Caterpillars West Green

Inspection of Caterpillars West Green West Green First School, West Green Drive, Crawley RH11 7EL

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 show that they feel safe and secure at this welcoming pre-school. Staff warmly greet them and their parents as they arrive. Children proudly show their drawings to the inspector and talk about what they represent. Other children tell the inspector that they are giving their 'babies some milk' as they play with dolls. This demonstrates that children are confident and feel comfortable in their surroundings.

p.2

The provision is good

The enthusiastic staff know the children well. They use children's interests effectively to provide a curriculum that stimulates and engages children. For instance, children become excited when they are helped to recreate a popular story. They eagerly mix ingredients together to make 'slimy mud', and staff introduce new words, such as 'mucky' and 'sticky'. This helps to extend children's emerging language.

p.2

The provision is good

Outdoors, children become thrilled to see that ice has formed by their digging areas. Staff help them to discover how they can safely break the ice using sticks and spades, and they talk about the weather conditions. Children behave well towards each other. For example, they work together and happily take turns during the task of breaking up the ice. Children successfully manage their own risks when they negotiate space to ride their scooters and bicycles.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager and her staff are very well supported by the provider. They say that their well-being is highly valued. Staff are provided with continuous professional development to help keep their knowledge up to date. They have a very secure understanding about their roles and responsibilities about how to keep children safe. n Leaders work very well together and share their ideas to continually enhance the outcomes for children. They have a clear vision about what they would like to develop at the setting, such as helping children to develop strong communication skills. To achieve this, all staff are learning to use sign language during children's routines and play. This helps children who speak different languages to make connections between their home language and English. n Overall, children's language and communication are progressing well, including children who speak English as an additional language. Children eagerly and

p.2

need to do better?

attentively listen to stories, showing their knowledge of characters and repeating well-known phrases. Staff ask children questions as they play. However, they sometimes do not give children enough time to think and answer to further support and extend their learning. n Leaders are passionate about supporting children with special educational needs

p.2

need to do better?

10 January 2024 and/or disabilities (SEND). They make prompt referrals to agencies when necessary. Leaders work closely with parents and other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for children with SEND. Staff successfully use additional funding that children receive to support each child's individual needs. n On the whole, staff plan activities very well. However, at times, they do not make the best use of the large-group sessions for all children. During this time, staff sing songs and read lively stories. Most children take part and join in. However, some quieter children are less engaged and lose interest. This means that learning opportunities for these children may be lost. n Children show that they are developing good levels of independence. They help to tidy up and put on their own coats ready for outdoor play. This helps to promote children's self-esteem. n Staff encourage children to have good social skills. During mealtimes, children

p.2

need to do better?

and staff sit together. They talk about the food that they are eating, and staff encourage children to make healthy choices. n Parents speak highly about the staff at the setting. They say that the staff work hard to help their children feel settled and secure. They particularly like the regular discussions with staff. Parents say that this helps them to support their children's learning at home. n Staff ensure that children attending the out-of-school club have their needs met. For example, they include children's ideas about what they would like to do. Children enjoy using craft materials and playing board games. They are provided with nutritious snacks, and dietary needs are catered for well.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n build on staff's questioning techniques to enable children to have more time to think, respond and demonstrate what they know and understand n develop a more-consistent approach to teaching to help raise the quality of learning to the highest level, particularly in large-group activities.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2648881 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10242746 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 27 Number of children on roll 42 Name of registered person Caterpillars Pre-School (Sussex) Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07928128158 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Caterpillars West Green registered in 2021 and is located in West Green, Crawley, West Sussex. It is open each weekday, from 8am to 6pm, throughout the year, apart from bank holidays. The setting also provides a breakfast and after-school club for school-age children. A holiday club is provided each weekday from 8am to 6pm, during school holidays. The pre-school receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are seven members of staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications from level 2 to level 4.

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 carried out a learning walk with the manager. The inspector assessed the impact of the quality of staff interactions and the play opportunities they provide children. n At convenient times, the inspector spoke to the manager, staff, children and their parents. She took account of their views. The inspector joined in with the children's play and talked to them about what they were doing. n The inspector had a meeting with the provider. She discussed how the setting is organised and how the provider evaluates the provision. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the manager. They shared their views of the children's experience.

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

10 January 2024 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