Eaglestone Pre-School

Inspection of Eaglestone Pre-School The Activity Centre, 2 Harriers Drive, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK6 5BZ

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Overall effectiveness Inadequate

The quality of education Inadequate Behaviour and attitudes Inadequate Personal development Inadequate Leadership and management Inadequate Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is inadequate

The provider has a broad idea of what she wants children to learn. Staff can identify gaps in children's development. However, there is a disconnect between the intent of the curriculum and its implementation. This leads to activities and teaching not being well matched to support children's next steps in learning. Consequently, much of children's learning is coincidental rather than well planned for. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make minimal progress. Although staff recognise children are developing in confidence and are settled, some of the next steps that staff focus on are mismatched to children's current stage of development. Staff provide too few opportunities for children to achieve their targets. This is especially the case for children's communication and language development.

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The provision is inadequate

Children do not receive consistent support. Although they generally behave well, staff sometimes physically intervene rather than giving children guidance to moderate their own behaviour. Children have no opportunity to play and learn outdoors to support their health and well-being. As there are no suitably qualified staff to deal with first-aid incidents at the nursery, children's safety and welfare are significantly compromised.

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need to do better?

n The provider has not ensured that there is always at least one person on the premises who has a current paediatric first-aid certificate. Her lack of oversight of training means that she does not realise that her own first-aid training certificate has expired. There are times of the day when the provider is not present and she is aware that no one is suitably trained to administer first aid to children in the event of an accident. This significantly compromises their safety and welfare. n The provider has also not realised that appropriate insurance for the pre-school has expired and cannot confirm there is suitable insurance in place. n Staff are inconsistent in explaining to children about their behaviour. Sometimes, staff physically move children's arms away to prevent them putting things in their mouths, rather than talking to them, so they have a chance to adjust the behaviour themselves. Generally, children behave well and the environment is

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need to do better?

calm. When minor disputes happen between children, staff respond quickly and model how to share resources. They are patient and speak in low tones, this helps defuse the situation. n There is no opportunity for children to play outdoors, as is required. Staff recognise that many children like to play energetically and enjoy being outdoors. The provider feels the outdoor area is unsafe and has not arranged any alternative ways for children to have fresh air and exercise. Consequently, the

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need to do better?

29 January 2025 curriculum for promoting children's physical skills and encouragement for them to play and learn in the ways they enjoy are lacking. n The curriculum is weak. The provider has general intentions for children's learning but these are poorly communicated and delivered. Even when staff know how children learn best and what they need to learn next, opportunities for these are often absent. This affects children's ability to make progress in their learning. n Although the provider and staff recognise the importance of encouraging children's communication and language skills, they do not provide sufficient teaching to support this aspect of their development. For example, the presentation of books is uninspiring and children show no interest. Staff do not read to them to encourage children to gain excitement from books and stories. Although staff say children enjoy songs and rhymes, they do not always plan

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need to do better?

opportunities for children to take part in these, or encourage them spontaneously when children play. Staff talk to children but do not actively encourage them to hear and use new words or to respond to questions. n The provider does not have suitable oversight to ensure that the pre-school is safely and effectively managed. She fails to ensure that staff training and required insurance remain up to date. Furthermore, although the provider has taken action to improve weaknesses from the previous visit from Ofsted, she has not maintained other aspects of her practice, leading to further breaches in requirements. n Staff display a very good understanding about safeguarding, including recognising the individual vulnerabilities associated with children with SEND. Staff know the families and local area well and recognise the challenges of social deprivation and how this can impact on children's health and well-being.

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need to do better?

However, breaches in requirements in relation to first aid mean safeguarding is not effective. n Staff work with parents to share information about some aspects of children's learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Due date

29 January 2025 ensure that at least one member of staff is on site at all times who has a current paediatric first-aid certificate 05/02/2025

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Due date

provide consistent support for children to help them to learn about self-control and positive behaviour 05/02/2025

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Due date

provide children with planned outdoor activities on a daily basis 05/02/2025

p.4

Due date

improve the organisation of the pre- school, maintaining oversight of all aspect of the provision to address weaknesses and maintain a safe environment for children. 05/02/2025

p.4

Due date

improve the delivery of the curriculum so that it meets children's needs and provides better opportunities for them to achieve their next steps in learning. 05/02/2025

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2509323 Local authority Milton Keynes Inspection number 10377636 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 8 Name of registered person Nawaz, Shabana

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reference number

Telephone number 07936383978 Date of previous inspection 19 October 2021

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Information about this early years setting

Eaglestone Pre-School registered in 2019 and operates from a community building in Eaglestone, Milton Keynes. The pre-school employs three members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and level 2. The pre-school currently opens from Monday to Friday, during term time only, from 9am until 12 midday. The setting offers government funded places for children aged two to four years old.

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Inspection activities

n This inspection was prioritised following a risk assessment process. n The inspector discussed the intent of the curriculum and observed its implementation during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint observation was completed and discussed with the provider. n During the inspection, the inspector held a meeting with the provider. She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at suitable times throughout the inspection.

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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

29 January 2025 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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