Bright Sparks Preschool Shenfield

Inspection of Bright Sparks Preschool Shenfield 49 Hutton Road, Shenfield, Brentwood CM15 8NF

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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

The management and team of staff are committed to ensure children are welcomed in to a cosy, home-from-home, exciting place in which to learn. The curriculum is planned around the children's interests and builds on what they already know and what they need to learn next. The pre-school's aspirations and values underpin the education programme. Children demonstrate they are confident, feel safe and secure, and are eager learners. They leave their parents with ease and quickly engage in activities of their choice. The dedicated team of staff invest time getting to know the children and their family before they attend to ensure a smooth transition from home to pre-school.

p.2

The provision is good

Children show curiosity and ask lots of questions. The curriculum provides children with opportunities to try new experiences and learn the skills they need to be independent learners and confident speakers. There is a calm, happy atmosphere and the nurturing staff are good role models. They are caring and attentive to the children's needs. Staff speak with genuine kindness and are skilful in their interactions. They are respectful of the children, listening to what they have to say and supporting their choices. Children understand the high expectations of the staff and their behaviour is good. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress and are prepared for the transition to school and successful future learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The quality of teaching is good. Staff are very attentive and have a good knowledge of child development and how to promote good-quality teaching opportunities. The curriculum is carefully planned around what children know and what they need to learn next, while following their interests. Effective planning also supports rich learning opportunities for children. For example, young children are excited about their recent or upcoming holidays. They are provided with resources to continue their interest as they talk about the sand, shells and sea. n Children are confident speakers. They eagerly participate in planned 'communication and music' activities. This has a sharp focus on supporting children's listening and communication skills. They use props and signs to support their understanding and it is fully interactive. All staff engage children in meaningful conversation. They have a clear comprehension of how children

p.2

need to do better?

develop their conversation skills and introduce new words to increase their vocabulary. n Strong partnerships have been established with parents. They speak highly of all aspects of the pre-school. Parents comment on the 'wonderful and supportive' team. Many comment how well their children have developed in confidence and

p.2

need to do better?

18 June 2024 are prepared ready for school. Parents say the communication is good. They feel very reassured that their children are in safe hands and have fun while learning. n Children are encouraged and supported to take care of their personal needs. They independently use the bathroom and know they must wash their hands. They enjoy fresh air and exercise and relish their time in the garden. Children understand the importance of drinking water to keep hydrated and even the youngest children pour their drinks proficiently. n The pre-school's recruitment process is effective. New staff members receive a thorough induction. Training opportunities are positively promoted, and staff are committed to ongoing training, which means that they are very experienced and qualified. n Staff say that they feel valued and happy in their roles. The management team promote a culture of evaluation, they are reflective and committed to ensuring

p.2

need to do better?

outcomes for children are good. Effective systems are in place to monitor staff's practice and ensure that any improvements required are swiftly identified and addressed. n Children's individuality is fully respected and celebrated. Children learn about similarities and differences through the learning, resources provided, and activities that take place. They relish taking 'dizzy bear' home or on special trips with their family. Children take time to document and share these experiences with their friends at pre-school. While some organised visits, for example, to the library take place, children's understanding of the world, and local community in which they live could be extended further to broaden their knowledge.

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 build on the programme for understanding of the world, that provides children with rich opportunities to learn about the community in which they live.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2680263 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10350681 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 30 Number of children on roll 54 Name of registered person Wishing Wells Day Care Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07734255749 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Bright Sparks Preschool Shenfield registered in 2022. The pre-school employs nine members of childcare staff, of whom seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 to level 6. It operates Monday and Wednesday from 8.05am until 3pm, and on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8.05am until midday, during term times only. 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 provider has 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 and the inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed the curriculum and what the team want the children to learn. 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 manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation together. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at the inspection. n Parents provided the inspector with oral and written feedback. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.

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

18 June 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