Horn's Mill Pre-School CIO

Inspection of Horn's Mill Pre-School CIO C/0 Horns Mill Primary School, Denbigh Close, Frodsham WA6 0ED

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

The attention to detail in this incredibly well-organised and purposeful pre-school is second to none. Leaders embed a meticulously planned and ambitious curriculum, securely rooted in the knowledge of how children learn. Staff have an excellent understanding of how to successfully implement the curriculum due to their breadth of training across all areas. They follow children's interests and individual learning styles and use this knowledge to skilfully engage children in the wondrous opportunities on offer. Staff use superb questioning techniques to challenge children's thinking. For example, they encourage children to 'wonder' what will happen to the seeds they have planted and ask them 'how they think' they will grow. Children eagerly recall that seeds need sunshine and water and beam with pride as they receive praise for their efforts. This stimulates further discussions and motivates children to find out more. Children become deeply engrossed in their

p.2

The provision is outstanding

play and display highly positive attitudes to learning.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children's emotional security is promoted exceptionally well by staff, who act as excellent role models. Children are encouraged to develop their independence and demonstrate their 'can-do' attitude to learning. They participate in an exceptionally well-planned rolling snack time, initiated with a daily yoga session. Children help themselves to a choice of fruits and cereals, confidently self-serving and passing the bowls around the table to their friends. Children show high levels of concentration as they carefully pour their own milk. As a result, children become capable, confident individuals who are fully prepared for their next stage.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager works tirelessly to forge links in the local community and recognises the importance of networking to share knowledge, ideas and best practice. She has developed excellent relationships with the local authority, external professionals and other settings over the past forty years. Children benefit from particularly close links with the on-site primary school. This helps to ensure that transitions are seamless and children's needs will continue to be met when they move on to their next stage of learning. n The management team are highly attuned to the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They work in close partnership with a range of external professionals to ensure that children get the swift additional support they need. Staff go above and beyond to support children with SEND and identify training courses specific to these needs. Consequently, children with SEND are included in the pre-school exceptionally well and make

p.2

need to do better?

excellent progress from their starting points. n Staff promote a love of reading by sharing stories with children and referencing these during play. Staff read with enthusiasm and story times are exceptionally

p.2

need to do better?

14 March 2024 well delivered. Children relish in their role-play re-enactments of their favourite stories such as 'Handa's Surprise'. Staff offer creative ways to make links in children's learning and extend their understanding of the world. For instance, children visit local shops to buy the fruits from the story. Children develop excellent understanding of the stories they listen to. n Staff promote kindness and teach children about similarities and differences within their local community. Children delight in their visits to a local care home where they take a hamper of goodies for the residents and sing songs together. These intergenerational visits help children to develop a growing understanding of fundamental British values and promote respect for different people. n Children's thinking and problem-solving skills are developing exceptionally well. They show intense concentration as they carefully pour water and fill containers

p.2

need to do better?

using different sized jugs and funnels. Staff model language such as 'overflowing', 'capacity' and 'narrow' for children to use to describe what they are doing. Children are expanding their vocabulary as they play. This approach helps children to make rapid progress in their learning and development. n Staff are skilful in teaching mathematics. They provide various opportunities for children to count, measure and compare. Children confidently count apple slices at snack time, discuss capacity during water play and talk about the shape of their pots while planting seeds. This helps to ensure new skills are embedded and children flourish as a consequence. n The inspirational management team is extremely supportive and provides very effective leadership for staff. Leaders ensure that ample staff are on hand to enable them the time to plan, reflect and attend training. Staff target training that is relevant to them and which has a purposeful impact on children's

p.3

need to do better?

progress. n Leaders reflect continuously, developing strategies such as their 'positivity affirmations' to build upon their excellent teaching. Strong teamwork and shared high aspirations for the children are at the heart of everything they do. As a result, staff feel valued and work diligently to ensure that the pre-school provides an outstanding environment where children can thrive.

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

Setting details

Unique reference number EY497485 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10312251 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 36 Number of children on roll 64 Name of registered person Horn's Mill Pre-School CIO

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07853 403764 Date of previous inspection 25 April 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Horn's Mill Pre-School CIO re-registered in 2016. It is situated in Helsby, Frodsham. The pre-school employs 14 members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds early years professional status and 12 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 4, 3 and 2. The pre-school opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm during termtime. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the pre-school 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 pre-school. n The inspector had a learning walk with the manager of all areas of the pre- school and discussed the early years curriculum and the expectations for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with parents, children, staff and committee members at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector carried out a joint observation and discussed the impact of teaching on children's learning. n The inspector looked at a sample of relevant records and documentation, including evidence of staff's suitability and training

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the pre-school and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises.

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

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.

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