Leesfield Pre-School Group

Inspection of Leesfield Pre-School Group Barn Fold, Lees, Oldham, Lancashire OL4 5DN

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

The motto of 'watch us grow' is truly embedded across this nurturing setting. Children arrive with smiles on their faces and cannot contain their excitement to play with their friends. Staff are good role models. Overall, they provide children with clear expectations for their behaviour. Children have a strong sense of belonging and are proud to be part of this vibrant setting. They settle well, feel safe and are happy. Staff provide children with a curriculum that is built on what children already know and can do. For example, staff have introduced activities to further enhance children's interest in mathematics. Children enjoy counting and can skilfully talk about the properties of two-dimensional shapes. Staff think carefully about the skills that they want children to acquire in readiness for their next steps in learning, including their eventual move on to school. Children's learning builds on

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The provision is good

what they have learned before. They develop good levels of independence and, in the main, show positive attitudes towards their learning.

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The provision is good

Staff foster children's love of reading effectively. They carefully select age- appropriate texts and read to children with animation. Children show high levels of interest while listening to stories. They talk about visiting the local library and take books home to share with their families. Staff encourage children to be physically active from a young age. For example, they take children to the local park to use play apparatus and cheer them on while they complete assault courses. Children show excellent physical dexterity. They beam with delight while running, balancing and hopping outdoors. They are keen to take on new challenges, such as learning how to ride a scooter.

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need to do better?

n The setting continually reflects on ways to help children to achieve better outcomes in their play and learning. For example, staff have redeveloped the learning environments to promote children's speaking and listening skills. Children show excellent communication and language skills while discussing new resources. They talk about creative collages and models that they have made. Children are confident communicators who use a wide range of vocabulary. n The setting has recently introduced a new curriculum, which is broad and ambitious for children. It focuses on the important knowledge children should learn and which order this should be taught in. However, some staff are not clear on what leaders intend children to learn. This means that some activities are not always best matched to children's current level of development. Consequently, some children lose interest in their learning. n The setting identifies children with special educational needs and/or disabilities

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need to do better?

(SEND) exceptionally well. No stone is left unturned in staff's pursuit in getting children the support that they need. Children with SEND make good progress

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need to do better?

5 November 2024 and blossom at this caring setting. n In the main, children behave well. They are loving and caring towards others. However, some staff are not consistent in their approach in helping children to understand what is expected of them. This means that, on occasion, some children struggle to regulate their own feelings and emotions. n Partnership working is a cornerstone of this inspirational setting. Parental partnerships are at the heart of the setting's success. Parents and carers work together to develop areas of the setting, such as a new curiosity garden that oozes awe and wonder. Parents are heavily involved in helping to fundraise for the setting and attend themed events, such as a Halloween party. Parents attend meetings with staff to discuss their children's progress. Links with local schools and external professionals are rooted in trust and respect. n The setting provides staff with a comprehensive programme of professional

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need to do better?

development. It supports staff well during supervision sessions and appraisal meetings. Staff's workload is managed well, and the setting gives their well- being high priority. Staff morale is high. They reported that working at the setting is like being part of 'one big family.' n The setting uses additional funding exceptionally well. It purchases resources to support children's sensory development. Children relish exploring the colour and brightness of different lights and are fascinated while feeling the texture of different objects. Furthermore, the setting provides children with activities that they would not usually experience. Children in receipt of a funded place make good progress. n The setting supports children to gain a good understanding of similarities and differences between themselves and others. Children relish learning about festivals and celebrations. They learn about their local community and the

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need to do better?

people who help them. For example, children recall a visit from the local fire and police officers, where they learned about keeping themselves safe outside the setting. Children are well-rounded and tolerant individuals.

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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 better support staff to understand what leaders intend children to learn n strengthen staff's understanding of how they can better support children to manage their own feelings and emotions.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 508061 Local authority Oldham Inspection number 10355478 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 30 Number of children on roll 23 Name of registered person Leesfield Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 0161 633 0325 Date of previous inspection 30 November 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Leesfield Pre-School Group registered in 1992 and is located in Oldham. The setting employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold an early years qualification at level 2 and above. The setting opens from Monday to Friday, during term time only. Sessions are from 9am until 12pm and then from 12pm to 3pm. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three-and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector conducted a joint observation of an activity with the manager. n Discussions were held with the leadership and management team. n The inspector viewed a sample of documentation, including staff suitability checks. n The inspector observed adult-led activities and children during their play. n The inspector spoke with parents and carers during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

5 November 2024 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 November 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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