Murrow Pre-School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Children are warmly welcomed by staff as they arrive at the start of the day. They settle quickly and show high levels of confidence as they choose their activities inside or out in the garden. Staff join in with children's activities when appropriate and demonstrate excellent teaching at all times.

Children show excellent levels of concentration during focused activities when they learn to make play dough. They follow instructions and take turns in adding ingredients and mixing everything together. Children have great fun and giggle when they find the mixture is too sloppy.

They think carefully to find a soluti...on to their problem and conclude that by adding more flour, the matter will be rectified. Children's literacy skills are promoted well, and staff are quick to respond to children's interest in letters and the sounds they represent. Children recognise the initial letter in their name and are beginning to use a variety of resources to practise writing.

Children never tire of being outside where they find a wealth of interesting activities to promote all areas of their learning. Wet weather does not deter them, and they happily sit with staff under huge umbrellas to consider what rain is, the effects it has and where it comes from. Children's independence skills are fostered exceptionally well.

They attend to their own self-care where appropriate and are making healthy choices at snack time. Children show great consideration for others' safety as they play and learn together. Children are especially well prepared for school, both emotionally and developmentally.

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

The manager demonstrates exceptional levels of enthusiasm, determination and passion for her role. She leads an equally dedicated team. Together, they continue to provide the highest quality of care and learning experiences for all children.

All staff have a deep understanding of families accessing the pre-school. They provide them with excellent guidance and support over and above what normally might be expected. Due to this, children thrive in their care.

Staff have an outstanding knowledge of children's interests and learning needs. They provide a vibrant environment where children find endless opportunities to explore and investigate. The standard of interactions between staff and children is excellent and promotes the highest level of learning at every opportunity.

Teaching is worthy of sharing with others.Staff are highly skilled at accurately assessing children's levels of development and determining the very best way to enhance learning and skills through play. This is particularly evident in children's communication development, where in some cases children make very swift progress in a very short space of time.

Parents offer the highest of praise for the manager and staff team. They welcome opportunities to speak about how much their children enjoy attending and the skills they have acquired since starting. Staff ensure parents are well informed of children's development and truly value parents' roles in supporting learning at home.

Children are extremely happy, confident and motivated to learn. They have very strong bonds with staff and delight in the time spent playing together. Staff recognise the importance of children's emotional well-being and place a high priority on this aspect of their work.

They readily source additional training so that, in times of uncertainty or stress, children have the highest level of support necessary.Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities benefit from excellent care and support. Staff work tirelessly with outside professionals to ensure there is a coordinated approach to helping children grow, develop and build friendships.

Self-evaluation is outstanding. Staff continuously reflect on their practice and try to find ways to improve. The opinions of other professionals and parents are frequently sought and analysed.

The manager and her team have close links with other providers and stay up to date with current childcare matters. Due to their diligence, they continuously maintain the highest level of practice at the pre-school.Staff benefit from outstanding support and guidance from the manager to ensure their knowledge, skills and teaching are the very best.

The strong staff team is also supportive of one another and readily gives praise or help when needed. Training opportunities are enthusiastically welcomed, and staff are proud to say they thoroughly enjoy their jobs.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have an excellent understanding of child protection and the potential risks children face. They place a high priority on raising parents' awareness of such matters and helping them to also keep children safe at home. For example, parents are made aware of the dangers of children accessing inappropriate materials and websites on the internet.

Staff are exceptionally well trained and know how to recognise and report concerns about children in their care. Only the most suitable staff are employed at the pre-school. Checks on their backgrounds are thorough.