Celebrate your inspection! Autumn 2016

[FSFRebecca]

Have you just got 'outstanding' for the first time? or did you just get another 'outstanding' and you're delighted to hang onto it? Did you just get a 'good' after a period of turmoil and need to tell everyone about it?!

If this is you and you'd like to share your good news then let me know and I'll put you on our front page ... I need a little logo, a link to your report and maybe a few sentences (less than 10) to celebrate your achievement - who knows we might send you a little something to say well done!

Send your bits and pieces to me at FSF: rebecca@eyfs.info

[zigzag]

Lovely idea.

[FSFRebecca]

There must be somebody who's feeling jolly pleased with themselves ... come on! I know you're out there! Give me a nudge and I'll DM you for a chat, not scary and I can do all the work with the writing if you'd like me to, we could do it over the phone ... :1b :unsure:

[FSFRebecca]

Here's our first contributor - Thank you to Scamps Pre-School for sharing their experience:

 

"Last week, we had our first Ofsted inspection since our registration in 2014 and have been awarded 'Outstanding' in all areas! As you can imagine, the whole team are absolutely delighted and we are all completely overwhelmed at the sense of achievement it has given us! We've worked really hard over the past 2 years to ensure all of the EYFS and Ofsted requirements have been met to the highest standard and fortunately the inspector we had was able to see this first hand. The inspector made particular reference to the outstanding progress that children make in the setting which means the world to all of us!

We are a small term-time only, pack-away setting taking up to 20 2-5 year olds each day. We are based within a community centre and operate from 2 adjoining rooms. We also have access to an outdoor area daily. There are 5 members of staff in total - 1 assistant, 3 x level 3 practitioners and 1 EYP. We are part of the West Sussex Training Scheme and all of our staff access regular training to keep up to date with changes, and fresh with new ideas.

When we received the notification call at midday we immediately all felt quite nervous as it's the call we had been waiting for following our registration over 2 years ago! Needless to say, none of us had a very good night sleep that night but were all immediately put at ease when we met our inspector at 8.30 the following morning. She was really friendly and relaxed and help decide with us, how the day would run. She made it clear that she'd need to find opportunities to chat with parents and give me feedback at the end of the session but what she'd mainly be doing is standing back and observing our practice and the children's play and to carry on as we normally would. And that's exactly what happened! She spoke with a few parents at drop off time, and then observed for pretty much the entire session - finding opportunities to chat with staff and children as and when it was appropriate. She invited us to talk openly with her about things that we do/have done which might be relevant to the inspection. She asked staff questions on safeguarding - in particular 'The Prevent Duty' and how staff would feel about raising concerns with me as Manager. I did a joint observation on a member of staff (of my choice) with the inspector and we spoke about this during the feedback.

Very little 'paperwork' had come out until the end of the session where the inspector asked me questions to fill any gaps she had which I could demonstrate through staff files, training files, learning journals, EYPP action plans, setting action plans etc.

This was the first time I had been involved in an Ofsted inspection at management level and I really do feel it was such a positive experience (regardless of our outcome). The inspector was professional, but completely approachable and had lots of experience in the industry. We've come away with ideas to continue improving but most importantly it has reassured us all that what we're doing is working, and the children are happy and making excellent progress. We couldn't have asked for more!"

You can read the inspection report here.

[Guest]

We have regained our Outstanding grade!! Witton Gilbert Nursery are thrilled to announce that our Ofsted inspection on 17th June was rated Outstanding, this only just begins to describe the work, commitment by staff and our families.

EYR inspection report 314201.pdf

[FSFRebecca]

We have regained our Outstanding grade!! Witton Gilbert Nursery are thrilled to announce that our Ofsted inspection on 17th June was rated Outstanding, this only just begins to describe the work, commitment by staff and our families.

Well done - you must be thrilled! ::1a

[elberry88]

We have regained our Outstanding grade!! Witton Gilbert Nursery are thrilled to announce that our Ofsted inspection on 17th June was rated Outstanding, this only just begins to describe the work, commitment by staff and our families.

Well done to you and your team! It's such a fantastic feeling to have all of your hard work and commitment recognised from an outside perspective

[FSFRebecca]

Little Angels nursery chain has just received outstanding judgments for two of their 6 settings. You can read about their experience here and also about how they used Tapestry in their inspections. Thank you to Alice from Little Angels for providing this write up of their experience which I am sure will be valuable to other FSF people!

 

"Unbelievable! Within the space of just 10 days, two of our settings were awarded “outstanding” by OFSTED. At Little Angels we’re over the moon, and extremely proud of our settings, staff and the families and children in our care. Little Angels is a small, privately-owned and award-winning chain of nurseries and out-of-school clubs in the north east of England. The teams have worked really hard over the last three years, and to achieve outstanding in all areas has made every minute worthwhile.

The staff have had a chance to reflect since the inspection and we all feel it was a positive experience that we thoroughly enjoyed. We received our phone calls in the early afternoon – from these, the inspectors gain a first impression. Having information to hand about the number of children on roll, the number of funded children, children with additional needs and children who receive pupil premium helped ensure the phone calls run smoothly and demonstrated that our managers were well organised. The inspectors explained what the day would involve and the documentation they would be looking for. It was clear that the inspectors were looking for similar things, they asked us to refer to the inspection handbook for what they would be looking for, but they did state in the phone call what they would like to see.

We used the inspection as an opportunity to evidence and demonstrate all that we do that we believe makes us outstanding. The inspectors at both settings were professional and had lots of experience in early years inspections, but they were also very approachable. Both inspectors had specific things they were looking for, and told us they would give us the opportunity to demonstrate something in particular if they had not gathered enough evidence throughout the morning to support the final judgement. Their approaches to the inspection experience were similar, they were both very clear about what they would be looking for and how the inspections would run. Our staff answered confidently the questions from the inspector about prevent duty, safeguarding, progress and how we support children with additional needs. Both inspectors carried out joint observations with the nursery managers. The manager was able to choose who and when the observation took place. The staff member was able to prepare using the children’s current interests to plan something that they knew would enthrall them. They spent lots of time in the rooms with the staff and children, even joining in with story-time when a baby confidently handed them a book!

Both inspectors commented on our use of Tapestry – not only how we use it to measure progress, ensure fair coverage of assessments, create reports, cement parent relationships and manage staff contribution of assessment, but also what we then do with the information gathered and how it shapes and influences our daily practice and the children's environment. Both of our inspectors looked for similar things within Tapestry. They asked to track a selection of specific children who were on site on inspection day, including a SEN Child, a baby, two-year funded child, a pupil premium child and a child who would be leaving for school for the next academic year. They looked at the baselines of each child, their learning journey, and the summative assessment for the latest period. They used this information as they observed the children, looking at where they had been assessed, the progress between the baseline and the latest summative assessment and whether they agreed with where we were assessing them at currently – as they observed the children and gained an understanding of where they were within their development. The inspectors also viewed the thoroughness child picker screen. We explained that we used this page as a tool to manage the assessments and ensure an even coverage by key workers over the assessment period. The inspectors also looked at our EYFS progress dashboard. We explained to them how we use it to monitor progress across the areas of learning. We then use this information to influence developments within our environments and practice. For example if the boys were making the least progress in understanding the world, what are we going to do to support this? Both inspectors also looked at the reports page and the reports that we create using this, for example our two-year checks.

Hearing the inspectors on both sites praise the management, staff team and the families and children that we care for made everything worthwhile. Both inspections were our chance to shine and show everyone what we are capable of, and what we deliver every single day."

[FSFRebecca]

I'm looking for someone who's had their inspection in December who would like to feature on the front of FSF for February ... you don't have to have had 'outstanding'- we're really happy to celebrate 'good' with you! If it's you then DM me or send me an email rebecca@eyfs.info

[FSFRebecca]

Busy Bees Nursery are rightly proud of their 'Outstanding' inspection judgement. The nursery manager has written for us about her experience of the inspection. There are some useful hints and tips for those settings that are due their inspection soon. It is reassuring to read that even when things don't go right on the day the inspector looks to see how you manage a situation rather than the situation itself!

 

"We were inspected by Ofsted as part of the four yearly cycle of inspections. At lunchtime the previous day, our inspector telephoned to inform us of her visit and went through a list of what she would need to see. Although we all felt nervous and apprehensive, we had worked hard since our last ‘good’ inspection to raise standards and were excited to show how far we had come.

There wasn’t much to do in preparation for the inspection as it was important for us to be seen as we usually are. However, little sleep was had that night as we all wanted to ensure we were able to demonstrate the high standard of care we offer. We were feeling a little daunted as the day would already be a little different to usual as we had two new children starting with us. I contacted our Local Authority Improvement Advisor from Herefordshire Council and arranged for her to come out for feedback at the end of the inspection day.

The inspector arrived at 9am on the morning of the inspection and quickly put us all at ease. Initially, the inspector met with me briefly to go through the Self Evaluation Form (SEF) and discuss how the day would run. That morning, we had already planned to go on a nature walk so I invited the inspector along to observe – she’d even brought her wellies along especially as I mentioned about the walk during her telephone call the previous day! Fortunately, the walk went marvelously and the inspector not only observed our interactions with the children but was happy to engage with them herself.

When we returned to the setting, the inspector spent time observing, both indoors and outdoors. She talked to the practitioners, discussing the activities the children were participating in, what the children were getting from it and how it could be extended. Indoors, she observed a little boy with special education needs and talked through the support we have in place with our SENCO. She was shown his records and was impressed at how well the interventions were supporting his learning and development.

The inspector had mentioned that she would need to speak to parents and carers and asked me to identify some when they came in to collect or drop off their children at 12pm. All parents I approached were happy to chat to the inspector and answer her questions which helped her identify that ‘highly successful strategies engage all parents in their child’s learning’.

I had already been informed that the inspector would like to carry out a joint observation together with me. Circle time takes place after lunchtime every session so I identified this as an appropriate time to observe together. Unfortunately, it did not run as smoothly as it usually would. The new starters were upset, having seen other children be collected and go home. Despite the children being comforted, the noise level in the room meant that the children found it challenging to focus. Afterwards, we discussed the observation together, reflecting on the strategies used to engage the children and the areas of learning which had been covered. We recognised that it was a challenging group and although the activity did not go as planned, the Inspector was happy that this had been recognised and areas for improvement identified.

The inspector requested information on the children’s progress. We use Tapestry so I went through the system with her, explaining how we observe children and upload the observations and photos. She was interested to hear how Tapestry has been used to promote parental engagement and how this impacts on children’s learning and development. From the system, I printed off copies of the children’s termly progress checks, one for a funded two year old, another for a child entitled to Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) funding and two others whom she selected. We discussed the interventions used to support children who are struggling in particular areas, such as nurture groups, IEPs, engagement with parents and professionals and referrals to specialist services. The inspector recognised that ‘all children, including those in receipt of funding, make remarkable progress in relation to their starting points.’

Towards the end of the inspection, we went through documents the inspector had requested to see, including policies, risk assessments and staff checks. The safeguarding policy in particular was a focus and, having talked to all practitioners about this, she was confident that ‘arrangements for safeguarding are effective’ and ‘all staff have a very good understanding of the procedure to follow should they have concerns about children’s welfare.’ I was asked about British Values and we talked through the policy I had written. I commented that it had not changed our practice at all as everything we were required to cover with British Values was already in place.

Before feedback, our Local Authority Improvement Advisor arrived so she could be present which is standard practice in Herefordshire. Feedback took place at the end of the Preschool session, with the inspector reflecting on what she had observed and linking this back to the ‘Early Years Inspection Handbook’.

[FSFRebecca]

I'm looking for a setting to go on our front page for February ...

Have you been inspected recently? Have you made progress? Are you happy? Would you like us to be happy with you?

 

Go on ... blow your own trumpet ... I'll hold your music stand!

drop me an email: rebecca@eyfs.info

[starsdance]

I received our report by email today but have to wait until it's published to let everyone know

 

It's really hard keeping shtum but we are saying to anyone that asks that it 'went good'

[FSFRebecca]

I received our report by email today but have to wait until it's published to let everyone know

 

It's really hard keeping shtum but we are saying to anyone that asks that it 'went good'

Righto - give me a nod (nudge nudge) would you like to be reserved for February? Send me a message!

[FSFRebecca]

Our lovely member starsdance has got news to share!

 

"Our setting is a very rural setting in a small village in Buckinghamshire. We have 4 members of staff and currently only have 12 children on roll. We have been in the village hall since 1970 and have seen most of the children who have ever lived in the village come through. We get parents coming back with their children to start with us. Our philosophy is: A thriving safe pre-school where our children are nurtured to achieve their full potential.

This is the first inspection I have had where I had the phone call the day before. I must admit my stomach dropped and I had to keep repeating what the chap on the phone was telling me as my heart was beating so loudly. I wrote everything down but they do, at least, follow up with an email confirming everything that will be needed for the following day. The Inspector also phoned and spoke to me so I had a chance to let her know the best way to get to us and where to park. One of my members of staff had always said she didn't want to be told that they were coming but was glad in the end that I did. I panicked as I had a folder at home so went to get it (still bearing in mind ratios!) and by the time I had got back our chair was there who was quite calm (on the outside). We stayed at work until about 4 then back at 6 till nearly 10 making sure all the paperwork she wanted to see was in the right place and easily accessible. We also tried to work on our SEF as that had been neglected until eventually I told everyone to go home as there was no more we could achieve.

The Inspector arrived about 8.40 and came in, introduced herself and met the staff. We had a quick chat about the structure of the day and the observation we were going to undertake and she went outside to meet the children and parents. Parents were very complimentary but the only Dad dropping off bolted before she had a chance to talk to him!! She had said that she would have the leadership and management meeting at 12.10 as she wanted to see how lunch occurred with feedback at 1.00. She also said that she wouldn't feedback to all staff (unlike our previous inspection who encouraged everyone to stay) but only to me and the Chair. I did say my deputy was coming in at 12.30 and I would like her to be there which she agreed to. She was very calm and had reassured us that the children come first and if we needed to see to something whilst she was talking to us we were to just do it and not worry about her. She asked my newest member of staff about her induction and talked to both about Safeguarding. She didn't have time to ask them about British Values so asked me instead!! The joint observation went well and she was happy with our supervisions but felt that I needed to observe my staff more during activities to further inform the supervisions and to enhance learning. We talked about diversity and explained that we have books and jigsaws but she felt that as we didn't have enough diverse materials out all the time i.e different cooking utensils in the home corner she marked us down on that aspect.

The staff are happy with the report and how the inspection went but we now wish they would come again so we can show that we have already taken on board the comments and maybe get that elusive outstanding (even in just one aspect)"

[Fredbear]

Well done starsdance and all your team.

Out of interest how long ago was your last one.

[Rafa]

Well done Stardance and team. Always good to hear 'judgements.' Given all your continuous hard work nurturing your children it seems to me to be 'hard' being marked down on lack of 'chopsticks' if you know what I mean!

Shall rush to Amazon as I speak! Ha!

Well Done - Good is Great!

[sunnyday]

Congrats Starsdance :1b

[narnia]

congratulations

[Mouseketeer]

Well done to you all :-)

[lsp]

Well done!

[LKeyteach]

Well done.

[starsdance]

Thank you for all your lovely comments - we have got chopsticks coming out of our ears now!!!

 

Our last one was October 2013, just before they changed to the new criteria.

 

We are off out for Afternoon Tea on Sunday to celebrate (a present from the committee)

[lsp]

Well deserved Stardance! Enjoy your afternoon tea.

[narnia]

We have recently been inspected too........and received 'Good' in all areas.

[FSFRebecca]

We have recently been inspected too........and received 'Good' in all areas.

Would you like to be on the front page? I have a space for April, DM me if you do!

[GFCCCC]

We have recently been inspected too........and received 'Good' in all areas.

 

Well done. Even if you know you're good, it's always a relief when they've been and gone.

[sunnyday]

We have recently been inspected too........and received 'Good' in all areas.

Crikey Narnia it seems like 5 minutes since your last inspection - when was that?

[narnia]

just under two and a half years.........................and no notice either

[sunnyday]

Yikes

[twinthinguk]

We gained our very first outstanding! very very proud of the team I work with.