Fusion Pre-School Southdown

Inspection of Fusion Pre-School Southdown St John's Church, St Johns Rd, HARPENDEN, Hertfordshire AL5 1DJ

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

The children are at the heart of this exceptional pre-school. They are warmly welcomed by staff and confidently put away their belongings to excitedly start their day. Staff provide wonderful learning opportunities for children and act as positive role models. For instance, staff speak calmly to children and patiently wait for responses, embracing children's ideas.

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The provision is outstanding

Children learn Makaton from a young age and absorb themselves into extending their communication and language throughout the day. They sing a 'good morning' song using hand signs to positively express themselves. Staff show great care and nurture to children's well-being, developing strong, secure attachments. They have discussions with children about expectations and sensitively support them to resolve minor issues. As a result, children are respectful, polite and have exemplary behaviour.

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The provision is outstanding

Staff support children's well-being effectively through deep discussions and learning opportunities. For instance, children talk about the effects that exercise can have on their bodies, causing their hearts to beat faster. Staff encourage children to become imaginative and test their ideas. They give praise and encouragement, and children become highly confident and feel a strong sense of belonging. As a result, this leads to a respectful and calm environment for children to learn and play.

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need to do better?

n Leaders have created a broad and balanced curriculum, tailored to meet children's individual needs. Staff and leaders have high expectations for all children and know them exceptionally well. They make accurate assessments and drive continual progress. Staff value children's opinions and their thoughts, demonstrating deep respect for them. As a result, children are exposed to positive role models and adopt positive attitudes to learning. n Staff and leaders prioritise and establish strong parental partnerships from the very start. This builds deep trust and collaboration to help children make the best progress. Children settle well and robust information is gathered to ensure they feel safe and secure. The key-person approach has an effective buddy system to provide high-quality continuity in children's learning. Parents value the impact of the pre-school in the local community and the exceptional efforts the

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need to do better?

pre-school takes to enable parents to feel involved. n There is a real passion to extend children's language skills. The consistent use of Makaton has resulted in children becoming confident communicators and highly expressive. Staff widen children's vocabulary with new concepts, such as 'lighter' and 'heavier', to challenge thinking. Children have meaningful conversations about their theories and test their ideas to deepen their understanding.

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need to do better?

5 December 2024 n Children are exposed to a wide range of activities to explore their physical development. They learn skills such as climbing, jumping and balancing to build their core strength. Children create obstacle courses to test their new physical skills. This allows children to focus and negotiate their space. n Leaders and staff take children on regular outings in the community. Children learn about nature and their local village. They have become regular visitors to the local shop and have made strong links within the community. Consequently, children understand the world around them and become keen explorers. n Staff support children's independence and their willingness to have a go. Children take care of themselves during snack time, displaying excellent hygiene care. They wash their hands before eating, tidy up after themselves when they finish, and tuck their chairs in. Attentive staff support children when they need it

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need to do better?

and intervene to help children develop a commitment to doing things for themselves. n Leaders recognise the importance of staff's professional development and well- being. They have high standards for the pre-school and are regularly reflective. They offer staff support through regular supervisions, meetings and training to deliver high levels of care and support. Additionally, the pre-school works in effective partnership with other professionals to target any support children need to move on effectively in their 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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Setting details

Unique reference number 2689253 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10360152 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 28 Number of children on roll 26 Name of registered person Fusion Childcare Services

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reference number

Telephone number 07908 121891 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Fusion Pre-School Southdown registered in 2022. The pre-school employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds early years teacher status and four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday, during term time only. Sessions are from 8.30am to 1.10pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the pre-school and discussed the early years curriculum. 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. n Parents shared their views of the pre-school with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.

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Inspection activities

5 December 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 December 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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