Ravenstone Pre-School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive at the pre-school and happily access the range of activities on offer. Children behave well. They demonstrate good levels of concentration as they take it in turns to investigate a tray of lemons and limes. A child smells a slice of lemon and exclaims, 'It smells like sweets!' Staff ask, 'Are sweets healthy?' The group of children reply 'no' in unison. Staff extend learning as they have a conversation with children about healthy food choices. This provides children with the knowledge to help them to select nutritious food and drink.

Children have a strong sense of belonging in the pre-school. For example, they identify their own peg by name and picture and hang up their coat. Similarly, children identify their own name tag during registration and place any belongings in their 'going home basket'. A 'talking board' features photos of children with their families and friends. Staff use this frequently to promote discussions with children. As a result, children feel safe and secure in the pre-school.

Children use their senses to explore and learn. For instance, while creating a 'mud pie', children talk about how mud turns water brown in colour. They explore what the mud looks and feels like. Staff encourage children's creativity. They ask, 'What do we need to make a mud pie?' One child confidently shouts 'ingredients' and another says 'leaves'. Staff acknowledge and value children's contributions. For instance, staff say, 'That's a good word, what type of ingredients can you think of?' Subsequently, children are confident in sharing their thoughts and ideas with others.

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

• Staff use assessment well. This means that they have an accurate understanding of children's level of development and individual needs. Where appropriate, staff undertake prompt referrals to specialist services and other professionals. As a result, all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, receive the right level of support to reach their full potential.
• Staff use a variety of communication methods to support children's understanding. For instance, during snack time, staff use sign language and verbal communication to ask children if they would like more. Additionally, staff use photos of activities for some children to indicate what they would like to play with. This helps children who are not yet speaking to express themselves and make choices.
• Partnerships with parents are strong. Staff at the pre-school communicate with parents and carers in a range of ways, for example through conversations at drop-off and collection times, newsletters and via online apps. Parents have high regard for the pre-school. One parent explains how the staff share strategies to support children's emotional development. As a result, they have noticed a positive impact on their child's confidence when separating from the main carer. Parents speak warmly about the pre-school. They comment that staff know their child very well. Subsequently, parents feel comfortable in approaching staff for support.
• Children have regular opportunities to be physically active. During the morning session, children take part in yoga. They practise the 'downward dog' movement to stretch their limbs and strengthen their muscles. Children learn about the impact that physical activity has on their bodies. However, some children begin to lose interest and participate in other activities. This means that children are unable to concentrate fully on the yoga session. As a result, not all children benefit from the learning intentions of the session.
• Children learn about the natural world around them. Staff organise a visit from the local farm. They bring newly hatched chicks in an incubator. This provides children with new experiences as they learn about life cycles and the care needs of chicks.
• Children have a positive approach to learning and routine tasks. During snack time, they serve themselves milk or water. When a child spills their drink, staff say, 'Never mind, would you like to have another go?' Consequently, children build resilience and feel confident to keep on trying. However, all staff become involved when setting up for snack. As a result, children sit by themselves for prolonged periods and become restless.
• The manager leads a small, dedicated staff team. Staff supervision sessions take place. This provides time to discuss concerns and celebrate achievements. The manager and staff identify professional development opportunities and targets. For example, staff access training on the benefits of physical play. As a result, the pre-school has implemented a 'morning movement session'. Staff report that this supports children's physical development, aids sleep and promotes general well-being.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• improve the organisation of activities and routines to help children remain engaged in their learning.