Beckington Pre-School

Inspection of Beckington Pre-School Beckington Memorial Hall, Bath Road, Beckington, Somerset BA11 6SH

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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

Managers and staff provide a well-balanced curriculum and children progress well in their learning and development. Children show curiosity and excitement when experimenting with sand and water. They solve problems when they realise the water 'disappears and sinks into the sand' and say, 'We have to pour faster.' Staff support children's language skills using new words such as 'gloopy'. Children excitedly watch in anticipation when using spoons to mix the sand and water together, saying, 'Yes, it is gloopy.' Staff encourage children's ideas and allow them time to think as they use their imaginations well to create animal masks. Children proudly say, 'My elephant needs tusks.' Staff support children's confidence and use words of encouragement such as, 'You can do it,' as children persevere to screw small lids on to the paints. Children independently access what they need. For example, they skilfully use the sellotape dispenser and scissors confidently when

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The provision is good

cutting and sticking their masks. Children develop good fine motor skills.

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The provision is good

Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. They are excellent role models and have caring relationships with children. Children feel safe and secure. They develop an awareness of teamwork when helping each other carry toys when tidying. Staff promote 'golden rules' closely that are linked to local school expectations, such as using 'walking feet', helping to prepare children for school.

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need to do better?

n The newly appointed manager has recently reviewed and implemented a curriculum that meets children's needs, providing a variety of learning experiences. However, although staff identify children's next steps in learning, they do not always consider these when interacting with children during activities. Children's learning is not consistently supported as well as it could be during their independent play. n The manager has recently implemented more robust systems to collate information on children's starting points. This provides staff with a more detailed view of children's development to inform children's next steps in learning. The manager closely monitors children's progression and ensures that support is put in place to close any gaps in learning. For example, children gain confidence and build on their speech sounds during one-to-one time with staff, developing their understanding of initial sounds in words.

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need to do better?

n Children develop a love of literacy and excitedly shout, 'I found it,' referring to their favourite book. Staff use various tones and expression when reading, engaging children, who listen intently, well. Staff help children to remember and recall the story. They use good questioning skills, such as saying, 'What happens next?' Children say, 'The giraffe dances.' Children develop a good awareness of how others feel when staff ask how a character in the book may be feeling.

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need to do better?

16 April 2024 Children look at the picture and say 'scared' or 'sad'. n Staff encourage children to adopt healthy practices. Children attend to their own toileting needs and staff remind them to wash their hands. Staff value children's opinions when they choose their own snack menu and use this opportunity to discuss healthy choices. Although children have access to outside daily, at present they have limited space to develop their gross motor skills to be more physically active. n The manager is very proactive and uses self-reflection well to identify weaker areas of practice to drive improvements. For example, she has created better links with local schools to understand their expectations, to enhance children's transitions into school. Staff report high levels of well-being and feel valued. The manager provides staff with the opportunity to upskill their own development, enabling them to feel empowered in their roles.

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need to do better?

n The manager is keen to ensure that all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make the best possible progress. She has recently completed SEND training and has introduced more targeted support for children, particularly focusing on their speech and language development. Children receive the support they need in a timely manner. n Parents value the 'nurturing and caring' staff. They comment on the excellent support children have received during the relocation of the pre-school. Children have settled well. Parents report how children have progressed well in their development, particularly with toilet training. They relay how information-sharing regarding daily activities is consistent. However, not all parents are aware of their children's next steps to further support their learning at home.

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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 share next steps with parents to further support children's learning at home n ensure that staff consistently support children's next steps in learning as they engage in independent play choices n provide more opportunities for children to develop control and coordination of their bodies through active and physical play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2778147 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10327189 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 18 Number of children on roll 17 Name of registered person Beckington Pre School Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07920137800 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Beckington Pre-School registered in 2024 and is located in Beckington, Somerset. It operates term time only from 8.45am to 3pm Monday to Friday. There are four members of staff. Of these, one holds an early years qualification at level 4, one at level 3 and one at level 2. There is one unqualified member of staff. The nursery provides funded places for children aged two, three and four years.

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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 manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector spoke to children to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. 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.

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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

16 April 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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