Wendens Ambo Pre School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children demonstrate they are keen and eager to learn as they excitedly arrive at pre-school. They are greeted by attentive, nurturing staff. Children are enthusiastic, demonstrate they are settled and happy and become engrossed in their play, leaving their parents with ease. Children's individual interests and developing needs fully inform the curriculum. They are aware of the high expectations of the staff, who are good role models and speak with respect and kindness to the children.

Children's speech and language development is good and staff are skilful in their interactions with them. They are aware of the importance of introducing new words to help children's conversation skills and how to pose questions to encourage them to think. For example, children interested in body parts show sustained concentration and have meaningful conversations as they learn about lungs, the spine and kidneys and where they are positioned in the body. Children flourish outdoors and know how to keep themselves safe. They tell visitors to the pre-school they need to wear wellington boots and a coat to keep warm and dry. They are positively encouraged and supported to take care of their personal needs. Children learn the skills required for independence and for transition to school, and successful future learning.

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

• Children make good progress while at pre-school. They benefit from a broad curriculum, planned around their interests and what they need to learn next. All areas of learning are promoted well, both indoors and in the outdoor learning environment. There is a strong focus on supporting children's speech and language and emotional needs, and the pre-school are actively involved in the 'COVID Recovery Programme' within Essex. Children are taught by staff who are knowledgeable about how children learn and know their children extremely well.
• Partnerships with parents are effective. The manager and her team take time in getting to know the children and the family. They understand the importance of professional but friendly working partnerships. Parents speak positively of their children's experiences at pre-school and the progress they make. Many comment on how welcoming and homely the pre-school is. Parents were keen to speak with the inspector and express their gratitude for the support and advice they receive from staff. They feel reassured leaving their children with the trusting staff and say communication is good.
• The manager and trustees understand the importance of supporting the staff in their own professional development. Staff have a positive attitude towards training as they are aware of the importance training has, to improve outcomes for children. The manager is hands on and routinely monitors her staff's practice, supporting staff through supervisions and informal daily meetings. Staff retention is good as their well-being is considered and staff speak of feeling valued. They comment that they enjoy their time at pre-school.
• The quality of teaching and staff interaction is good. The curriculum is planned around all areas of learning and based on children's interests. However, the curriculum is not consistently challenging and, sometimes, children are unable to build on what they already know and extend their knowledge to a higher level.
• The pre-school is fully inclusive, and activities are planned to ensure all children can participate. The special educational needs coordinator is knowledgeable about her role. She effectively engages with parents and other agencies involved with the children to ensure all children receive the support they need to make good progress.
• Children enjoy stories at group time. In addition, there are some props and puppets available to encourage interaction. However, there is scope to inspire children's interest further, as staff do not always encourage children to take full advantage of books on offer.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• plan more opportunities within the curriculum to challenge children's thinking to consistently build on what they already know and can do
• plan and provide more opportunities for children to expand their enjoyment of books.