Bolsover First Steps Pre-School

Inspection of Bolsover First Steps Pre- School Assembly Rooms, Hill Top, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S44 6NG

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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 enthusiastically and independently walk into the pre-school, happy and ready to learn. Staff greet them at the door and support them to quickly engage in the activities that have been organised for them. Staff support children to feel confident about entering nursery by inviting them to visit prior to starting with their parents. This helps children to become familiar with staff and the environment and to feel safe and secure before they separate from their parents.

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The provision is good

Staff plan activities to support children to make progress in their learning, such as developing their mathematical skills. For example, staff sing number rhymes and encourage children to count how many fingers they are holding up to represent the number of ducks left. They talk about one less as the ducks swim away, supporting children to use mathematical language as they play.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is consistently good. They are friendly and sociable towards others and enjoy being independent and helpful. Toddlers confidently choose their own snack and put their plates in the washing-up bowl when they have finished. Older children take pride in having responsibilities, such as tidying toys away when they have finished playing with them.

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need to do better?

n Staff monitor children's development well. They make good use of assessment to plan children's future learning. Staff ensure that their implementation of the curriculum promotes children's love of learning as activities are exciting and engaging. They play alongside children, occasionally over-directing children's play, limiting the choices that children make for themselves. n Staff create a stimulating environment to challenge children's learning. Children enjoy imaginative play as they pretend to cook food and make 'carrot tea' in the role play area. Staff add real resources to encourage children's interest. Children practise cutting carrots with safe knives, developing their small-muscle skills. They put pieces of carrots in the toy dogs' bowls as treats in the pretend home. Staff talk to the children about keeping their finger behind the knives to develop their ability to keep themselves safe.

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need to do better?

n Staff plan activities to promote children's communication skills and model language well. They use lots of descriptive words to develop children's vocabulary. For example, they read books and sing songs with children and comment on what children are doing as they play. Staff introduce new words such as 'citrus' as they add orange essence to the play dough they are making. However, at times staff do not help children to use the wide range of words they hear, to help to broaden their vocabulary. n Children are learning to behave well in the pre-school. They remind their friends

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need to do better?

15 September 2023 of the rules, such as sharing the play dough so that everyone has some to play with. Staff support children to understand the effects that unwanted behaviour can have on them and their friends. For example, staff politely request that children sit down when on the carpet so that everyone can see the book that is being read. n Staff communicate well with parents sharing information about the progress children are making. They share ideas with parents to further support children's development at home. For example, staff encourage parents to borrow books and read stories to children to help children to develop a love of books. n Children begin to learn about oral hygiene as staff provide them with toothbrushes to practise brushing their teeth after eating lunch. Staff extend children's knowledge of healthy life styles as they talk about how to brush their teeth effectively and show them what they are doing in a mirror.

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need to do better?

n Children have a range of opportunities to experience and find out about the world around them. For example, they go on outings to the local castle and library. Children enjoy talking to the emergency services when they visit the setting to talk about their job. This develops the children's understanding of people and the place where they live. n The manager is passionate about her role and has a clear vision for providing high-quality care and learning for children. she evaluates the provision well and has increased the opportunities staff provide for children to experience literacy. She supports the strong staff team thoughtfully, ensuring that their well-being is paramount.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff demonstrate a secure understanding of safeguarding, including wider issues, such as the risks children may face from grooming or radicalisation. Staff know how to identify signs of abuse and the procedures to follow if they become concerned about a child. The manager understands how to respond if there is an allegation or concern about an adult working with children. They carry out robust checks on staff, to help ensure that they are suitable for their roles. Staff assess risks and follow nursery procedures to maintain a safe and hygienic environment. For example, when going outside to play, staff regularly count the number of children present.

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should:

n help staff to strengthen their support for children's language skills, by encouraging children to use new words as they play n support staff to provide children with further opportunities to make independent

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should:

15 September 2023 choices in their play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY246133 Local authority Derbyshire Inspection number 10279998 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 28

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Name of registered person

Bolsover First Steps Pre-School Learning Alliance Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07828 097345 Date of previous inspection 19 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Bolsover First Steps Pre-School registered in 2002 and is situated in Bolsover, Derbyshire. The pre-school employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold a qualification at level 3 and one at level 2. The pre-school opens Monday to Friday, from 9am until 3pm. The pre-school is open during term time only. The pre- school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 her evaluation of the provider. n The manager took the inspector on a learning walk around the pre-school to share what the staff provide and how this assists children in their learning and development. n The quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors was observed, and the inspector assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with management, staff, parents and the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector carried out joint observations with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of 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

15 September 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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