Little Scallywags Pre-School

Inspection of Little Scallywags Pre- School Community Centre, Lincoln Road,Skellingthorpe, Lincoln, Lincs LN6 5UU

p.1

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

p.1

The provision is inadequate

Children are cared for in an environment that is not sufficiently risk assessed. The provider has not considered the risks posed by members of the public who use the same building, who can potentially access areas where children are cared for. Furthermore, staff do not ensure that children are able to access drinking water when they play indoors and outdoors.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Despite this, the quality of education is strong. Children are supported to develop their literacy skills. For example, staff help older children to learn the sounds that represent letters of the alphabet. Staff ask children to work as a team to attach letters to the walls around the room. Children show good listening and attention skills when they follow staffs instructions and run to find a letter that represents a sound. Children develop a love of books. When staff read them stories, they use different tones in their voice. Staff ask children to join in telling parts of a story, such as to roar when they read about a dinosaur. This contributes to children maintaining their focus and attention. Children show an enjoyment of being physically active. For example, in the garden, they play games with staff and their peers where they pretend to be chased by a wolf. Children scream with excitement as they run away.

p.2

need to do better?

n Risk assessments are not fully effective. The manager and staff do not ensure that children are kept safe from potential security risks posed by two doors in the playroom that lead to other areas in the building. This means that people who attend other community groups held in the building can have access to areas used by children. n The manager and staff give parents information to support them to provide healthy snacks and food for their children. However, the manager and staff do not offer all children opportunities to access drinking water throughout the day, to support their good health. This means that younger children who may be thirsty and cannot communicate their needs, may not have their needs met. n The manager supports staff through, for example, appraisal meetings. This helps staff to reflect on the experiences they offer children and to receive support for their well-being. Staff attend training courses that help them to build, for

p.2

need to do better?

example, on their knowledge of how to support children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). n Children with SEND are supported to progress in their development. The manager and staff work closely with parents and other professionals to identify appropriate individual targets for children. Additional funding is used effectively to provide one-to-one support from staff to implement these targets. n Overall, staff support children's communication and language skills well. For

p.2

need to do better?

18 April 2024 example, staff give children toys to hold to let them know when it is their turn to talk in groups. Staff sing songs with children, helping younger children to develop their early speaking skills. However, occasionally, when staff ask children questions, they quickly answer themselves, instead of supporting children to think and respond. n The manager and staff place a strong focus on supporting children's personal, social and emotional development. For example, prior to children starting, settling-in sessions are offered. Staff find out about children's interests and provide familiar toys and resources to help them settle. They spend time with children, helping to build relationships. This contributes to children feeling secure. n Staff encourage children to learn skills for the future, such as becoming independent. Children are encouraged to try to put on and take off their shoes, and older children manage this well. Staff ask children to help tidy away toys,

p.2

need to do better?

which they do, helping them to understand daily routines. n Staff praise children's achievements, helping to raise their self-esteem. For instance, when children kick a ball into a goal, staff give them a 'high five'. However, staff do not consistently implement agreed strategies to help children to develop their confidence to express their own feelings and needs to their peers. n Staff share information with parents about their children's learning and development. This helps to keep them informed about their children's day. Parents appreciate the support they receive for their children's learning at home. They say how their children have developed well with their speech.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Due date

carry out robust risk assessments and take necessary steps to ensure that children are safe and unauthorised people can not have access to children 02/05/2024

p.3

Due date

ensure that all children have access to drinking water at all times. 19/04/2024

p.3

should:

n support staff to consistently implement agreed strategies to help children to be confident to express their own feelings and needs to their peers n help staff to build on their interactions with children to encourage their thinking skills, particularly when they ask them questions.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 253573 Local authority Lincolnshire Inspection number 10335641 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 46 Number of children on roll 26 Name of registered person Beale, Sarah

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 07943 200363 Date of previous inspection 22 June 2018

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Little Scallyways Pre-School registered in 1992 and is situated in Skellingthorpe, Lincolnshire. The nursery employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and one with qualified teacher status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, during term time. Sessions are from 8.30am until 3pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

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 and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the pre-school and discussed how the manager implements the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector throughout the inspection. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager. The inspector reviewed relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school. n Parents shared their views on the pre-school with the inspector.

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

18 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