High Halstow Pre-School Ltd

Inspection of High Halstow Pre-School Ltd Modular Building, Harrison Drive, High Halstow, Rochester, Kent ME3 8TF

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 Outstanding

p.1

The provision is good

Staff provide the children with a warm, friendly atmosphere at the pre-school. They have secure settling-in procedures in place. This ensures that children quickly become familiar with daily routines and form close relationships with staff. For instance, the children know they can ask for a reassuring cuddle before carrying on playing with their friends. Children are busy and feel safe and happy in the nurturing environment.

p.2

The provision is good

Outside play is important to the staff. They provide children with a wealth of experiences to investigate in the fresh air. For instance, children climb on the large play equipment to strengthen their muscles. They develop their coordination and balance as they manoeuvre their bodies over obstacles. Staff take children on walks in the community, such as visits to the church and woods. The children excitedly name the sounds they hear on their walks. Staff provide them with opportunities to learn about the world around them.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff incorporate mathematical language into all aspects of children's play. For instance, they talk to the children about which car goes the quickest down the slope and how far the car travels. In the sandpit, the children count how many scoops of sand they need to fill the cement mixer. Staff make good use of praise to encourage children to investigate and have a go.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager is passionate about her role in supporting children and their families. She carefully reflects on and evaluates the quality of the pre-school. The manager understands the importance of having highly trained staff to support children's learning. She knows her staff and thoughtfully considers their well-being to support their mental health. Staff confirm they are happy and feel valued. n Staff track children's progress and have a good understanding of their stage of development. This helps to ensure that any gaps in children's learning and development are quickly addressed. For example, the manager has made good use of additional funding to support families. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals. This helps to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and children who speak English as an additional language. For instance, they put in place focused language groups to support

p.2

need to do better?

children's communication and language skills. n The staff team has high expectations for what children can achieve. They focus on providing good-quality experiences for children who attend. The children are inquisitive and eager to explore the array of activities on offer. For instance, they enjoy trial and error as they attach the magnets to the metal objects. However,

p.2

need to do better?

11 December 2023 at times, staff do not make the most of activities to challenge and further extend children's learning. n Communication and language development is a strong focus at the pre-school. Staff make good use of repetition to ensure that children hear the correct pronunciation of words. They provide a running commentary as children play. For example, they encourage children to explore their senses as they investigate how to get the penguin out of the ice block. Staff ensure that children hear a rich variety of vocabulary to strengthen their language skills. At times, however, staff do not give children enough time to respond to their questions. For example, they provide the answer or move the conversation along too quickly. As a result, children do not have sufficient time to reply. n Partnerships with parents are a clear strength within the pre-school. The manager and staff make sure that parents are fully involved in their children's

p.2

need to do better?

learning. For instance, they make effective use of online learning records to share information regarding children's progress and next steps in learning. Parents speak highly of the staff. For instance, they comment on the support they receive and the wonderful family atmosphere the staff provide. n Staff are good role models. They have put in place clear rules and boundaries to help children develop their social skills. For instance, staff give children clear, positive instructions so that children understand expectations, such as making effective use of sand timers to encourage children to share and take turns. As a result, children's behaviour is consistently good and appropriate for their age.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The manager has a secure knowledge of how to safeguard children and maintain their welfare. She ensures that all staff regularly update their mandatory training. For instance, staff carry out online training to help them recognise the signs and symptoms that might indicate a child may be at risk of harm. This includes being aware of extreme views and beliefs, such as 'Prevent' duty and county lines. Staff understand the procedures they need to follow should they become concerned about a child's welfare. Staff carry out thorough risk assessments and are deployed effectively throughout the day to make sure they keep children safe. The manager has implemented robust vetting and recruitment procedures to make sure all staff working with children are suitable to do so.

p.3

should:

n build on children's engagement in activities to challenge and extend their knowledge even further n provide children with even more time to think and respond to questions asked

p.3

should:

11 December 2023 and make the most of discussions to extend children's learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY496230 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10307920 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 41 Name of registered person High Halstow Pre-School Limited

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 01634 255088 / 0773 497 0516 Date of previous inspection 28 March 2018

p.5

Information about this early years setting

High Halstow Pre-School Ltd registered in 2015. It is situated in the grounds of High Halstow Primary School, in High Halstow, near Rochester, Kent. The pre- school is open Monday to Friday, from 8.45am to 3.30pm, during term time only. The provider receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. Seven members of staff are employed to work with the children, of whom four staff hold a relevant early years qualification at level 3 and two staff have achieved early years professional status.

p.5

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 joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n A joint observation of a communication and language activity was carried out by the manager and inspector. n The inspector spoke to several parents and read letters of reference to gain their views on the service they receive. n Staff and children spoke to the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.

p.6

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.6

Inspection activities

11 December 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.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7