Aspull Pre-School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

The pre-school is an extremely calm, safe and stimulating environment. Children use the exceptionally high-quality resources and equipment well. They develop their independence and follow their own ideas in both the indoor and outdoor areas.

For example, children negotiate space confidently as they manoeuvre scooters successfully around the outdoor area. The dedicated staff place children and their families at the heart of everything they do. They work unreservedly to meet the needs of all families to ensure that children learn skills they need to succeed in life.

All children are exceptionally happy and well se...ttled. Staff work extremely hard to form strong relationships with children and parents from the outset. For example, children meet their key person on a home visit before they start at the pre-school.

Staff have very high expectations of children to achieve their best possible outcomes, and children behave extremely well. Children have the freedom to explore and experiment freely in whichever area they choose. Staff expertly use these opportunities to capture children's interests and extend them further.

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

Knowledgeable staff provide an exciting curriculum, which promotes all areas of learning. They cater for children's interests and abilities extremely well. Staff take time to carefully observe children, learn about their interests and find out what they can do.

They use this information to expertly plan and provide stimulating and interesting activities. They introduce ideas to spark curiosity and imagination. Staff build on these ideas using a variety of methods.

For example, children look through the fence to try and find 'the big, bad wolf' after reading the story. Staff are extremely skilled in extending children's learning and language to the highest level through skilful questioning.All children are very happy and confident in the pre-school.

Experienced staff instinctively act as positive role models at all times. This is reflected in the children's exceptional behaviour. Children play independently and alongside others extremely well.

They share resources and equipment and take turns respectfully. Children are inquisitive and explore the environment with great curiosity. For example, in the mud kitchen they use a variety of utensils to fill and pour the mixture they create out of mud, water and petals.

Staff are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about emotional intelligence and the impact it has on children's behaviour. For example, daily meditation sessions provide an opportunity for children to relax and improve their concentration. Staff encourage children to take safe risks.

For example, they provide reassurance as a child negotiates their way independently across the climbing wall. Independence is instinctively promoted and deeply embedded by all staff in the setting. Children copy staff's actions.

For example, children use the dustpan and brush and tidy up after snack.The highly experienced manager works closely with the well-qualified team. She ensures that staff receive regular supervision to monitor their well-being.

This allows her to identify any training or support needs quickly and highly efficiently. Staff understand the significance of children's home lives and experiences. Training is carefully selected according to the needs of children.

Skilled staff share their expertise and disseminate their outstanding practice to other settings. The management team is completely dedicated to ensuring that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive additional support when required. Managers ensure that there is continuity after children have moved to their next stage of learning.

For example, the special educational needs coordinator liaises with schools to ensure that children receive the support they need to help reach their potential.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The experienced staff team has a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow if they have a concern about a child.

Staff are highly aware of indicators that children and families may be in need. They act quickly to ensure that families receive the support they require. Staff are completely aware of the importance of children's safety.