Lakeswood Pre-School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Lakeswood Pre-School has a highly committed provider and staff team.

They share the determination to ensure that all children, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are happy and successful learners. Staff provide children with a safe and child-friendly environment. They are vigilant in their supervision of children.

This gives children the confidence to explore the learning environments freely. For instance, children delight in playing with 'snow', water and play dough. Staff create an inviting role-play area to promote children's creativity and imagination well.

Children have lots of fun as they dr...ess up as pirates and princesses. They are motivated to play.Staff build strong relationships with the children, which supports children's emotional well-being effectively.

Staff greet children and their parents with genuine warmth and affection. This helps children to settle quickly. Staff give children enough notice, so they know when there is going to be a change in the routine.

Children listen and follow staff's instructions well. This shows children's good behaviour. Staff have high expectations for children's learning.

They expect children to take responsibility for their personal needs. This teaches children to become independent learners, which puts them in very good stead for moving on to school.

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

The provider is an experienced practitioner and her passion for working with children shines through in all she does.

She evaluates her own and her staff's practice rigorously to maintain their high-quality provision. Recent developments include additional opportunities for children to explore books and toys to teach them about the safe use of technology. The provider recognises that staff need to make more use of the observations and assessments so children benefit fully during outdoor play.

Staff report that they receive regular coaching to keep their knowledge of child development strong. Following training, they have become even more aware of how to better support children's communication skills. This has had a positive impact, particularly on children with speech delay.

The provider has put in place safeguarding procedures to help keep children safe. For instance, she carries out regular checks on staff to ensure their suitability. The provider also ensures that staff are alert to signs that might indicate a child is at risk of harm.

There are clear procedures for escalating concerns, including in the event of an allegation.Staff follow good routines for changing nappies to support children's care and health needs. In addition, staff implement effective hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, to minimise the spread of germs and infectious illnesses.

Staff plan a curriculum that is purposeful and inclusive. The curriculum for literacy is particularly well developed. Staff enable children to show what they have learned in relation to phonics.

For example, during an activity, they ask children to link letter sounds with familiar objects. Children respond positively to this and show high levels of curiosity. They receive lots of praise from staff for their great efforts, which helps to boost their self-esteem.

Staff are very good at teaching children about the effects of foods and how these help their bodies to grow. For example, at snack time they talk to children about a range of healthy foods and where they come from. Children gain a strong understanding of healthy lifestyles.

Staff work tirelessly with parents to ensure that children make rapid progress from their starting points. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, they note that some children need extra support with their communication skills. Staff make timely referrals and offer parents guidance to promote a consistent approach for the children.

Parents report that they are extremely happy with the care and education that their children receive. They are highly complimentary about the progress their children make, especially in relation to their behaviour and language development. Parents describe staff how staff are 'welcoming' and 'nurturing', which has a positive impact on their children's well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: continue to gain knowledge of how staff can make more use of the observations and assessments to inform the outdoor curriculum.

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