Waltham Chase Preschool

Inspection of Waltham Chase Preschool Waltham Chase Village Hall, Winchester Road, Waltham Chase, SOUTHAMPTON SO32 2LX

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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

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The provision is good

Children arrive confidently and happily. They are warmly welcomed by the friendly and attentive staff, who provide a safe and nurturing environment for children. This helps them to settle quickly and to feel safe. Staff are good role models. They really care about children and show concern for their well-being. They encourage children to share their emotions. For example, children independently find their photograph and place it on the colour monster which matches their emotion. This helps children to feel valued and accepted.

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The provision is good

The provider has high ambitions for children's learning and development. They provide an inclusive curriculum for them, specifically children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff provide a strong focus on identifying children who may need extra support and ensuring referrals are made to other professionals in a timely manner. This helps to ensure that children with SEND make good progress in their learning and development.

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The provision is good

Children are curious and love to explore. They develop an interest and respect for nature and the environment. Staff teach children how to grow plants from seed, which supports their understanding of growth and new life. Furthermore, they encourage children to take care of wildlife, such as snails. These activities help to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the world and support them to show empathy and kindness.

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need to do better?

n The provider has a clear vision for the preschool. They are dedicated to ensuring that the pre-school is inclusive for all children. They recognise the importance of children accessing fresh air and exercise. For instance, through fundraising, they were able to purchase canopies which enable children to access the outdoor area in all weathers. This helps to support children's physical development. n The provider understands the importance of staff well-being and professional development. They provide staff with lots of support through regular meetings and mandatory training. However, the provider does not ensure coaching and training opportunities are effective in enabling staff to build and expand on what children already know. For example, at times during child initiated play, staff do not always fully use opportunities to further extend children's knowledge and understanding. This means that not all children have access to quality

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need to do better?

interactions that fully support their learning'. n Staff understand that children do not always have the same opportunities, such as visiting areas in the local environment. They take children on regular outings, such as trips on the bus, bakeries and palace ruins. Furthermore, they invite members of the community and parents to attend the preschool on open days

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need to do better?

5 September 2024 and during mobile farm events. These experiences help to teach children about the local community. n Staff establish effective partnerships with parents. They find out what children know and can do when starting and update parents regularly with children's next steps in learning. This provides continuity of care for children. Parents comment that children are happy and make good progress. Additionally, parents are encouraged to attend celebrations, such as Easter bonnet parades and Christmas shows. This helps parents to feel included. n Overall, children behave well. Staff model respectful behaviour and remind children of the rules and procedures. For example, during changes in activities, children are encouraged to tidy up the toys. Additionally, staff remind children to use their good manners, such as please and thank you. This supports children to know what is expected of them. n Staff provide a strong focus on helping children to lead healthy lifestyles.

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need to do better?

Children learn about good oral hygiene through visits from 'healthy heroes'. They consume fresh fruit and vegetables that they have grown from seed. This teaches children where healthy food comes from. Staff provide daily opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. For instance, they build core muscle strength while using the rope swings and strengthen their finger muscles as they squeeze and manipulate dough. This helps children to develop the skills that promote future writing. n Staff provide daily opportunities to help children develop their independence skills. They encourage children to use the toilet, wash their hands and wipe their noses. Additionally, staff encourage them to wash and dry their plates and cups after mealtimes. This helps children develop self-care skills. n Children are supported to develop good communication and language skills. Staff consistently engage children in conversation and encourage social

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need to do better?

interaction during play. Additionally, they consistently read stories to children and encourage them to choose a book and interact during story time. This helps children to develop skills in literacy.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n provide staff with the knowledge and skills they need to delivery consistently high quality interactions that focus precisely on what children need to learn next.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2673809 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10355500 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 18 Name of registered person Waltham Chase Pre-School

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reference number

Telephone number 07913640795 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Waltham Chase Preschool registered in 2022 and is located in Waltham Chase, Southampton. It operates Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 3pm, during school term times only. There are eight members of staff; one holds QTS; one holds an appropriate qualification at level 4, and five hold level 3 qualifications. The nursery provides funded places for children aged two to four years.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the preschool 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 preschool. n The provider showed the inspector around the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection. n The provider provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n Parents shared their views of the preschool with the inspector.

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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.

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Inspection activities

5 September 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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