Fordham Preschool

Inspection of Fordham Preschool 1a Isleham Road, Fordham, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 5NL

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children calmly arrive at the setting and quickly settle to their play. They confidently choose the resources and activities that interest them. Staff get to know children well. They develop positive relationships with children, engaging in their play and listening to their ideas. Staff offer children choices and respect their opinions, interacting positively with them. They are warm and encouraging. Children become absorbed in their play. They concentrate when tackling challenges. Staff promote children's independence, encouraging them to put on their own coats and pour their own drinks at snack time. Staff implement a routine to structure the day. This provides children with a sense of security.

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The provision is good

Staff maintain high expectations for children's behaviour. They teach children patience and cooperation. Children behave well and are kind to each other. They invite other children into their play and collaborate effectively to complete complicated tasks. Staff carry out assessments to measure children's progress. They provide individualised support to children to help them develop. Staff offer a range of stimulating activities, which engage and interest children. Children enjoy participating in the football club and other community events. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds make good progress in their development.

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need to do better?

n Staff place a strong emphasis on helping children to respect the world around them and live in a sustainable way. Staff teach children how long it takes for rubbish to decompose and to look after the environment. Children explore different animal habitats. They support local animal charities. Staff teach children the names of different insects they find outside. Children enjoy planting and watering plants in different areas of the garden. n Staff keep children safe and secure in the setting. They ensure doors and gates are locked and that children are supervised in all areas of the setting. Mealtimes are sociable and children enjoy talking with staff about their favourite healthy snack and their home experiences. Staff support children's physical development. Outside, children take measured risks while using the large play equipment. Inside, children paint and create with recycling materials, which

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need to do better?

supports their fine motor skills. n Children make consistent progress with their language development. Staff read lots of books and sing songs with children. Children enjoy re-telling stories, using puppets and props. Staff speak clearly and label different items for children. They teach children what words like 'camouflage' mean. Staff quickly identify when children need extra help with their language development. They provide targeted support to help children make progress. n Staff support children to play imaginatively. Children learn to solve problems

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need to do better?

6 June 2025 creatively. For example they spend a long time focusing on creating train tracks and roads from sticky tape. Staff are proactive at extending children's learning, incorporating counting, shapes and colours into their play. Staff help children to prepare for starting school. They teach children rules such as using their walking feet indoors. However, staff do not consistently support children to understand why the rules are in place to help them learn about taking responsibility for their actions. n Parents speak highly of the setting. They comment on the help they have received with potty training their children. Staff work with parents to provide flexible care, ensuring children from disadvantaged backgrounds have full access to early care and education. Parents appreciate the regular communication they receive on their children's progress. They are also pleased with the support their children receive to prepare them for school. Staff also work with the local school,

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need to do better?

helping to ensure children have a smooth transition. n Leaders have a clear vision for their setting. They reflect on the provision and identify areas for further development. Leaders support staff to evaluate their practice and access training opportunities to help them develop their skills and knowledge. Staff feel well supported by leaders. Leaders have plans in place to develop the use of sign language in the setting to support children with their communication. They also plan to improve the gardening and cooking opportunities for children to access.

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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 help staff to consistently support children to understand why rules are in place and the potential consequences of not following the rules on others and themselves.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2715996 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10392220 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 32 Number of children on roll 112 Name of registered person Fordham Preschool CIO

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reference number

Telephone number 01638 724183 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Fordham Preschool registered in 2023 and is run by a CIO management committee. It operates from a building in the grounds of Fordham Primary School in the village of Fordham, Cambridgeshire. The setting employs six members of childcare staff, four of whom hold early years qualifications at level 3. It is open during school term time, Monday to Friday, from 9am until 3pm, except for Thursday when the session finishes at midday. A breakfast club operates from 7.30am until 8.50am, and an out-of-school club from 3.15pm until 5.45, except for Wednesday when the session ends at 6.15pm. The setting provides government funded early education for all eligible 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 spoke with the inspector during the inspection. 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 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 inspector and the manager carried out a joint observation of a communication and language 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 setting.

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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

6 June 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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