Chanctonbury Preschool

Inspection of Chanctonbury Preschool The Old School House, Rectory Lane, Ashington, Pulborough RH20 3AS

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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

Children thrive in this engaging and nurturing environment, actively participating in stimulating indoor and outdoor activities. They explore with curiosity and enthusiasm, developing confidence and coordination. The spacious outdoor area offers opportunities to run, climb, slide and ride balance bikes with safety in mind. Water play adds excitement as children water plants, pour water down tubes and challenge themselves by carrying filled bowls. This dynamic setting fosters adventure, movement and hands-on learning. The setting's commitment to fostering an understanding of the world is outstanding, with enriching real-world experiences, such as visits from professionals, community outings and hands-on sustainability projects. Emotional well-being is equally prioritised, with a dedicated calming area providing a safe and nurturing space for self-regulation.

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The provision is outstanding

Staff nurture independence from an early age by encouraging children to recognise their names during self-registration and place their name labels in a basket for snack time. They help two-year-olds select, cut and peel fruit, strengthening their grip for early writing. Staff also support children in self-care routines like wiping their noses, washing hands and using the toilet, building their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

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The provision is outstanding

Staff prioritise children's speech and language development, helping them make outstanding progress. They engage children through thoughtful interactions, using questions, prompts and active listening to deepen learning and spark curiosity.

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need to do better?

n Children's communication and language development is exceptionally well supported. Staff enrich vocabulary through animated storytelling, rhymes and meaningful discussions. They skilfully challenge children with thought-provoking questions, encouraging detailed responses and deeper thinking. For example, staff connect discussions to children's own experiences related to their favourite stories, enhancing comprehension and language skills. As a result, children's vocabulary expands, and their communication skills flourish. n Staff provide exceptional support, helping children manage their emotions with compassion and empathy. They create a warm, calm and inclusive atmosphere where every child feels heard and valued. Children are deeply engaged in their learning, displaying remarkable concentration and focus. For example, they carefully build a tall tower with blocks, fully immersed in the task at hand.

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need to do better?

n Children's interests and ideas are broadened and developed by the ambitious, secure and sequential curriculum that builds on their individual needs and abilities. They benefit from small-group activities that enhance their love of learning. Children have a passion for reading and regularly choose books to read

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need to do better?

20 March 2025 with staff in small groups. They point to pictures on the page and discuss the characters' actions. As a result, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, as well as vulnerable and disadvantaged children, are thriving and making significant progress from their starting points. n Staff create a supportive environment where children feel safe to express themselves. They encourage open conversations about feelings, helping children understand and manage their emotions. By building strong, trusting relationships, staff promote positive behaviour and attitudes. They model kindness, politeness and respect, which children naturally adopt in their interactions. Staff also foster teamwork and social confidence by guiding turn- taking, sharing and inclusive play. For example, they support children in games like 'What's the Time, Mr. Wolf?', helping them build cooperation and social skills.

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need to do better?

n Parents are highly satisfied with the pre-school, praising the skilled staff, excellent care and quality education. They appreciate the strong communication, which keeps them informed about their children's progress and learning. The setting actively fosters parental involvement through stay-and-play meetings, parents' evenings, updates and other engagement opportunities, ensuring a strong home-nursery partnership that supports children's development. n The leadership team is highly motivated and dedicated to providing high-quality childcare. They continuously strive for improvement, reflecting on their practice and setting ambitious goals. For example, they are fundraising to enhance the outdoor area and planning a focus on oral hygiene for next term. Passionate about children's development, they offer strong support to both parents and staff. Staff regularly engage in skill-building, share their knowledge and

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need to do better?

collaborate to enhance the learning experiences they provide. n Staff speak highly of their well-being and the positive environment they work in. They receive support for their professional development and benefit from training and in-house upskilling. Inductions and supervisions are a real strength, helping staff to improve and develop their practice.

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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 2727666 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10393390 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 42 Name of registered person Wheatley, Danielle

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reference number

Telephone number 01903 891722 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Chanctonbury Preschool registered in 2023. It is situated in Ashington, Pulborough. The pre-school operates Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, term time only. The pre- school employs nine members of childcare staff. Of these, seven hold qualifications at level 2 or above, including two who hold qualifications at level 6 with qualified teacher status. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n At the start of the inspection, the inspector and the manager conducted a joint observation to assess how teaching is evaluated. n The manager and inspector participated in a learning walk to explore staff's intentions for children's learning and how they implement the curriculum. n The inspector spoke to staff and children. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager to discuss the leadership and management of the pre-school. n The inspector reviewed key documentation, including first-aid certificates and suitability checks. n The inspector took account of the views of parents by speaking with some of them during the inspection and reading written testimonials.

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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

20 March 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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