Docking Pre-School

Inspection of Docking Pre-School Well Street, Docking, Norfolk PE31 8LQ

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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

Staff give children a warm welcome as they arrive at this nurturing pre-school. Children happily come in and show positive attitudes, curiosity and interest as they busily play and learn together. Staff know the children well and demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of the intent of their curriculum. They know exactly what progress children have made and what they will be working on next to prepare children for the next stage. Children behave well in response to the expectations of staff. Staff use visual aids to support children to begin to understand their emotions.

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The provision is good

The pre-school places emphasis on supporting the development of children's communication skills. Children are introduced to new vocabulary as part of their activities. Staff incorporate these words during play to provide context for children. For instance, when discussing the life cycle of butterflies, staff use the word 'cocoon' to explain that particular stage of the cycle to the children.

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The provision is good

Staff make sure that reading books is an important part of the daily routine. Children listen to stories enthusiastically and recognise the familiar lines when staff read with them. Children act out actions to a favourite story and build on prior knowledge. For example, when reading a book about a dog, children talk about their pet dogs at home. This promotes children's love of books and literacy development, as well as an understanding of the world.

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need to do better?

n The management team ensures staff have regular supervisions, and support for their well-being. Staff have access to training opportunities to support their continued professional development. The manager uses additional funding that children are entitled to effectively. For example, resources have been purchased to support children's communication and language development. n Children's independence is fostered and they follow instructions and routines well. They know what is coming next and transitions throughout the day are smooth and positive. Older children have lunch at the school as part of their preparation for starting school, which helps facilitate transitions. Additionally, children participate in settling-in sessions at the school to support smoother transitions. The pre-school maintains effective links with the school. n Leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to their roles and the impact they

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need to do better?

have within the local community. For instance, in response to identified needs, they have established a 'Tots group' at the church to support community members. Leaders also emphasise the value of their close-knit community. n Staff interact skilfully with children to build and extend their language and learning. For example, they talk to children about their interests and support

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need to do better?

9 July 2025 them to develop their ideas. However, at times, staff do not fully involve younger children most in need of these quality interactions. This has an impact on the engagement and progress of these children at these times. n Children engage with outdoor learning opportunities and move between indoor and outdoor environments. Staff offer a range of activities outdoors to support engagement. For example, children may find ladybirds, handle them and count their spots. However, staff demonstrate less confidence in providing consistent communication support for younger children. As a result, while children participate in outdoor activities, they do not always have access to consistent interactions that further develop their skills. n Relationships with families are a key aspect of the pre-school's approach to inclusion and support. Staff focus on open, two-way communication and develop partnerships with parents and carers. Families describe the environment as

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need to do better?

welcoming and express trust in staff to address their children's individual needs in a professional manner, noting that staff often exceed standard expectations.

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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 ensure that staff include all children in their interactions to fully support children's learning and development n develop staff confidence to provide younger children with consistently high- quality opportunities to develop their communication skills further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 254040 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10398118 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 22 Number of children on roll 36 Name of registered person Docking Day Care Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01485 518927 Date of previous inspection 3 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Docking Pre-School registered in 1995. The pre-school employs seven members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday, during term time only. Sessions are from 8.45am to 3.30pm. The pre-school offers a wraparound care session from 8.15am to 8.45am. The pre-school provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the pre-school and discussed the early years curriculum. 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 was having on children's learning. n The inspector and the manager carried out a joint observation of an activity. n Parents shared their views of the pre-school with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.

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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

9 July 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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