The Old Barn Pre-Prep

Inspection of The Old Barn Pre-Prep 140 High Street, Banstead SM7 2NZ

p.1

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

p.1

The provision requires improvement

The quality of education is variable. The manager and staff do not yet have a clear ambition for what it is that they want children to learn. Staff do not effectively plan a curriculum that provides challenges based on what the children already know and can do. Overall, children have a positive attitude towards learning and take part in chosen activities. However, staff do not consistently provide meaningful interactions to support children in making the progress they are capable of.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children form positive relationships with staff. They are warmly welcomed by staff as they separate from their parents. Children generally behave well, and some children begin to build good relationships with their peers. However, staff do not always offer experiences for children who need support in building relationships and interactions with others. As a result, some children do not develop the social skills required to play and engage with their peers. For example, there are times in the day when children become restless, particularly at mealtimes. They have minor disagreements, and staff do not provide the support needed to help children to learn how to resolve them.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children develop their hand muscles when using scissors to cut along different shapes and lines. They focus well and develop their coordination skills. Staff support children and teach them how to use scissors safely.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager has systems in place for the supervision and support of staff. However, these are not effective in providing targeted support for staff to develop their skills and knowledge in providing good-quality education and teaching for the children they care for. The leadership team is beginning to implement changes to assess staff skills and knowledge. However, this is not established enough to ensure that all staff have the skills and knowledge they need to support children and build on what they know and can do. n The manager is taking positive steps to review practice and develop an ambitious curriculum for the children. However, this is not yet reflected in the plans to support all children in making good progress. Staff are not sure what they want children to learn from activities. Staff create an environment that is welcoming. They provide a range of activities and resources for the children to

p.2

need to do better?

engage in. However, these do not always meet the children's needs to help them to make good progress. n Children are beginning to learn the routines of the day. They learn about the hands on the clock and the numbers to know when to tidy up. However, staff do not support children as successfully during other parts of the routine. At times, some children get upset because they do not know what to expect and when.

p.2

need to do better?

22 April 2024 Nonetheless, staff provide cuddles and comfort to help soothe and settle children. n Children enjoy listening to and sharing their understanding of favourite stories that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children talk with confidence as they explain the story and characters of the book. They turn the pages and begin to retell the story with enthusiasm, and use different sounds as voices for the characters. Staff read to the children and ask interesting questions that help children to develop their communication and language skills. n Children develop good physical skills as they play team games in the garden. Staff create games that help children to be active and negotiate the space around them. n Staff build positive partnerships with parents. They share feedback about the day and encourage children to join in and talk about what they have particularly enjoyed doing. This assures parents that their children are safe and happy.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff promote children's healthy lifestyles well. Children benefit from nutritious meals that are reflective of their dietary needs. Staff ensure that children are kept safe during mealtimes. Children develop independence in their self-care skills. For example, they serve themselves and clean away after their meals. n Staff teach children good hygiene practices to ensure that their personal needs are met appropriately. They teach children to become increasingly independent in managing their personal needs.

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

Due date

ensure that staff receive effective supervision and coaching to help them to fulfil their roles and responsibilities 20/05/2024

p.3

Due date

implement a curriculum that is ambitious and provides children with challenging learning experiences to help them to make good progress. 20/05/2024

p.3

should:

22 April 2024 n improve daily routines to help children know what to expect and when.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY543114 Local authority Surrey Inspection number 10338244 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 27 Name of registered person Bright Stars Nursery Group Limited

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 01737 353523 Date of previous inspection 24 October 2018

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The Old Barn Pre-Prep registered in 2017 and is located in Banstead, Surrey. The nursery employs four members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The nursery operates for 51 weeks of the year from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

Inspection activities

n We carried out this inspection as a result of a risk assessment, following information we received about the provider. 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. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. 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 looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

p.6

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.6

Inspection activities

22 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.

p.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7