Doodles preschool

Inspection of Doodles preschool Dorridge Methodist Church, 103 Mill Lane, Bentley Heath, Solihull B93 8NY

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children arrive at the pre-school happy. They are greeted by staff and supported to find where to place their belongings. Staff have a genuine caring and warm approach to children. They get to know children well and take an interest in what they do outside of the pre-school.

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The provision is good

Staff capture children's interest as they read stories with enthusiasm. They use props to represent characters in the story of 'The Three Little Pigs'. Children gain real experiences of the materials used to build houses. Staff show children baskets of straw, sticks and bricks as the story progresses. Children watch attentively as staff blow up a balloon to represent the huffing and puffing of the wolf. Children recall parts of the story and accurately predict what will happen next. This helps children to develop a love of books.

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The provision is good

Children are keen to explore the activities on offer and invite staff into their play. They have opportunities to develop their imagination as they play with small figures and a doll's house. Staff ask children where they would place furniture and what each room is used for. They take the opportunity to discuss routines with children and ask them about the people who live in their home with them.

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need to do better?

n There is a clear curriculum which is based on what children know and need to learn next. This is adapted regularly to meet the changing needs of children. Planned activities take into account the individual development needs of children so that all children make progress. n Staff promote the development of children's communication skills. They interact with children during their play and ask open-ended questions to encourage children to develop their thinking skills. However, staff do not always allow children enough time to respond before making their own suggestions. As a result, children do not fully benefit from opportunities to explore their own ideas. n The provider and staff assess children's development regularly and identify where there are any gaps in the skills children need to learn. This then informs children's next steps. Staff create suitable plans for children which specifically focus on the areas of learning which require further support. This ensures that

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need to do better?

all children make good progress in their learning. n Children are learning to be independent. They are encouraged to take care of their personal care needs and to put their own shoes and coats on when they go outdoors. However, there are times when staff do not always let children do things they can do for themselves. For example, some staff wipe children's noses for them while others offer children a tissue to do this themselves. This does not consistently support children to become self-sufficient.

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need to do better?

11 January 2024 n Parents speak highly of the pre-school. They comment on the friendliness of the staff and the genuine care they show children. They say that children settle well, and staff take time to reassure parents when children arrive upset. They appreciate the communication they receive from staff about what children have been learning and talk about the progress children make. Parents are confident that children will learn the skills they need to prepare them to move on to school. n The provider has a good oversight of the pre-school. She reflects on the experiences offered to children and works with staff to make improvements. She holds briefings with staff before children arrive to discuss what is planned for the session. She advises staff about the observations they can make which will inform their plans for future sessions. n The provider and staff engage in professional development opportunities. They

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need to do better?

ensure any mandatory training is up to date and meet regularly as a team to discuss what training would benefit the experiences they offer children. This means that children experience an environment which is continually improving.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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should:

n build on the good teaching practice in place and ensure all staff give children time to express their own ideas n support staff to recognise when to let children do things for themselves to further enhance their independence skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2650129 Local authority Solihull Inspection number 10305542 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 26 Number of children on roll 15 Name of registered person Doodles Pre school Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07957220127 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Doodles preschool registered in 2021. The setting employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including one with qualified teacher status. The setting opens Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, term time only. Sessions are from 9.15am to 12.15pm. The setting can provide 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 their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the provider about the leadership and management of the setting. 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 carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n The inspector spoke to parents and carers during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability

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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

11 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.

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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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