Grovelands Park Preschool

Inspection of Grovelands Park Preschool School Lane, Grove, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 7LB

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 settle quickly in this welcoming setting. Staff have built close bonds with children and know them well. Children show they feel safe and secure. They seek out staff when they need comfort or reassurance. Children show a positive attitude to learning. They learn to manage their own emotions and start to recognise the needs of others around them. This helps children to build important skills for their future learning.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff are good role models. They have high expectations for children's behaviour and development. Children understand what is expected of them as staff give them daily reminders of the rules of the setting. Staff focus on planning to support children to share and take turns. Children play well alongside, and with, each other. They happily invite their friends to join them in activities and use their imaginations as they decide how to extend their games.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff provide new experiences for children. For example, staff plan a cooking activity for children. Children listen well and follow the clear instructions. They learn about the different ingredients and why they are needed. Children skilfully weigh ingredients and take turns mixing. As they work together, they talk about what they like and do not like. Staff remind children of the importance of hygiene and being safe around food and cooking equipment.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager works with staff to ensure the curriculum covers all areas of learning. This is based on the interests and learning needs of children who attend. The quality of teaching is good. Staff understand the curriculum and implement this well. The key person system works well and staff plan for individual children's needs. Staff report that they feel supported, and their training needs are met. n Activities are planned to support children in meeting their next steps. For example, when children start, staff gather information about the children's likes and dislikes from parents. They plan activities that will excite and engage children and support them with settling. However, on occasion, staff do not recognise when children need support to join in with activities and form friendships. This means, at times, some children do not engage with and fully benefit from the experiences staff provide. n Children's physical development is supported well. Staff plan a range of activities

p.2

need to do better?

to encourage the children to be active throughout the day. Children in the garden develop their coordination as they dig in dirt and plant plastic flowers. Children proudly show adults how high and far they can jump. They work well together and use mud and foam bricks to build a house for their friend. Staff

p.2

need to do better?

21 May 2024 encourage children to crawl through large tubing and discover new ways to move and navigate spaces. n Staff introduce children to a wide range of stories and books. This enhances children's enjoyment and they show a love of books. Staff read enthusiastically to children in groups. They encourage children to join in with the story telling of much loved books. Children happily look at books on their own or with their friends. They retell the stories to each other and talk about the pictures and what will happen next. n Generally, children's independence is supported well. Children are encouraged to take care of their personal hygiene and complete tasks, such as putting on their hats and coats when going outside. However, on occasion, staff are too quick to help children to complete simple tasks that they can manage by themselves. For example, serving themselves at mealtimes or helping to tidy up after activities.

p.2

need to do better?

This does not consistently support children to develop higher levels of independence and responsibility. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well. Staff work with parents and other agencies to ensure that children get support in the quickest time possible. Sharing of information and consistency support children to make good progress. Staff use different communication methods to help children with SEND and children with English as an additional language. For example, staff use simple sign language and picture cards to help children understand what is happening now and next. This means all children make good progress. n Parents are provided with daily verbal feedback about their child's day. Updates on the app ensure parents know what children have been doing and the progress they are making. Staff provide parents with ideas of activities that can help learning at home. Parents describe the staff as friendly and welcoming and

p.3

need to do better?

appreciate the support they receive and the progress their children make.

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 improve activity planning to increase children's interests and involvement in activities to support their learning n provide more opportunities for children to develop their independence skills, especially at lunch times

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 133725 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 10335083 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 25 Number of children on roll 37 Name of registered person Grovelands Park Pre School Committee

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01235 798185 Date of previous inspection 5 June 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Grovelands Park Preschool registered in 1990 and is located in Grove, Oxfordshire. The pre-school opens Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 3pm, during term time only. The setting receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The provider employs six members of staff, five of whom have relevant childcare qualifications.

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 pre-school manager and has taken this 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 Children communicated with 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 special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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

21 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