Little Turtles Pre-School The Cornerstone U.R.C.

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy the freedom they have to explore and be creative every day. They find inventive ways of using the resources provided. For example, children who are playing with counting beads delight in pretending the beads are long nails and rings on their fingers.

They enjoy clinking them together, and then use them to play the instruments. They are fascinated by the different sensations. Staff comfort children who have just started, with kind reassurance and lots of cuddles.

This helps children to settle quickly. They feel safe and secure and are able to engage in the interesting activities provided. Very ...soon they are beaming with pleasure.

Staff continuously praise children and reward positive behaviour. Children have a lot of fun playing in the home corner. They fill their buggies up to the brim and take their dolls for an imaginary picnic.

Children thoroughly enjoy dressing up and they wear their designs with pride. Staff encourage children and introduce new words and ideas to them throughout their play. Children have made firm friendships with one another and they socialise happily all morning.

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

Partnerships with parents are very strong. Parents comment that they have a brilliant relationship with the staff. Staff give them and their children excellent levels of support.

Staff provide parents with regular communication about their children's progress. They offer parents time before and after the session to discuss any issues they may have, and try to give advice and help where they can.The manager and senior staff are well qualified and have a depth of experience between them.

They are continuously looking to develop and build on their knowledge and expertise. The manager encourages her team to take on new responsibilities and hone their skills. This motivates staff and has a positive impact on children's learning.

New members of staff are well supported.Children are enthusiastic and engaged in activities and crafts that staff provide. For example, they thoroughly enjoy making play dough.

They add bright colouring and special smelling essences to make it different. Children develop their physical skills as they manipulate and squash the dough. Sometimes, staff do not adapt activities to fully challenge children and extend their learning.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are particularly well looked after. Staff offer children individual support for their specific needs and assist parents. Partnerships with outside agencies and professionals are strong.

Children have a team around them that are working together to help them to make the best possible progress.Children are well versed in the routines of the nursery and are learning to take care of themselves. For instance, they self-register when they arrive in the morning and when they have their snacks.

They wash their hands before they have their snack, and put their cups in the washing-up bowl without prompting. They pour out their own drinks and make choices about what they eat and drink. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour.

Staff challenge stereotypes. They teach children to understand that different family structures exist in society. Children learn about how other families celebrate in different ways, for example, through food, crafts and stories.

Children are beginning to appreciate how they are unique.Children have strong bonds with staff. The key-person system works effectively.

It supports children in making good progress from their starting points. Staff monitor children's development closely. They set children new targets to address any gaps in their learning.

Older children are gaining a good foundation in early mathematical concepts and can identify some numbers and count confidently to 20.Children are bold and confident and willing to persist in tasks. They practise balancing on scooters.

However, staff do not always use indoor areas to offer children the best opportunities to promote their physical skills.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager places a high priority on making sure that children are safe and this is well managed throughout the session.

Staff attend regular training and their knowledge of child protection is refreshed and updated in staff meetings. Staff know the signs and symptoms to look for and the procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child's welfare.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: nenhance the opportunities for children to engage in physical play when they are unable to use the outdoor area seek ways to adapt activities so that they fully challenge children and extend their learning.