Belgrave Pre-School Playgroup

Inspection of Belgrave Pre-School Playgroup The Community Centre 55-57 Ashes Road, Westminster Park, Chester, Cheshire CH4 7QS

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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 relish their time in this bright and welcoming pre-school. They demonstrate good physical dexterity in the garden. For example, they manoeuvre large hollow blocks, carefully navigating around their friends. Children laugh infectiously as they take turns rolling apples down drainpipes. They comment on which ones they think will make the biggest 'splash'. Staff carefully consider their interactions with children. They give clear and consistent messages about children's behaviour. Staff model good manners and the behaviours they expect very well. Children form close friendships and become deeply engrossed in their play.

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The provision is good

Staff place a strong emphasis on supporting children's communication and language development. They support children to develop a love of books. For example, staff make books available in all areas. Staff read with enthusiasm. Children delight in the interactive way that story times are delivered. Staff encourage parents and carers to extend their children's love of reading at home. The pre-school offers a weekly book swap. Children enjoy choosing and sharing these books with their families.

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The provision is good

Staff, who act as excellent role models, promote children's emotional security well. They encourage children to develop their independence and have a 'can-do' attitude to learning. Children show high levels of concentration as they carefully pour their own milk at snack time. As a result, children become capable and confident individuals.

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need to do better?

n Leaders are committed to providing a high standard of care and education for children in the local community. The pre-school has been running for many years, and parents speak fondly about the personalised support they receive. The pre-school committee plays an active role in its continued success by sourcing funding and managing the business aspects of the setting. This helps to secure the future of the pre-school for years to come. n The pre-school has well-established links with local schools and external professionals. Leaders act with integrity in using the funding the pre-school receives. They go above and beyond to provide a flexible and inclusive service to all families. Children who speak English as an additional language progress very well. Staff forge close partnerships with parents and learn words in their home languages to support children to develop a good grasp of English. This helps to

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need to do better?

ensure that all children receive the relevant support and intervention to help them to make good progress. n Children access a broad and balanced curriculum that helps to ensure that they embed skills across all areas of learning. Staff follow children's interests and

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need to do better?

25 September 2025 provide plenty of opportunities for children to explore freely and lead their own learning. However, at times, the implementation of the curriculum is less consistent. For example, staff do not consistently adapt activities to suit all children's precise stages of development or sharply focus on the skills they need to learn next. This does not help to extend all children's learning. n Good hygiene practices and healthy habits are effective across the pre-school. Staff teach children to become increasingly independent in managing their personal needs. They support children to learn about healthy lifestyles. Children enjoy growing fruits and vegetables in the pre-school garden. Staff offer parents information on topics such as nutrition and healthy packed lunches to continue supporting these processes at home. n Children benefit from excellent links with the on-site primary school. They are

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need to do better?

well supported through discussions and regular visits for their transition to this school. However, some children currently attend other settings as well as the pre-school, and others will be moving on to different schools. Leaders have not prioritised forging secure links with these other settings. Therefore, effective strategies for strengthening children's ongoing progress are not in place. n Leaders value their long-serving staff team and place a strong focus on their well-being. A programme of training, supervision sessions and an open-door policy for any concerns support all staff to achieve their full potential. Staff say they feel supported and work tirelessly to ensure that the pre-school continues to meet the needs of the children and the community it serves.

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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 place more emphasis on implementing the curriculum by adapting activities so they are more sharply focused on the skills children need to learn next n strengthen partnerships with the other settings that children also attend, to share information to help children to make the best progress possible.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 304974 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10407395 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 29 Name of registered person Belgrave Pre-School Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07761816891 Date of previous inspection 8 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

Belgrave Pre-school Playgroup registered in 1973 and is located in Chester. The pre-school employs six members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including one member of staff who holds qualified teacher status. The pre-school opens during term time. Sessions run on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 3pm, and on Thursday from 9am to midday. The pre-school offers government-funded childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on the children's learning. n The manager and the inspector had a learning walk of all areas of the pre-school and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector spoke with staff, committee members and the children at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager and the inspector discussed how the curriculum is implemented and the impact on the children's learning and development. n The inspector looked at a sample of relevant records and documentation, including evidence of staff's suitability and training. n The inspector viewed all areas of the pre-school and discussed the safety, security and suitability of the premises.

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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

25 September 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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