Little Cherubs

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The staff at this small sessional pre-school pride themselves on being welcoming and inclusive to all children regardless of their ability. A high number of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) attend. Staff work with other professionals to adapt the curriculum where this is required. Staff place a strong emphasis on supporting children's personal, social and emotional development. They understand that mastering all prime areas of learning is key to children's future educational success. Clear routines and boundaries ensure that children understand what is expected of them and help them to settle quickly. Children are encouraged to make choices, for example between activities and snacks. Staff explain to children that behaviour is also a choice. Children quickly understand that they can make good choices or choices which are not so good. They understand the consequences of their actions on others or on their own safety. For example, children understand that it is good to help tidy up toys from the floor so that they do not get damaged.

Children are introduced to topics which expand their horizons and teach them about the wider world. They enjoy caring for caterpillars and watching as they become cocoons and hatch into butterflies. Staff use these types of activities to provide context when teaching children new words, such as 'fragile', 'sensitive' and 'cocoon'. Associated stories support children to recall ideas and practise focusing on a task as part of a group. This helps to prepare children for their move on to school.

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

• The provider has a wealth of experience of working with children with SEND. She is dedicated to providing appropriate help to the children and their families. She guides parents through assessments to ensure that suitable support is provided. Where required, special school or specialist unit placements are arranged for children to move on to. This assists children with SEND to access their entitlement to the correct early education.
• The way staff manage children's behaviour is a real strength of this pre-school. Staff understand that they need to reflect on children's behaviour. They assess what it is telling them and adapt their approach if necessary. Staff focus on using the same simple, consistent strategies. The children understand that staff mean what they say and learn to trust them. Children who have had difficulty complying with behaviour expectations in other settings quickly learn to make good choices. Children are developing a strong sense of right and wrong and have a positive attitude.
• The provider and staff have a clear idea of what they want children to learn. While the focus is on the prime areas of learning, staff also weave in other areas of development. For example, while playing a physical parachute game, children move with confidence. They are also challenged to use numbers and remember the meaning of mathematical positional language, such as 'under', 'over' and 'around'. Children develop a positive attitude to learning and are eager to join in.
• The small team of staff work together and draw on each other's strengths. The provider shares her experience and regularly provides suggestions of how staff can improve their practice. Staff are very keen to plan interesting and exciting activities which sometimes link to past learning. For example, children recall their learning about landmarks of London linked to the previous activities relating to the King's coronation. However, sometimes, such activities are dominated by the most able children or those who need specific adjustments. The provider recognises that staff need to further develop their teaching skills and confidence in consistently delivering the planned curriculum for all children.
• Snack times are used as a social time and to recall past learning and develop children's understanding of healthy eating. Children make choices between drinks and are reminded to say 'please' and 'thank you'. They are encouraged to try a range of vegetables and fruits. Staff discuss the properties of food with them. For example, they explain that cheese provides calcium which supports healthy bones and teeth. Children are reminded to take extra drinks when it is hot. They are learning the conventions of mealtimes and are starting to understand how to keep themselves healthy.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• develop the mentoring of staff to support them to further enhance their teaching skills to drive all children's learning.