Holyrood Nursery Warrington Preschool

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children receive a warm and friendly welcome when they arrive.

They separate well from their carers at the gate and walk into the setting, chatting to the staff enthusiastically. Children understand the routines of the day and sit together in a circle for the welcome session. They wait with quiet anticipation to count how many of their friends are there, using a magic wand.

Children's enjoyment is clear to see as they laugh, smile and join in with counting, saying the days of the week and months of the year. This shows children's motivation to learn. Children choose from a range of thoughtfully planned activities and a...re motivated to extend and develop their ideas and interests.

For example, as children draw plans of a swimming pool, staff encourage and support them to use bricks to build a model of their pool.There is a strong ethos of mutual respect at the pre-school and this shines through in all interactions. Children learn about the language of feelings and are polite and respectful to adults and children alike.

For example, one child bumps into the inspector and says, 'Sorry, are you alright?' This shows a developing awareness of how their own behaviour has an impact on others. Leaders and managers have taken account of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the children. They responded with additional support for parents around dummy use and a focus on early language to address speech and language delay.

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

Leaders have worked hard to ensure that the pre-school is placed firmly at the heart of the local community. Children and families attend events in the adjoining community room, such as fundraising coffee mornings and stay-and-play sessions. Children and staff walked proudly with a pre-school float at a recent local festival.

This develops children's confidence and enhances their understanding of the community where they live.There is a strong sense of teamwork and enjoyment within the staff team. Pre-school leaders challenge and support staff to reflect on their own skills and knowledge.

They talk with pride about how staff have chosen to take additional qualifications to further enhance their teaching. This is important to ensure that the highest quality of teaching happens consistently throughout the pre-school.Staff have a keen focus on language development.

Each week there are 'wow words' which staff teach the children. Exciting activities are used to encourage children to develop their vocabulary. Children use paint and bicarbonate of soda to make volcanoes.

They discuss what they thought would happen and gasp in amazement as their pots of paint froth over the top and into the tray, saying, 'That's a chemical reaction!' Children are encouraged to be independent. For example, they wash their hands, put on an apron and help staff to prepare fruit for their friends. At snack time, they pour their own water and then choose to top up their drink again if they are still thirsty.

They use the toilet and wash their hands afterwards without being reminded.Children are physically active and enjoy being outdoors. For example, they run up and down a small hill and jump over jumps in the garden area.

Staff give children clear and consistent messages about healthy eating and exercise. This means that children have a good understanding of how to make healthy choices.Although children have lots of fun outside, the focus of learning during the outdoor activities is sometimes less clear than the activities inside.

As a result, children are not as well supported in their learning during their outdoor play.Staff have high expectations for all children, including those with emerging additional needs. They have a clear picture of what the next steps in learning are for each child.

Staff are proactive in seeking and following advice from other services when appropriate. This ensures that all children make good progress and do not fall behind.Partnerships with parents are highly effective.

Staff know the families well, and parents are appreciative of their support and guidance. Parents enjoy the weekly activities sent home and receiving photos and information about what their child has been learning at pre-school. These successful partnerships enable parents to support their child's learning at home.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.All staff have a good and consistent understanding of their role in keeping children safe. Staff know the signs and symptoms that a child may be at risk and there is a robust system for recording concerns.

There are secure procedures for assessing staff's initial and ongoing suitability to work with children. New staff are given a thorough induction, with a focus on safeguarding. Staff deployment is good, meaning that children are well supervised.

The premises are safe and secure. This means that children's safety is assured.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: develop the curriculum in the outdoor environment to ensure that it is as keenly focused as the learning which takes place indoors.

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