The Oval Pre-School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents

This provision is good • The dedicated manager and her supportive staff work well together to evaluate all areas of the provision.

They value the opinions of others, including parents, to inform decisions and enhance the provision further. For example, they have recently developed the outdoor area to enhance learning opportunities for children who prefer to be outside. • Parents speak positively about staff.

They state that staff keep them fully informed of children's progress. They appreciate the ideas to support children's learning at home. For example, they describe helping children to practise counting and recognising numbers.

Staff develop strong partnershi...ps with parents. • Staff use their observations and knowledge of children to make accurate assessments of their development. They use the information gathered to plan effective next steps to help them to build on their existing skills.

As a result, all children make good progress. • Staff support children's emotional well-being well. They provide a warm, homely atmosphere.

Children skip into the room happily when they arrive. Staff listen with genuine interest as children eagerly share their news. • There is a sharp focus on helping children to develop their mathematical skills.

For instance, younger children talk about size and shape as they set up a train track. They use tools to make numbers as they enjoy manipulating play dough. Older children count confidently at circle time.

They begin to use larger numbers as they discuss the date and accurately predict which number comes next. • Staff do not plan specifically enough for children to learn how to use technology purposefully. • The manager does not provide regular coaching and feedback as part of monitoring staff performance, to enhance their teaching skills further.