Little Hedgehogs Preschool

Leadership and governance: Expected standard

The provider demonstrates a secure and comprehensive understanding of her responsibility to keep children safe. She explains how robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place and reviewed regularly. The provider describes how this ensures that they remain effective and reflect current guidance and legislation. She describes how they have successfully established a safeguarding culture across the setting, where children's safety, welfare and wellbeing are consistently prioritised. The provider undertakes regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge and skills up to date. She explains how she ensures that all staff receive appropriate guidance, supervision sessions and support to understand the safeguarding expectations and confidently implement them into practice.

The provider demonstrates through discussion that she is highly ambitious, reflective and driven by a clear vision for the setting. Drawing on her experience and expertise, she explains how she continually seeks ways to enhance the quality of education and improve outcomes for children. The provider describes how she has developed an ambitious, inclusive and well-sequenced curriculum that encompasses all areas of learning and development.

The provider demonstrates a secure understanding of how to lead, mentor and support staff to ensure that her vision is consistently implemented to a high standard throughout the setting. For example, the provider discusses how she has established effective systems to gain a thorough understanding of each child's individual needs from the outset. As part of the induction process, she explains that staff complete baseline assessments in partnership with parents and carers when children first join the setting. The provider discusses how this enables staff to develop a comprehensive understanding of children's starting points, interests, family circumstances and learning needs. She discusses how the information gathered is then used to plan tailored learning experiences and establish collaborative partnerships with families. Where additional support is required, the provider explains that staff ensure targeted interventions and appropriate adaptations are implemented promptly to meet children's individual needs and help them to achieve their full potential.

The provider is deeply committed to continuous improvement. She recognises the significant impact that professional development has on the quality of teaching and learning. The provider actively seeks out relevant training opportunities to enhance her own knowledge and skills. She explains how she promotes a culture of professional growth across the setting. The provider ensures that staff benefit from regular coaching and professional development opportunities that strengthen their practice and improve outcomes for children. The provider places a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing and takes proactive steps to ensure workloads are managed effectively. Through her supportive and considerate approach, she describes that generally staff feel valued, well supported and able to maintain a positive work-life balance.

The provider explains how staff maintain partnerships with parents, local professionals and wider community networks. She describes how she uses these relationships to share knowledge, exchange ideas and further enhance provision. The provider discusses how she strives to ensure that every child receives high-quality care and education and the very best start to their learning journey.