term time only. The pre- school provides funded early education for 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 considered the views of parents by speaking to several during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all staff. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and manager completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with staff about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of several children.

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

6 July 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