The Orchard Community Pre-School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents

This provision is good • Parents are very happy with the pre-school and praise the support given by the manager and staff. Parents particularly comment on how well staff help children's transition to school. They are given regular information on what their child can do and how they can help them learn at home.

• Children have access to a wonderfully designed outdoor area. They choose how they would like to play and have plenty of opportunities to dig in mud, jump in puddles and make marks. • Staff talk to children in a calm and respectful manner.

Children understand how to manage their own behaviour and form good relationships with peers. They play cooperatively and take... turns, supporting their social and emotional development well. • Staff actively encourage children's independence and their good hygiene routines.

As a result, children manage their personal needs effectively and are well prepared for their next stage in learning. • Staff encourage children to develop their early writing skills well. For example, children choose to use chalks to write their names on the concrete in the garden.

• The manager uses assessment information to monitor the progress of some groups of children, to target teaching and ensure any gaps in learning are closing. However, this process is not yet effective for all groups of children. • On occasion, staff are too enthusiastic to provide answers to questions before giving children the opportunity to think and respond for themselves.