Little Oaks Pre-School

Inspection of Little Oaks Pre-School The Bungalow, Manor Road, Brackley, Northamptonshire NN13 6EE

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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

Children thrive in this warm and welcoming pre-school. They are individually greeted by familiar staff who know all of the children well. This supports children to develop a strong sense of security. Staff recognise the uniqueness of each child and skilfully plan experiences to reflect their interests and individual learning needs. For example, younger children develop the small muscles in their hands as they glue small items to paper. Older children practise cutting with scissors as they explore the Christmas craft table.

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The provision is good

Leaders have devised a broad curriculum that includes the skills and knowledge they want children to achieve. There is a strong focus on children's communication and language. Staff introduce new themes to promote curiosity and encourage children to ask 'how' and 'why' questions. Staff make good use of quiet rooms to help less-confident children practise their speaking skills in smaller groups. This helps to boost children's confidence and self-esteem.

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The provision is good

Staff support children to develop good behaviour and social skills. They successfully help children to understand their emotions and to learn how to negotiate and cooperate with others. Children learn the pre-school expectations and follow instructions well. For example, before lunch, children happily sit down for group time and enjoy singing aloud to action songs. The good progress children make in their learning and development prepares them well for their future.

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need to do better?

n Staff use regular observations and assessments to identify areas where children may require additional support. They work closely with parents and external professionals to create targeted plans that ensure that children receive the help they need. This collaborative approach helps all children to make progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The highly effective key-person system helps to ensure that all children's emotional well-being is supported effectively. n Staff generally encourage children's independence. For example, children pour their own drinks at snack time and make choices in their play. However, at times, staff do things for children that they could do themselves, such as putting on their shoes and coats. This means that children do not always have the opportunity to practise these skills independently. n Mathematics is firmly embedded throughout the curriculum. Children are

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need to do better?

provided with many opportunities to learn about numbers, measure and shapes. During play, children confidently talk about needing 'one more', as they use a number line to sequence numbers. Consequently, children develop the confidence to use their early mathematical knowledge in their play.

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need to do better?

11 December 2024 n Staff support children's early literacy skills. They read with enthusiasm and use props, which captures children's attention. They talk about the story with children helping them to remember key phrases. Staff's planning ensures that stories and nursery rhymes are part of play. For example, children play a table- top activity about the three little pigs. Staff understand that children benefit from repetition to help them to remember new learning. n Children gain an abundance of knowledge about the wider world on outings. They develop an understanding of the lives of others through celebrating various festivals throughout the year. Staff also invite people with different occupations into the setting, such as police and fire officers. This helps children learn about those who help us. n Staff support children to lead healthy lifestyles. Staff use mealtimes to talk about healthy choices and provide various fruits and vegetables for snacks. Children

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need to do better?

learn to understand that eating well helps them to gain physical strength. Children have daily access to exciting outdoor areas where they can build their stamina and physical strength. For example, older children learn to safely climb trees as younger children negotiate space on tricycles and climb hills to balance. n Parents say how incredibly happy their children are at the setting. They say staff are friendly and approachable, providing time, support and guidance for them and their children. Staff communicate well with parents and support them in building on their children's learning. For example, they offer resources for parents and children to use at home. n The well-established staff team enjoys working in the pre-school and feels supported by the managers and committee. Staff are keen to take up opportunities to attend training and are proud to share how the training has benefited the children.

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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 increase opportunities for children to complete everyday tasks for themselves.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 219985 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10364286 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 50 Number of children on roll 61 Name of registered person Little Oaks Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01280 840201 Date of previous inspection 21 January 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Little Oaks Pre-School registered in 1994 and is managed by a committee. The pre- school employs 17 members of childcare staff. Of whom, 12 hold early years qualifications between level 2 and level 6. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday, during term time. Sessions are from 8am until 5.30pm. The pre-school provides funded early education 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 to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at pre-school. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. 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 of an adult-led activity. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the

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Inspection activities

suitability of staff working in the pre-school.

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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 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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