The Winchester Project

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff warmly welcome every child into this unique setting. Staff greet each child by their name and ask how their day has been. This helps children to feel safe and secure.

Staff are dedicated and friendly. They positively work with children to help them thrive. For example, children confidently move around the environment and gravitate towards staff for cuddles when required.

Staff are excellent role models for behaviour, and children respond well to boundaries. Children are kind, calm, and empathetic, with older children being particularly caring towards their younger peers. Staff support children to develop their indepe...ndence skills very well.

The setting has a 'Winch Children's Council' that invites children to be part of a parliament. Children are able to have their voices heard and are a big part of decision-making in the setting. Staff support children's social skills very well by planning fun group activities.

For example, children are split into mixed-age teams to play dodgeball. Children are able to build on their social skills, share, take turns, and follow instructions. Furthermore, children are able to build cross-community links as they develop friendships with children from different schools.

This further strengthens a sense of belonging in the local community.

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

Every member of staff is long standing and committed to providing high-quality care for all children. For example, staff complete training to develop their knowledge and understanding of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Staff use this knowledge to build on their existing skills and provide an inclusive environment for all children.Staff help children to develop their self-confidence. Children are encouraged to plan dance and drama shows.

Children perform these for friends, which helps to build their self-esteem.Staff support children's emotional well-being. Staff know children very well and are sensitive to their needs.

For example, when younger children are feeling overwhelmed they are taken to the 'Lego room'. This helps children to calm down and feel more comfortable.Staff skilfully support children to enjoy fresh air and exercise.

For example, children play ball games in the adventure playground. Children are able to run and jump. They strengthen their leg muscles as they play outside, regardless of the weather.

Staff support children to develop healthy eating habits. One member of staff, who the children affectionately refer to as 'grandma', cooks healthy and nutritious meals for all children. This means that children are able to access a varied and balanced diet.

Staff use resources well to help children to learn new skills. For example, younger children use play dough and cutters to create shapes and letters. Staff model correct letter formation, which children copy.

Younger children benefit from these more-focused activities as they continue their learning from school.Staff have excellent behaviour management skills. Children are incredibly polite and follow instructions immediately.

For example, children understand that when staff clap they must copy to stop and listen. Children learn to follow instructions through these rules, and children's attention is gained quickly.Staff understand children well and adapt their approach accordingly.

For example, as children get older, staff understand the potential risks of social media to children's safety. Staff teach children to recognise the risks that they could be vulnerable to, and what to do if they do not feel safe. Children learn to protect themselves by gaining this knowledge from an early age.

Parent partnerships are a true strength of this setting. Parents say that the setting is 'like a family'. For example, they are helped with managing changes, such as children starting school.

The manager is incredibly passionate about her role. She prioritises staff happiness by creating a positive work environment. Staff report that there is very good individual support for their well-being.

In turn, the well-supported staff create a positive atmosphere for children to thrive.

Safeguarding

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

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