Boscastle Playschool

Inspection of Boscastle Playschool Top School, Fore Street, BOSCASTLE, Cornwall PL35 0AU

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

When parents and children arrive, they are warmly welcomed by the staff, who engage the children in conversation, making them feel valued. Parents are encouraged to spend time in the setting with their children before leaving, helping the children settle in quickly. Staff build strong, positive relationships with the children, and as a result, the children behave well. They follow the setting's routine, taking turns at tasks such as ringing the bell for circle time.

p.2

The provision is good

The provider plans a curriculum that builds and enhances children's skills and abilities ready for school. Staff find out about children's interests and take them into consideration when planning experiences for the children to help to keep them engaged. Staff know the children well and plan next steps around their individual needs. They create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment that encourages children to explore new activities, fostering both their curiosity and development. The staff motivate children to try new things and build their knowledge and skills. For example, children show enthusiasm for role playing as firefighters. They eagerly take part in imaginative play, using spray bottles and tossing 'water bombs' to put out a pretend fire. This hands-on experience nurtures their creativity and enhances their coordination and teamwork skills.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are supported in learning important self-care habits, such as blowing their noses, covering their mouths when coughing, washing their hands and brushing their teeth. Staff guide them gently, helping them understand the importance of hygiene and staying healthy. This helps children become more confident and independent in taking care of themselves. These routines are part of their daily activities, ensuring they develop these skills through everyday learning. n Staff interact with children during play, supporting them in developing their stories and narratives. However, the consistency of these interactions varies. Some staff members focus on supervising the children and use simple language, rather than encouraging vocabulary development or helping children think through challenges independently. n Lunchtime is a social occasion where children enjoy a hot, nutritious meal or bring a packed lunch. While eating, they chat about the vegetables they are

p.2

need to do better?

eating and those they grow at home. Staff actively promote healthy eating and encourage the children to make good food choices. n The children clearly enjoy role play, using props such as shoes and bags to pretend they are going to the shop. They also express their emotions, particularly when role playing situations such as pretending to be upset that the shop is closed. Even the younger children are able to articulate their feelings,

p.2

need to do better?

21 March 2025 and they can talk about the 'angry stone' they learned about from a story they read the week before. n Children have plenty of opportunities to develop their small hand muscles. They collaborate to make play dough, choosing their own colours. As they knead and roll the dough, they strengthen the muscles in their hands. They then create creatures, adding eyes and sparking fun conversations with one another. n There is strong collaboration between staff and families. Parents appreciate the support they receive, especially with guidance on topics such as toilet training. Regular updates keep parents informed about their children's progress, fostering trust and transparency. As a result, parents feel confident that their children are thriving and making great progress, while also being actively involved in their learning journey. n Leaders continue to develop the setting. They have a clear understanding of the

p.2

need to do better?

setting's strengths and weaknesses. They review the provision and gather feedback from parents, staff and children to help make improvements. Staff at the setting feel well supported in their roles. Regular staff meetings allow for the sharing of information and collaborative thinking. Individual supervision sessions consider staff's well-being as well as their professional development. Staff are encouraged to engage in further training opportunities, for example a course on 'sensory integration' to support children in the setting. This helps staff understand children's behaviour to enable them to stay regulated. n The setting works closely with the local school to ensure a smooth transition for children. Staff and children spend time at the school, and school staff visit the setting, helping children become familiar with the new environment. This partnership ensures children feel confident and prepared for the move to school.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n develop consistent interactions with children to extend their language skills and to help them solve problems independently.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY416908 Local authority Cornwall Inspection number 10380261 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 22 Name of registered person Boscastle Pre School Playgroup Committee

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01840 250760 Date of previous inspection 3 June 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Boscastle Playschool was established in 1969 and registered at these premises in 2010. It is run by a management committee and operates from a purpose-designed building, known locally as 'Top School', in the village of Boscastle. The pre-school is open from 8.15am to 5.30pm throughout the year, closing on bank holidays and for two weeks in December. The pre-school provides government funded places for childcare. There are five staff employed to work with the children, four of whom hold a childcare qualification at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual about the leadership and management of the setting. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation during circle time. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

21 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6