The Preschool Group

Inspection of The Preschool Group St Philip's Church Hall, Evington Road, Leicester LE2 1QJ

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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

Staff do not know the children well enough or have a thorough understanding of child development. They do not understand how to plan and implement activities to help children build on what they already know and can do. This includes children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). For example, when staff play alongside children, including those with SEND, they do not understand how to support their development, such as their speaking skills. Additionally, other children are left on their own for long periods of time without any interaction from staff. Furthermore, children are not supported by staff to understand why some of their behaviours are not acceptable. The provider does not recognise weaknesses in staff's knowledge and practice. Consequently, the support and coaching staff receive to develop their knowledge and skills are not effective to enable them to meet children's learning needs. This results in outcomes for children being poor.

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The provision is inadequate

That said, children are keen to play with the toys and resources offered. They show good relationships with staff, who help them to settle and feel emotionally secure, such as if they are upset on arrival. When children who speak English as an additional language first start attending, staff use key words in children's home languages. This helps to support them to understand daily routines.

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need to do better?

n The provider does not ensure that staff implement a curriculum that challenges children's learning and builds on what they already know and can do. For example, when children ride on tricycles, staff supervise children but do not help them to extend the skills they already have. Furthermore, when staff play alongside children with SEND, they do not understand how to implement their individual targets to help build on their development. n The provider does not have an awareness of staff's poor teaching practice. Coaching and support for staff is not strong enough to help staff improve their practice and interactions with children to support their learning and development. For instance, when children play with toy cars and ramps, staff do not know how to teach them to use the resources effectively to extend their learning. n The provider does not support staff to manage children's behaviour effectively.

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need to do better?

For example, when children take toys from others, staff take the item back and give it back to the other child without an explanation about why they have done this. Additionally, when children begin to use pieces of the wooden train track as swords, staff take the track from children and do not show them how to use the equipment as it is intended. Furthermore, when children become frustrated, staff take them away from an area they want to play in. This stops children from being able to understand their emotions and to play in an area that interests

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need to do better?

5 June 2025 them. n The provider implements appropriate recruitment procedures to ensure those working with children are suitable. Staff understand how to identify and respond if they have any concerns that may indicate a child is at risk of harm or abuse. They ensure that the premises are secure and supervise children appropriately as they play to promote their safety. n Staff encourage children to be independent and to learn how to do things for themselves. At snack time, children peel their bananas. They respond positively to staff's instructions to put any left over food in the bin when they have finished. At the end of the session, children put on their own coats and do up zips ready to go home. n Staff share information with parents about their children's time in the pre-school. This includes holding discussions with them about activities children enjoy. Parents appreciate how well their children settle on arrival to the setting.

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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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Due date

ensure that the intent of the curriculum is ambitious and implemented effectively to help children develop in their learning 06/10/2025

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Due date

ensure that staff's teaching and interactions support children's individual needs and help them make the progress they are capable of 06/10/2025

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Due date

ensure staff understand how to support children to learn how to behave in an appropriate way 04/07/2025

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Due date

monitor staff practice to help identify weaknesses and to provide coaching and support to raise the quality of teaching. 04/07/2025

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Setting details

Unique reference number 258305 Local authority Leicester Inspection number 10380438 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 Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 37 Name of registered person The Pre - School Group Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07960942787 Date of previous inspection 10 June 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The Preschool Group registered in 1992 and is situated in Leicester, Leicestershire. The pre-school employs three members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and one with level 2. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday, during term time. Sessions are from 9am until 3.30pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The provider and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the pre-school and discussed how staff implement the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector throughout the inspection. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the provider. n The inspector held a meeting with the provider. She reviewed relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school. n Parents shared their views about the pre-school with the inspector.

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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

5 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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