Ramsden Preschool

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are at the centre of this exquisite pre-school. Leaders and staff create a captivating and inviting environment that sparks children's curiosity and sense of discovery. Children arrive very happy, separate well from their parents and become deeply engrossed in this enriching learning provision with support from very nurturing staff. For example, children are fascinated to learn about the life cycle of a duck. They have meaningful opportunities to observe how the eggs hatch and the ducklings come to life. Knowledgeable staff inspire children to learn more about where ducks live and what they eat, as well as noticing their distinctive features, such as colour and size. In addition, staff guide children to be kind and gentle towards all living things. This helps build on children's understanding of the world, while extending their life experiences.

Staff are warm and supportive. They have high expectations of children, and they rise to the challenge exceptionally well. Children behave well and have a positive attitude to learning. For example, at snack time, staff encourage children to make their own healthy choices, pour their own drinks and assist with cutting the fruits. As a result, children acquire skills that are needed to become independent and resilient learners. They show high levels of respect and consideration towards their peers and staff. Knowledgeable staff value children's achievements and praise them for their efforts. This helps children feel involved and appreciated during their time at this pre-school, building on their emotional resilience, confidence and self-esteem.

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

• Leaders have created a rich and ambitious curriculum that is extremely well sequenced. All staff have a very clear vision of what they want children to learn. They are actively involved in planning a wide range of meaningful activities while taking into consideration children's needs, abilities and interests. Staff are exemplary role models and have warm and caring relationships with all children. They offer a diverse and inclusive practice. For example, children have an amazing time learning more about Africa. Staff encourage them to participate in discussions about meerkats, where they live and what they eat. This helps develop children's communication and language skills and understanding of the world.
• Tailored settling-in sessions and initial assessments mean that staff get to know children remarkably well. Staff value early intervention and ensure that children make rapid progress right from the start, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They complete regular observations and the next steps in children's learning that are shared with the parents.
• Staff create excellent opportunities for children to develop their role-play skills and strengthen their social interactions. In the garden, children work well as a team to build a car park. They skilfully place large bricks in the right place to create the desired structure, while using other props and resources with confidence. Staff encourage them to talk about what they are doing and think of other ways to use the materials that are available. This also helps further develop children's thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Children have an amazing time exploring popcorn. Supportive staff demonstrate the activity effectively, and children concentrate intently. They encourage children to explore the corn seed and its texture, while talking about where it comes from. Children look closely and notice the transformation from a seed to popcorn, being absolutely mesmerised with the entire process. This supports children's understanding of the world and their cognitive development.
• Children enjoy music and singing. Younger children choose their favourite nursery rhymes, and they sing with enthusiasm and joy, while following the correct actions. Older children practise the songs they will perform at the annual concert. This helps develop children's expressive arts and design.
• Leadership across the pre-school is inspirational. They create a positive and supportive culture for all staff. Leaders' continuous dedication and commitment to ensure that all children receive the best start to their early education are embraced by all staff. Staff feel valued and appreciated, and they receive focused supervisions. In addition, they benefit from robust training opportunities to ensure that the quality of teaching that is provided to all children is at the highest level.
• Partnership with parents is exceptional. They feel involved in their children's learning and appreciate the supportive and knowledgeable staff and leaders. Parents praise the tremendous progress their children make and appreciate all the fun and exciting activities that are provided.