Val Robinson Childcare, Cottage Preschool

Inspection of Val Robinson Childcare, Cottage Preschool The Royals Youth Centre, Viking Way, Rainham, Essex RM13 9YG

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

This is a setting where every child, regardless of their starting points, is given the time, space and trust to find their voice and become part of a caring community of learners. Staff are kind, dedicated and committed to children's well-being. Relationships are strong, and children feel safe and valued. Leaders and staff create a setting of trust and belonging that children enjoy being part of.

p.2

The provision is good

All children are warmly welcomed into a setting that cherishes their individuality and gently encourages them to express who they are in words, gestures and relationships. Staff prepare activities and resources for children to engage in learning opportunities as soon as they arrive. Staff welcome parents to bring their children in and have a quick chat with staff before they leave their children. This supports children's emotional well-being effectively as they settle in. They observe the positive relationships their parents have with the staff, which has a positive impact on children's behaviours and attitudes towards learning.

p.2

The provision is good

The learning environment supports independent learning and rich social interactions. Staff know each child as an individual and support them to grow in confidence and resilience. They are responsive to children's interests and provide a steady rhythm of routines that help children feel secure and get them ready for their next steps in education.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders identify that there needs to be a strong focus on social and communication and language skills at the setting. They have high expectations for all children and ensure that staff implement the curriculum effectively. Staff use children's starting points and take account of what they know about them when they plan their learning experiences. The impact can be seen. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress at the setting. n Leaders prioritise children's communication and language development as part of their curriculum intent. Staff engage with all children effectively and support their communication skills well. They read interesting and exciting stories and provide props for children to use. However, sometimes, staff do not encourage children to repeat new words or refine their pronunciation. Occasionally, they do not give them the time they need to think and respond to questions to further

p.2

need to do better?

encourage their language abilities. n Children develop pertinent socials skills, engaging with one another and staff in respectful ways. They are confident and know what is expected of them. Older children go straight to the activities and start learning when they arrive, and younger children confidently hold on to the handrail when going down the stairs.

p.2

need to do better?

5 June 2025 Children learn about how to manage their own risks. n Key persons offer predictable routines, warm boundaries and contentment, enabling children to feel safe enough to explore who they are. Children show genuine care for one another, offering comfort when someone is upset and negotiating with growing independence. The ethos of kindness and inclusion is lived in the everyday. n Leaders are very skilled and experienced, leading with heart and clarity. They are able to evaluate and identify what it is that staff and the setting need to develop further. However, some of the areas are still in their infancy. For example, staff are not consistently reflecting on and evaluating the wider impact activities might have on children. For example, staff have not planned handwashing routines for children after messy play or using finger paint outdoors. n Children's physical development is well promoted. Staff plan opportunities for

p.2

need to do better?

children indoors and outdoors to develop their overall physical skills. Children enjoy using playdough to make an octopus, using their hand-eye coordination and hand muscles as well as counting carefully to ensure that they have all the tentacles. This helps children develop the skills needed for early writing. n Parents are very pleased with the pre-school. They talk about the responsiveness of the staff when they voice concerns. They value the support they receive and praise the staff team. Staff share children's next steps, and parents know who their child's key person is. Parents comment on how children have become more socially confident since attending the nursery.

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 continue to develop staff's ability to evaluate activities and practice to think ahead and extend children's learning consistently n strengthen staff's practice to further support children's communication and language, especially when pronouncing words and holding conversations.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY542789 Local authority Havering Inspection number 10388411 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 68 Number of children on roll 95 Name of registered person Val Robinson Childcare Services Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01708 556434 Date of previous inspection 10 July 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Val Robinson Childcare, Cottage Preschool registered in 2008 and then re- registered in 2017. The setting operates from the Royals Youth Centre in Rainham, in the London Borough of Havering. The setting is open each weekday, from 8.45am to 2.45pm, term time only. The provider employs 15 members of childcare staff. All staff hold appropriate qualifications in early years at levels 2, 3 or 6. The setting provides funded early years education.

p.4

Inspection activities

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 The inspector observed the quality of teaching and, with the manager, carried out a joint observation. n The inspector spoke to the children during the inspection. n The inspector observed children's activities and staff's teaching, indoors and outdoors. n The inspector spoke to staff and parents at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspectors checked evidence of the suitability and qualifications of staff working with children.

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

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.

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