Jack

Inspection of Jack Northolmes Junior School, Leith View Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 4ET

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children thrive in this very welcoming setting. They develop strong confidence and a clear understanding of how to stay safe from a young age. Staff create a nurturing, stimulating environment where all children and families feel welcome. They use gentle prompts, follow children's interests and adjust to their needs during times of change, such as when children move from one activity to another or start something new. Children are well supported and develop secure foundations in readiness for their next stage of learning. Staff know the children well and confidently talk about their progress. They implement the curriculum effectively, taking each child's needs and circumstances into account, and provide a wide range of activities that promote creativity, imagination, curiosity and problem- solving. For example, children are highly engaged filling different containers with sand.

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The provision is good

The setting values and promotes inclusiveness in an age-appropriate way, helping children see themselves represented and understand what makes them unique. Staff ask parents about the cultural events they celebrate and thoughtfully include these in their planning. They share regular updates on children's progress and support parents in extending learning at home. Staff offer plenty of praise for children's efforts and achievements, and as a result, children smile with pride, showing a strong sense of belonging and self-worth.

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need to do better?

n Children enjoy a well-organised environment with activities that help them learn and build new skills. They have strong, trusting relationships with staff, which helps them feel confident and safe. Children know when to ask for help. For example, they wait for a staff member to support them on the outside steps. n Generally, staff support children to do things for themselves to promote independence, such as choosing their own activities and washing their hands. They offer encouragement and guidance, helping children build confidence in daily tasks. However, at times, staff step in too quickly and do things for children that they could manage on their own or be encouraged to try. For example, on occasion, they carry children who are able to walk or put on shoes for those who can attempt it themselves. This does not consistently help children practise their self-care skills or learn to do things for themselves.

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need to do better?

n Staff have worked hard to support children and their families, helping them make good progress from their early stages of development. They spend time getting to know each child and use lots of praise, encouragement and patience. For example, children who were nonverbal when they began now use words and actions to communicate effectively. Additionally, children who struggled with eating are now trying a wider variety of food.

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need to do better?

16 June 2025 n Staff support children well in managing their emotions. When children struggle to regulate their behaviour, staff respond appropriately to help them feel calm and secure. For example, they use strategies such as going for a walk around the school or other activities linked to children's individual interests, which helps them to settle. n Links with other professionals and agencies are also well established. For example, staff share children's progress with specialists to develop targeted support for children with delays in their language and other suspected developmental delays. This approach promotes all-round consistency in children's learning and development. n The management team and staff build strong relationships with parents by greeting them warmly and sharing information. They get to know children and families well, creating trust and understanding. Parents praise the nursery for

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need to do better?

the quality of care, the support they receive and their children's progress. They also appreciate regular updates on their children's learning and development. n The management team and staff closely monitor children's progress to identify and address any learning gaps. They use this information to plan effectively for future development. All children, including those who receive additional support, make good progress from their starting points. Staff regularly engage in training to improve their knowledge and teaching skills. n Overall, staff support children well with fun and meaningful activities that match their interests and help close gaps in their learning. However, sometimes they don't notice when children lose interest or stop joining in. As a result, occasionally some children miss out on important learning.

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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 strengthen staff's consistency in supporting children to develop their independence and self-care skills n enhance staff's support for quieter children during activities, giving them the time and confidence they need to take part more fully.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY551982 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10399286 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 12 Number of children on roll 10 Name of registered person Jack & Jill Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01403 258994 Date of previous inspection 26 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Jack is part of the Jack and Jill Childcare Facilities Group. It operates from self- contained premises on the site of Northolmes Junior School in Horsham, West Sussex. The pre-school provision operates from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, term time only. The pre-school employs four members of childcare staff. Of these, three hold qualifications at level 2 or above, including one who holds qualifications at level 5. The pre-school provides funded early education for children from the ages of nine months to two and a half years.

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Inspection activities

n At the start of the inspection, the inspector and the manager participated in a learning walk to explore staff's intentions for children's learning and how they implement the curriculum. n The manager and the inspector conducted a joint observation to assess how teaching is evaluated. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this is having on the children's learning. 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 Disclosure and Barring Service checks. n The inspector took account of the views of parents by speaking with some of them during the inspection.

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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

16 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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