The Shekinah Glory Pre-School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children flourish at this friendly pre-school.

They are excited to arrive and explore the numerous activities staff skilfully plan. Children have exceptionally close bonds with their key staff. Staff work incredibly hard with families to gather in-depth knowledge of children's unique circumstances.

This allows them to recognise changes in children's behaviour and support their well-being. For example, when children feel sad, staff spend time in the quiet area with them. They look through family photos and discuss their emotions.

Children feel secure and settle quickly in the pre-school. Staff support this by e...stablishing exceptionally strong relationships with families. Managers and staff understand that most families speak English as an additional language.

They work incredibly hard to engage parents in children's learning. For example, children take home dual-language books each week to share with their families.Children confidently explore cultures and beliefs beyond their own.

They proudly show off the flags they have been making for their Platinum Jubilee party. Staff invite families to share their unique traditions and celebrations in the pre-school. This supports children's understanding of their diverse environment exceptionally well.

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

The highly qualified provider and managers are passionate about their role in supporting children's communication skills. All children in the pre-school speak English as an additional language. The provider employs a specialist teacher to support children to progress well in this area.

Staff extend children's learning well. In a mathematical activity, children count the ladybirds in a book and match them to the correct number. Staff then encourage their language development by supporting them to describe the various colours and patterns on their backs.

Managers and staff form exceptionally close relationships with families from the start. They communicate well to gather information about children's early experiences. This enables staff to support the diverse emotional and developmental needs of all children.

Staff are highly skilled at supporting children to assess risks in their play. For example, children use outdoor play equipment to create an obstacle course. Staff encourage them to explore potential hazards in their play.

They then discuss how they can complete the task safely.Staff place a sharp focus on children's physical development. Children enjoy weekly football and dance sessions delivered by professionals.

Staff understand the importance of children's fine motor development. They provide numerous activities to develop their hand muscles. This supports children's early writing skills.

Children behave well in the setting and respond swiftly to staff requests. They are polite to one another and always demonstrate good manners. Children enjoy helping one another and completing tasks independently.

For example, children delight in being chosen as the lunchtime helpers. They take pride in passing out cups and plates to their friends.Parents speak highly of the managers and staff.

They are extremely grateful for the high-quality, nurturing care they offer. Parents comment on the immense support they receive from staff and how this benefits their children. They also greatly appreciate the daily communication about children's progress.

Staff use children's interests as the basis for their learning. For example, children observe snails in the garden. Staff are swift to introduce learning opportunities around this theme.

Children learn new words when describing the various features of minibeasts. They make their own snails and discuss the emotions relating to the facial expressions they have chosen.Staff support children's transitions well.

They communicate with other settings verbally and offer detailed transition reports. Furthermore, managers maintain contact with schools once children have started. This enables them to offer advice and support regarding individual children if necessary.

Staff engage well with children in all activities. They ask numerous thought-provoking and open-ended questions. Staff understand this supports children's language and critical thinking development.

However, staff do not always allow children enough time to respond before giving them the answers.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager and staff understand their role in keeping children safe in the pre-school.

They demonstrate good knowledge of the signs and symptoms that could indicate that a child is at risk of harm. The manager and staff talk confidently about the referral process to follow if they have concerns about a child, and the need to do so in a timely manner. They complete daily risk assessments of the pre-school to ensure all areas remain safe for children.

The provider has robust recruitment and induction procedures in place. All staff are suitable to work with children and complete first-aid and safeguarding training prior to starting in the pre-school.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: support children's language development even more, allowing them plenty of time to respond to questions during activities.