Crofton Early Learners

Inspection of Crofton Early Learners Crofton Baptist Church, 100 Crofton Lane, Orpington, Kent BR5 1HD

p.1

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

p.1

The provision requires improvement

The provider has not updated Ofsted with required information in a timely manner to comply with statutory requirements. However, this oversight has had no significant impact on children's well-being.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Staff create a warm and welcoming environment in which children can freely explore and learn. They enable children to access a wide range of learning opportunities throughout the session. All children remain occupied, learn new skills and show good levels of involvement in all they do.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The curriculum is equally ambitious for all children, including children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The team understands how to help all children learn in small steps so that they learn and remember new skills over time. The provider uses additional funding well to ensure that all children make good progress in their learning.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Staff are good role models and help children to learn how to behave positively. They are kind and caring towards the children and use effective strategies to help them manage their feelings and emotions. Children learn to put their hands up to answer questions and wait for their turn in conversations. They play well together and enjoy their learning experiences.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider has not notified Ofsted of all changes to the board of trustees or ensured that the correct information has been submitted within required timescales. This has resulted in delays for Ofsted to carry out the necessary checks to determine trustees' suitability. However, the provider is taking action to rectify the matter, and there is no significant impact on children's welfare. n Leaders and managers work hard to support the staff team. They provide regular opportunities for supervision and support to continually improve the quality of teaching and learning. Staff work well together to help children achieve well and develop positive attitudes towards their learning. n Staff implement the curriculum effectively. They sequence children's learning so that they retain previous knowledge well. For example, on arrival, most children hang up their coats, register their name cards and then gather for group time.

p.2

need to do better?

Occasionally, when noise levels rise or routines change, some children lose concentration and experience slightly less opportunity to deepen their learning. n The staff team places good emphasis on getting children ready for starting school. For example, they teach them how to be safe in different situations and to be sociable and self-assured. They are slightly less confident in encouraging children to do things that they could easily attempt for themselves to further

p.2

need to do better?

6 March 2025 encourage their independence. n Staff encourage children's communication and language skills well. They ask purposeful questions and teach children the meaning of new words, such as 'rotation' and 'semicircle', to help expand their vocabulary and mathematical language. Children are confident speakers. n Staff teach children to be kind and helpful towards one another. They manage minor disagreements well, so that children learn how to behave positively. There is a clear focus on helping children to follow the rules and to regulate their own behaviour. Children behave well. n Relationships are warm and caring at all levels. The key-person system works well in making sure that children feel safe and secure. Staff make sure that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are settled and happy. All children are confident, caring towards their friends and ready to learn.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff assess children's progress well and plan and provide activities that meet their individual needs. They know children and their families well and use their assessments to close any gaps in children's learning. n Staff work well with parents to provide information and include them in their children's learning. They make sure that parents can contribute towards their children's experiences and assessments of their progress. Parents' comments show that they greatly value the care and education provided for their children. n Staff work with outside agencies to ensure that all children receive the help they need to learn and achieve. They follow guidance from other professionals and use funding to ensure that children with SEND and those from deprived backgrounds make good progress. They liaise well with local schools to ensure children enjoy smooth transitions as they enter the next stages of their

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

Due date

6 March 2025 provide Ofsted with the required information for changes to trustees, in a timely manner, to ensure that checks can be carried out to determine their suitability. 21/03/2025

p.3

should:

n strengthen opportunities for children to concentrate more during their everyday experiences, to further encourage their readiness for starting school n encourage children to do even more tasks for themselves to support their growing independence.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY364379 Local authority Bromley Inspection number 10393104 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 55 Name of registered person Crofton Early Learners

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 07706708211 Date of previous inspection 17 January 2020

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Crofton Early Learners originally registered in 1977 and re-registered in 2007. The setting is situated in Orpington, Kent. It opens Monday to Friday, from 9am to 12pm and from 1pm to 4pm, during school term times. The setting also operates a lunch club from 12pm to 1pm. The provider offers government funded places for childcare and receives specific funding for disadvantaged children. There are 10 members of staff who work with the children, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The manager showed the inspector around the areas of the premises used for childcare. n The inspector spoke to the manager, the nominated individual and staff at convenient times. n Children approached the inspector to ask questions and to talk about their snacks and activities. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children and assessed the impact on their learning. n The manager and the inspector conducted a joint observation of a planned activity. n Parents shared their views about the provision through talking with the inspector and providing written feedback.

p.6

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.6

Inspection activities

6 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.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7