St Augustine of Canterbury Preschool

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children flourish in this warm and nurturing pre-school.

They arrive happy and are eager to play with their friends. Caring, attentive and friendly staff members give them a warm welcome. Children demonstrate they feel safe.

They have formed close attachments to their key people and enjoy the cuddles and reassurance they receive. Children confidently approach the inspector, introduce themselves and share their play ideas, showing their comfort and trust in this environment.The manager and staff collaborate to organise an ambitious and highly inclusive curriculum for all children under their care, particularly for those... with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Recognising the interests, ages and abilities of each child, they tailor activities to stimulate curiosity and foster development. This adaptive and attentive approach ensures that all children make substantial progress in their learning and development. For example, children actively engage with the number line by attaching the correct numbered peg.

To accommodate diverse abilities, staff offer various types of pegs, ensuring participation and learning for all children. Children with SEND happily participate in group activities such as story time, using sensory cushions to support their needs. The setting brims with opportunities for mark making that the children relish.

Older children work on pencil control activities, while younger ones explore finger movement in sensory trays, prepping for future pen or pencil use.

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

The manager and staff prioritise fostering the development of children's communication and language skills. They ensure they utilise clear and positive language during their interactions with the children.

Children delight in listening to a broad spectrum of stories, widening their understanding and vocabulary. Children develop their literacy skills through active participation in phonic activities, where they focus on letter sounds and cultivate a passion for reading. Staff encourage children to repeat these words and incorporate them into their daily conversations, thereby enhancing their communication abilities.

Children thoroughly enjoy daily outdoor play, eagerly exploring activities and improving their physical skills. The garden aids their development of both fine and gross motor skills. They climb and balance on equipment, strengthening their core.

Scooter rides add fun while fostering motor skills. They also enjoy sensory play, using sand and water to scoop and mix.The manager and staff nurture children's problem-solving skills and independence preparing them for future learning opportunities.

Children explore and learn independently using fidget toys, magnifiers and wind-up toys. These activities enhance cognitive skills for future problem-solving. Additionally, children confidently complete everyday tasks independently, such as cutting fruit, pouring drinks and hanging their coats on pegs.

Children enthusiastically develop their creativity and imagination through play. They engage in activities such as washing toy babies, hanging clothes, manipulating dough and creating models with cutters. They also enjoy making pretend chocolate cakes in the mud kitchen.

The manager and staff encourage positive behaviour and good interactions among children. They set behaviour expectations from the beginning and acknowledge children's achievements by praising them and awarding certificates as rewards.Children enjoy a variety of fruit during their snack time at the setting.

Staff skilfully engage them in conversations about the vital role of healthy foods, such as fruit, in maintaining good health. However, since children bring their own packed lunches to enjoy later, the messages staff are able to convey about a healthy diet are sometimes not consistent. Their liaison with parents is not always successful in helping children fully understand and develop a healthy lifestyle.

Parents highly praise the staff and setting, maintaining familiarity with their child's key person for easy communication. They receive regular updates about their child's day when collecting them, and actively participate in meetings to discuss their child's development and future learning stages.The manager passionately embraces her role, demonstrating dedication and commitment to providing children with exceptional learning opportunities.

Her contagious enthusiasm positively supports the professional growth and well-being of the staff. The manager encourages training and emphasises continuous evaluation to consistently enhance outcomes and experiences for children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager and staff demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of how to keep children safe. They have a clear understanding of their individual responsibilities to ensure children's welfare. They are confident in the procedure to follow should they have a concern regarding a child's well-being.

Regular safeguarding training, including wider aspects of child protection, is a priority to ensure that all staff have a good knowledge of how to protect children. The premises are safe and secure.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: nenhance partnerships with parents contributing towards children's understanding of what it means to have a healthy lifestyle even further.

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