Queens Pre-School @ The Old Stables

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in this exceptional pre-school. Staff provide an abundance of opportunities that promote awe and wonder, inspired by children's interests and passions. Children are confident explorers and are highly motivated to learn. The quality of staff interactions is exemplary. Staff consistently engage in purposeful play alongside children, skilfully using questions to deepen their understanding and extend thinking. For example, in the reading corner, staff support children to research snake patterns online, promoting co-research and critical thinking. Staff help children build on their understanding of scientific concepts, such as melting and freezing, through ice play. Children use hammers to chip away at the ice and talk about how it will melt. They explore the impact of mixing different materials together to make volcano eruptions in the outside area.

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They form strong friendships, show genuine respect for staff, and are emotionally secure. Children's voices are consistently valued, with staff actively seeking and responding to their views, which enhances their sense of belonging and well-being. Staff are exceptional role models who set high expectations. They offer warm praise throughout the day and celebrate achievements through 'Star of the Day' awards, helping children to have high levels of confidence and self-esteem.

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

• Staff deliver a rich, ambitious, and highly responsive curriculum with a clear focus on preparing children for the next stage of their education. They are highly skilled at identifying what children need to learn next and introduce new learning opportunities through a wealth of engaging and inspiring learning opportunities. Children are empowered to take part in risky play. For example, children are supervised to use knives to cut vegetables, experience bonfires in the outside area, and use hammers and pins in their play. These well-managed activities promote children to develop high levels of confidence and self-belief in their own abilities.
• Children's experiences are significantly broadened through an extensive enrichment programme. Weekly visits to a local care home promote intergenerational relationships and children regularly participate in community outings, such as, library visits, and trips to the community allotment to grow herbs and vegetables. These experiences successfully promote children's understanding of the world and support language-rich learning opportunities, supporting their communication development.
• Children's independence is promoted at every opportunity. From attending to their self-care skills and making their own breakfast, to confidently self-serving lunch, children are given the tools and time to do things for themselves. Staff support this through calm, well-organised routines and clear expectations. Allergy procedures are followed with diligence, and children themselves demonstrate an exceptional awareness of dietary needs, reflecting a culture of mutual respect and safety.
• Staff support children to develop respect of their own background and that of others. Children confidently share their experiences from home, and differences are openly celebrated and discussed. Staff share their unique cultures and diversity. For example, children learn to cook soups prepared for Jewish festivals. Children engage in chopping vegetables, counting quantities, and tasting new foods, all while developing practical skills, knowledge about food origins and their understanding of the significance of traditions.
• Parents praise the high standards of care and feel exceptionally well informed about their child's progress. The pre-school uses a variety of communication strategies to ensure all parents can engage meaningfully with their child's education. Parents are actively involved in the pre-school, attending regular workshops and contributing their own experiences and professions during sessions with the children. Regular opportunities to provide feedback through surveys, allow parents to have a strong voice and contribute significantly to their child's learning.
• Leaders are highly reflective and proactive in ensuring that children are receiving the very best experiences. Staff are extremely well supported with regular support. They have access to a wide range of further training opportunities to help them continually build on their skills. Initiatives, such as appointing 'Passion Leaders', empower staff to bring their interests into practice. Staff's well-being is a clear priority, with leaders fostering a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere. Staff share they feel extremely valued and respected.