Whickham Community Centre Pre-School

Inspection of Whickham Community Centre Pre-School Whickham Community Centre, Front Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 4JL

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are well cared for as soon as they arrive by a welcoming and caring staff team. A well-established key-person system helps children to settle quickly and gain confidence. Staff's gentle and warm interactions with children promote their emotional security. As a result, children are very happy, well settled and secure. Staff provide firmly embedded routines to further promote children's feelings of security. When children see staff turn the egg timer, they finish off their activities and move to sit on the floor for their group activities. Staff empower children to share their 'news' and join in with counting activities. Children show respect for one another, listening carefully to what others have to say and waiting for their turn to speak. They make firm friendships, holding hands as they explore the environment. Children's trusting relationships have a positive impact on their behaviour and

p.2

The provision is good

attitudes to learning. There is a wonderful sense of purpose around the pre-school as children become engrossed in activities that interest them. Children take turns with popular toys. Older children start to resolve their own conflicts. When children want the same wellington boots, they negotiate to wear one each and choose another pair for the other foot. Staff celebrate children's successes, giving them plenty of praise and affection when they achieve their goals. This helps to boost children's self-esteem. Children spontaneously applaud others, telling them, 'Well done', echoing language they have heard from staff.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager and her team have created a well-sequenced curriculum that covers all seven areas of learning. They interact with the children at key moments to extend children's learning past what they already know. Staff provide a wide range of planned activities to support children's next stages of learning. However, staff do not always provide additional challenge during some activities to extend the most able children's learning. n Children have lots of opportunities to enhance their physical development. For example, they have the space to run, climb, balance and negotiate space. This develops children's core muscle skills. Children enjoy more-focused activities, such as mark making, painting and using tweezers. This helps children to develop their coordination and muscle control for early writing. n Staff say that they feel well supported to fulfil their roles in the pre-school. The manager and her staff are reflective practitioners who continually strive to

p.2

need to do better?

improve their practice. Staff understand the pre-school's curriculum, which is sequenced to securely embed what children need to lean next. Staff report that they have good opportunities to undertake training. However, they do not precisely focus training on raising their teaching skills further. n Staff promote children's communication and language well. For example, children have fun while they engage in action songs, listening and discussions

p.2

need to do better?

15 May 2024 during stories. Staff model language well. They repeat back what children say and ask them questions, giving ample time for them to think and respond with their ideas. Staff extend children's language as they introduce new words in context, such as 'exoskeleton', taking time to explain the meaning. Children giggle as they repeat the word and go off looking for more bugs and shells n Parents speak highly of the pre-school and staff. They comment on how excited their children are to attend. Parents remark on the enjoyable activities their children access and how well they are developing. They comment on staff's commitment and say they are happy with the information they receive about their child's care and learning. n Children have very good opportunities to develop their mathematical skills. Staff skilfully weave counting and number concepts into every aspect of their play. Children are able to compare quantities within various groups of resources. They

p.2

need to do better?

are keen to measure using a range of tools. Children measure themselves with tape measures and toys with rulers and pieces of thread. They are eager to compare if they are 'as tall as their sunflowers'. Children are delighted when they discover they are still the tallest. n All children show good levels of independence in their play and daily routines. For instance, they follow their own interests as the self-select from a broad variety of resources indoors and outdoors. Children serve themselves at breakfast, buttering their toast and pouring drinks. At snack time, children open their containers and packaging, and help their friends.

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

should:

n plan more effectively for the most able children to make the very best possible progress n build on staff professional development opportunities to help sustain and build on good teaching further.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY498441 Local authority Gateshead Inspection number 10339176 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 45 Number of children on roll 22 Name of registered person Whickham Community Centre CIO

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01914881291 Date of previous inspection 3 July 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Whickham Community Centre Pre-School registered in 2016 and is located in Gateshead. The pre-school employs three members of childcare staff. Of these, two staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The pre-school is open Monday to Friday, during term time. Sessions are from 9am until midday. 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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the pre-school. 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 pre-school. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector carried out joint observation of an activity with the manager. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff. n Parents shared their views of the pre-school with the inspector. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning

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

15 May 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