Bar Hill Preschool CIO

Inspection of Bar Hill Preschool CIO The Village Hall, The Spinney, Bar Hill, CAMBRIDGE CB23 8SU

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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 demonstrate their enjoyment of spending time at this welcoming setting. Staff's gentle, nurturing approach and their commitment to understanding each child play a key role in helping children to settle and they quickly build secure, trusting relationships with staff. Staff have high expectations and model inquisitive behaviour. Children frequently mirror this as they play. For example, children work together to build models with large construction blocks, wondering how they can balance these effectively, and confidently trying different methods until they succeed. Daily opportunities such as this aid children in gaining valuable skills that support them when they move on to school.

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The provision is good

With sensitive staff support, children are gaining a good understanding of how their behaviour affects others, often resolving minor disputes independently. They help create displays about emotions, referring to these to help describe how they are feeling. Staff take care to ensure that all areas used by children are safe. Their ongoing explanations support children in understanding safety. For instance, children use tools, such as scissors and tape dispensers, safely and effectively. Well-implemented routines, such as washing hands before eating, and ongoing activities, such as cleaning model teeth, support children in gaining a good understanding of healthy lifestyle practices.

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need to do better?

n All staff demonstrate a sincere commitment to their work. This is apparent in their resolve to understand each child and to do their best to ensure that all children make good progress. They make good use of additional funding to further support children's development. Staff receive regular supervision that aids them in continuing to review and develop their practice. n Staff observe and assess children well. They understand what children are learning and plan the next logical steps in this. Staff's skill in noting areas where children require further support is a key strength and they take the earliest opportunity to involve further professionals when needed. This helps to ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive pertinent support. n Staff ensure that children have lots of interesting things to talk about, helping to build on their language and communication skills. For instance, children eagerly

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need to do better?

'purchase' items from the role-play shop. They look at the labels and name the items, using their language skills as they organise the use of conkers as money. n Children demonstrate a great enjoyment of books and reading. They choose favourite stories, remembering the author and illustrator. They join in with repeated refrains and confidently predict what happens next. When staff ask questions about the book, children carefully consider these, using their

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need to do better?

11 November 2024 knowledge of the characters to put together their answers. n Staff interact well with children, encouraging them to extend their play and build on their skills. For example, children participating in junk modelling work out how to join pieces, experimenting as they cut string, tape and ribbon. Children express their creativity as they use leaves, conkers and sticks to create pictures. n Thoughtful activities support children in appreciating differences and understanding the wider world. For example, children visit local places of worship and talk about their family beliefs. They visit a local war memorial and staff sensitively explain this. Children recall this knowledge when they stand quietly on Remembrance Day. n Partnerships with parents are good. Parents speak highly of the setting, noting staff's caring approach and how they offer children a good balance of indoor and outdoor play opportunities. Staff communicate well with parents and support

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need to do better?

them in building on their children's learning. Furthermore, staff work well with other providers caring for the children. They share information and ensure there is a consistent approach to children's care and to promoting their development. n Staff pay attention to children's needs and usually take account of these in the daily routines. However, on occasion, staff follow routines more rigidly, such as at times of transition between activities and snack time. At these times, children who have become absorbed in their play are interrupted and cannot continue this and pursue their ideas and learning.

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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 review daily routines, such as at times of transition, so that all children can remain engaged and have opportunities to continue their play when appropriate.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2813416 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10371548 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 25 Number of children on roll 19 Name of registered person Bar Hill Preschool CIO

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reference number

Telephone number 01954782892 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Bar Hill Preschool CIO re-registered in 2024 and was originally established in 1972. The pre-school employs nine members of childcare staff. Of these, 7 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 9am until 3pm. It provides funded early education places for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector observed staff interaction with children during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager. n Meetings were held between the inspector and the manager and with the nominated individual. The inspector looked at relevant documentation and saw evidence of the suitability of staff. n The inspector held discussions with staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

11 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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