The Little Rascals Pre-School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are at the heart of this exceptional pre-school. They thrive in the nurturing and highly vibrant environment. Children enjoy meaningful interactions with staff, who ignite their curiosity and interest. As a result, children are constantly engaged and completely immersed in their learning. For instance, story time is a joyous occasion, where children cannot contain their excitement. Children learn an array of stories, which encourages their language and literacy development. They are extremely inquisitive and ask questions to further extend their knowledge. For example, as children make play dough they discuss why it feels 'sticky'. Children share their thoughts and ideas and tell staff that there is 'too much water'.

Children show high levels of imagination and a sense of wonder in their learning. They pretend to be scientists and talk about using 'pipettes' as they wish to 'gather samples of bacteria to study and grow'. They learn about important healthy practices, such as washing their hands and brushing their teeth. They tell visitors how they need to 'clean their teeth to keep them healthy and strong or they will go black.'

Children's behaviour is impeccable. They are happy, calm and friendly. Younger children readily share and take turns. Older children are excellent role models. They recognise the feelings of others and willingly invite them to join their activities.

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

• The pre-school is a hive of activity. Everywhere you look, children are actively engaged in exciting and meaningful learning. Staff plan stimulating activities around children's individual interests and needs. The quality of teaching across the pre-school is outstanding.
• The provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is superb. Staff complete training to meet children's specific learning and medical needs. They work closely with parents and professionals to implement targeted interventions with respect and sensitivity.
• Additional funding is used successfully. The manager carefully considers how funding can be used to give children the best opportunities. For example, staff enhance the environment with a specific area to support children who need high levels of sensory stimulation. This ensures that all children feel welcomed and valued.
• Staff's focus on children's speech and language skills is exceptional. They expose children to an abundance of new words as they play. For example, knead, mould' and 'squash'. The sound of conversation and curious children's questions flows through the pre-school. Staff ask thought-provoking questions that encourage children to think deeply. For example, children discuss in depth what country a scorpion comes from.
• Children thoroughly enjoy their explorations and discussions, particularly outside. Staff spark their inquisitive spirit when they encourage them to look for insects in the garden. Children become absorbed as they find spiders and bugs. They ask staff to help them to put them in the pre-school bug house. Children proudly share facts about what they have learned, such as some insects fly and others crawl. They discuss about using a magnifying glass, so they can get a closer look at the insects.
• Opportunities for mark making and mathematics are securely embedded in activities, both indoors and outdoors. Younger children learn letters and new words rapidly. Older children learn to write their name and other familiar words. Children share their mathematical knowledge through everyday activities. At mealtimes, children count how many sandwiches they have. They talk about 'more' and 'less' when looking at quantities.
• Snack time is an incredibly sociable experience. Staff and children chat and their relationships are harmonious. Children demonstrate independence by pouring their drinks and cutting up their fruit. Staff challenge children to take the lid off their yoghurt. When finished, children put their rubbish in the bin and wash their plate.
• Partnerships with parents are superb. Parents share the staff's passion for the setting. They comment that they get regular updates on their children's development. Parents describe how independent their children have become since starting at the setting. They describe the staff as 'amazing' and 'wonderful'. Parents comment that pre-school offers children a wealth of wonderful and happy learning experiences.
• The manager is passionate about providing the highest quality care and learning. She successfully leads a very dedicated staff team, who consistently state that they are extremely well supported.