Tots And Scholars Preschool And Nursery

Inspection of Tots And Scholars Preschool And Nursery The Liberal Synagogue, Old School, High Street, Borehamwood WD6 3EY

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children are at the heart of this unique and warm setting. Leaders and staff create a captivating environment that sparks children's curiosity. Children arrive with a big smile on their face and quickly become deeply engrossed in their enriching learning provision with support from very nurturing staff. They freely explore and show interest in all areas of their accessible environment. For example, children have an amazing time making marks on the board to further develop their fine motor skills. Supportive staff encourage them to learn the colours. As a result, children confidently recognise 'red', 'blue' and 'black'. Staff encourage children to work out how to put the lid back on the pen to build on their problem-solving skills. Children concentrate incredibly well and display a positive attitude to learning. This also helps build on their hand-to-eye coordination and supports their creativity and

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The provision is outstanding

Staff are very warm and nurturing. They have very high expectations of children and they rise to the challenge exceptionally well. Children behave very well and follow staff's routines with great confidence. Staff encourage children to become independent in their self-help skills. For example, younger children feed themselves using cutlery, while older children successfully pour their own drinks. Children develop skills needed to become resilient learners. They show high levels of respect and consideration towards their peers and staff. Knowledgeable staff share pride in children's achievements and praise them for their efforts. This helps children feel valued and happy during their time at the setting.

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need to do better?

n Leaders have created a rich and meaningful curriculum that is extremely well sequenced. All staff have a clear vision of what they want children to learn. Staff are exemplary role models and have caring and warm relationships with children. They offer a diverse and inclusive practice. Staff and leaders take into account children's abilities, needs and interests when planning a fantastic range of inspirational activities. For example, children have a great time exploring the farm animals. They make the animal noises and successfully name most animals. This helps further enhance children's cognitive development and understanding of the world. n Tailored settling-in sessions and transition visits mean staff get to know children remarkably well. Staff plan visits effectively to ensure all children make a rapid progress right from the start, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children speaking English as an additional language.

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need to do better?

n Children develop a passion for literature from a young age. Staff implement creative ways to broaden children's vocabulary. They introduce a 'book of the week' and identify key ambitious words for children to learn. This is also shared

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need to do better?

14 March 2024 with parents for consistency in children's learning. For example, children quickly become immersed and mesmerised by the narrative of their favourite story about a gruffalo. Staff engage children in meaningful conversations and encourage them to observe the features of the characters. This helps develop children's early reading skills and listening and attention skills. n Staff create excellent opportunities for children to enhance their sensory experiences and build on their fine motor skills. Children enjoy moulding playdough with their hands and using various cutting tools to create unique structures. Staff add different herbs and flowers for children to explore and broaden their understanding of the world. Furthermore, supportive staff encourage children to sing their favourite nursery rhymes and repeat the words of the week, such as 'petal' and 'sunflower', to consolidate the previously

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need to do better?

acquired knowledge. This helps build on children's dexterity, imagination and creativity. n Children have a fantastic time engaging in a music activity with nurturing staff. Children choose what they would like to sing by picking a surprise prop from a bag. They laugh and giggle with excitement as they pretend to be monkeys. In addition, staff encourage children to observe and count in sequence, such as 'one mouse', 'two mice', to further develop their mathematical skills. n Leadership across the setting is inspirational. Leaders' and managers' continuous drive and commitment to ensure all children receive the best start to their early education is shared with staff. Leaders and managers create a supportive culture for all staff. Staff feel valued and appreciated and receive focused supervision and robust training opportunities to ensure that the quality of teaching provided to children is at the highest level.

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need to do better?

n Partnerships with parents are exceptional. They feel involved in their children's learning and appreciate the progress their children make. Parents praise the knowledgeable and supportive staff and value all the fun and exciting learning opportunities.

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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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Setting details

Unique reference number EY497962 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10316861 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 45 Number of children on roll 23 Name of registered person Tots And Scholars Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 02034172980 Date of previous inspection 23 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Tots And Scholars Preschool And Nursery registered in 2016. The setting employs nine members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate early years qualifications at levels 2 or above. The setting opens Monday to Friday, all year round, apart from Jewish festivals, Christmas and bank holidays. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. The settings offers funded education to 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 manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector discussed with the manager how the curriculum is organised and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and education and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with the staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n Children spoke with the inspector about the activities they were doing. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n Parents spoke about the setting to the inspector, who took account of their views. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager and nominated individual. She looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of the

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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

14 March 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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