St. Alphege Pre-school/No. 1 Club

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children have the time and space that they need to fully explore, discover and test their ideas. They feel secure and comfortable, and confidently move around deciding what to do. For example, outdoors, children ask for the umbrellas and walk along the stepping stones. Staff skilfully follow their lead. They introduce concepts such as balance and use a rich range of language. Children show high levels of sustained engagement during circle time. Each child is given the time that they need to share their news, including those who are less confident. Children eagerly talk about the codes of behaviour in place as they are inspired by the visual aids used.

Children become deeply involved during a story session as they are enticed to name and count the various real fruits and foods linked to the story. Children practise new skills and test their knowledge as activities are often repeated and adapted to help them to experiment further. For example, children use pipettes filled with water and hammers to melt and break ice, and learn about the healthy and unhealthy food they find. The appealing outdoor environment further motivates children to discover. For example, children are eager to find insects, and learn how to be caring and kind. Others work together to roll large tyres and consider concepts such as size and weight.

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

• The leadership team has effectively addressed the actions and recommendations raised at the last inspection. There are robust systems in place to ensure that all committee members and staff are vetted and suitable, and Ofsted informed of any significant changes. All staff have received training. They competently observe children and regularly assess their progress. They effectively use this information to help to identify next steps in children's learning and share this information with parents. This strengthened partnership working helps to involve parents in their children's learning and helps them to better support their learning at home.
• The educational programmes and environment are shaped with children's needs in mind and to prepare them for the local school nursery. There is a clear emphasis on providing play both indoors and outdoors to help to promote children's well-being, development and learning. Staff place a prime focus on supporting children to develop their confidence and ability to make choices, and their exploration of the rich range of experiences on offer.
• The settling process for children who are new is tailored to each child's individual needs. Staff work closely with parents to pinpoint children's starting points, and quickly identify any children who may benefit from additional support. They make swift referrals to other agencies and professionals to ensure that children receive the support that they need to help them to progress.
• Staff help children to learn about their similarities and differences. For example, children are encouraged to taste foods that they are unfamiliar with and enjoy clothing, music and dance from different cultures. Children who speak English as an additional language make good progress from their starting points. However, staff do not provide enough opportunities for children to use their home languages to further support their learning and children's understanding of other languages.
• The manager has developed a strong culture of reflective practice. Staff evaluate the activities provided daily and adapt them to challenge children's learning. Staff benefit from supervision sessions and training to help to increase their skills and knowledge. The manager regularly monitors the quality of teaching to ensure the quality of teaching is good. However, on occasions, some staff interrupt children's play by asking too many questions.
• Promoting children's emotional well-being is a clear priority. Partnerships with the local school nursery and other settings that children attend are strong. For example, staff share useful information about children's personalities, friendship groups and their development. This helps to support all children's emotional well-being and education, including those attending the wraparound care and club.
• Feedback from parents is positive. They report that their children make good progress, and are impressed by how well staff know their children and meet their care and medical needs. They value the detailed information that they receive about their children's day and development.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• provide increased opportunities for children who are bilingual or speak English as an additional language to use their home language to further support their learning, and help all children to value other languages
• build further on staff professional development opportunities, particularly for new staff, to help to sustain and build on the good quality of teaching achieved.