Northern Pre-School

Inspection of Northern Pre-School Northern County Junior & Infant School, Richmond Rise, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 8DG

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Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

Committee members do not fully understand their roles and responsibilities. They have not ensured they have completed the required processes to inform Ofsted about changes. As the committee members do not have any direct involvement with children, however, this breach of requirements has a reduced impact.

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The provision requires improvement

Children confidently enter the pre-school and are keen to explore the stimulating learning environment that staff provide for them. They know where to find the resources they like. Children independently make choices about what to do and where to play. They show a 'can-do' attitude as they keep on trying, such as to put their coats on before going outdoors. Children play cooperatively and show they know the high expectations staff have for them. For instance, children help tidy away before lunch.

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The provision requires improvement

Children show they feel safe and secure with the attentive staff. They sit on their familiar adult's knee to share stories, for instance, and readily seek comfort when needed. Children benefit from staff who know them well. Staff are positive role models for children, demonstrating good manners and social skills. Children behave well. For example, they listen attentively to what staff say to support their learning about mathematical concepts. Staff help children look carefully at different shapes as they explore the creative resources. Children are curious and self-motivated to play and learn.

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need to do better?

n The committee has not informed Ofsted about changes to committee members. This means that Ofsted has been unable to complete the appropriate checks on individuals associated with the pre-school to ensure their suitability. Recruitment of committee members has not been conducted in accordance with policies. However, committee members are not involved in the day to day running of or education of children in the pre-school. This breach does not currently have a significant impact on children's welfare. n The new manager has been working to address weaknesses identified. She has clear aims for the pre-school curriculum, using knowledge of the skills children need to move on in their education. There is a strong focus on supporting children's emotional development, for instance. Children benefit from staff who help them to identify and manage their emotions effectively. n Staff ensure children have support to develop into confident communicators.

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need to do better?

They readily identify when children may need more help to practise their communication skills. Staff plan and lead targeted small groups, for example, where they focus on modelling words to children. Children enjoy playing engaging fishing games with staff who help them to develop their confidence to

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need to do better?

11 March 2024 speak. n Children benefit from many opportunities to play in all areas of learning. They have long uninterrupted periods to get deeply involved as they play. Teaching is generally good. At times, however, staff do not recognise when they can build on what children already know. This does not fully support children to extend their learning further. n The manager has changed the daily routine to promote children's engagement in their play and learning. Adult led group times, for instance, are now shorter and timed so they do not to interrupt children's play. However, occasionally, younger children lose focus and do not gain from the intended learning. Staff do not notice when younger children need more support to engage in purposeful play. n Staff promote children's good health. For example, they teach children about the importance of washing their hands before eating. Staff encourage children to be

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need to do better?

physically active. They plan activities, such as challenging obstacle courses, to help children learn to move their bodies confidently. Staff help children to understand how to keep safe, such as by explaining why they should not sit on a wobbly chair. Children have good support for their physical development. n The manager has made positive changes to the communication system between staff and parents. This ensures parents are fully informed about their children's time at the pre-school. Staff build effective partnerships with parents and external professionals involved in children's care. This supports good continuity for their care and learning. n The manager ensures staff have their voices heard. She holds regular staff meetings to enable them to discuss practice, share ideas and promote children's learning. Staff speak very positively about the support they have for their well- being.

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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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Due date

improve knowledge of the committee and registered person's role and responsibilities, including the processes required to complete suitability checks for new committee members 21/04/2024

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Due date

11 March 2024 ensure that all committee members complete the required documentation so that the necessary suitability checks can be completed by Ofsted. 21/04/2024

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should:

n strengthen teaching to ensure staff recognise when they can build on children's learning n support staff to recognise when younger children need more help to engage in purposeful activity that motivates and inspires them to learn.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 507933 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10312246 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 Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 52 Number of children on roll 64 Name of registered person Northern Pre School Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 023 92326245 Date of previous inspection 25 April 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Northern Pre-School registered in 1994. It is located in Portchester, Hampshire. The pre-school is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during school term times only. The pre-school receives funding for the provision of free early education to children aged two, three and four years. The pre-school employs six members of staff, five of whom hold relevant early years qualifications at level 3 or above.

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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 this into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they intend for the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and outside and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector talked to the staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector completed two joint observations with the manager. n A meeting was held between the inspector and manager. The inspector looked at relevant documentation and saw evidence of suitability of staff. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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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 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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