All Saints Blackwell Pre-School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive at this lovely pre-school. They demonstrate high levels of independence and confidence and show that they thoroughly enjoy their time at the pre-school. Staff know children extremely well and plan exciting activities that ignite their curiosity. For instance, children show fascination as they watch caterpillars, using their magnifying glasses. Children's behaviour is impeccable. Adults set clear expectations for children's behaviour. They model respectful relationships excellently. Adults are very responsive to children's emotional needs and children make strong bonds with adults. Children thoroughly enjoy playing together. Close friendships are evident throughout the pre-school. Children take turns, discuss their ideas and work collaboratively. For example, children work together to hold a pirate flag up in the wind and say, 'Let's hold it up. Three, two, one!'

Children benefit from adults who have a deep understanding of each child's needs. Children who need additional support receive this is quickly and effectively. For example, plans are put in place so that all staff know how to help children to make progress and referrals are made to other services for support, such as speech and language therapy.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

• The very experienced and well-qualified team of staff plan an ambitious curriculum for children across all areas of learning. They gather information from parents to understand what children can do when they join the setting. Staff plan exciting experiences for children. For example, they watch caterpillars turn into butterflies, use a fire hose during a visit from the fire service, and grow and cook potatoes.
• Children's emotional well-being is supported superbly. Staff are nurturing and offer children reassurance and encouragement. Children snuggle in with staff when they are feeling unsure and stroke their hair for comfort. As a result, children feel safe and secure and can continue with their play and learning.
• Staff use gentle encouragement and praise skilfully to help children to build confidence. When children struggle with the obstacle course outdoors, staff reassure, guide and praise them. This means that children develop great determination even when they find something difficult. This builds their resilience. Furthermore, children show immense pride in their achievements and staff share their delight.
• Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. They explain these consistently to children. Consequently, children know what adults expect of them. For example, they put on aprons before painting without adults directing them to do so.
• Staff have an excellent understanding of the ways in which young children learn. They interact with children skilfully. They know when and how to contribute to children's play. They know how to ask questions to extend children's thinking skills, such as how to think critically and solve problems.
• Leaders reflect and identify areas in which practice can improve. For example, leaders recognise that story times are not beneficial for all children. They make changes to the way they organise story times, and staff complete storytelling training. The superb reflection means that children enjoy a curriculum which is tailored to meet their individual needs.
• The experienced team of staff plan an ambitious curriculum. They gather information from parents to understand what children can already do when they join the pre-school. Staff plan exciting experiences for children to learn through. For instance, they participate in adventures in the outdoor area, such as visits to their pretend train station.
• Parents speak highly of the pre-school. They state that staff are kind and caring. They receive regular information about their children's development. They regularly receive suggestions of how they can support their children's learning at home. This means that children's learning is well supported in the pre-school and at home.
• Children's communication and language skills are very well supported. Staff model language, repeat words clearly and introduce new vocabulary. Children speak articulately and use impressive words in context, such as 'praying mantis'.