Ofsted: read Bluebell Pre School's report in full

The education watchdog visited Bluebell Pre School in Woodhall Lane, South Oxhey, last month for its first inspection since opening in 2022.

While Ofsted no longer give single word judgements, the pre school was rated 'good' in all areas by the education watchdog.

You can read the full report below:

Children are happy and settled in this warm and welcoming pre-school. Staff create an exciting learning environment that ignites children's interests and helps them to become quickly engaged. Children build strength in their hands as they manipulate dough.

Staff use words, such as 'stretch' and 'roll', helping children to build on their vocabulary. Staff actively engage children in developing positive attitudes to healthy eating. Children enjoy preparing their own lunch, chopping peppers and making their own humous.

Staff discuss the nutritional benefits of the foods as they prepare it, promoting a strong focus on healthy eating. Staff model positive behaviour by eating with the children, encouraging them to try new foods. They celebrate their attempts, giving plenty of positive praise which helps to raise children's self-esteem and build their confidence.

Reading

Children develop a love for books. There are plenty of reading opportunities, with a well-used cosy reading corner accessed by children throughout the day. A lending library encourages children to take books home to share with their families. 

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Curriculum

Staff deliver an ambitious curriculum that is designed to build on children's confidence, independence and resilience, helping them to prepare for the next stage of their education.

There is a robust key-person system, where children's next steps in learning are clearly identified and displayed. Staff know their key children well and tailor learning opportunities, such as games that focus on sharing and taking turns, to support their learning and development.

Staff engage well with children. They get down to the children's level and become fully immersed with them as they play.

Children use their creativity to make winding train tracks and involve staff as they role play in the home corner, pretending to be hairdressers. Sometimes, during play, staff do not use questioning techniques effectively to extend children's learning. 

Children are consistently encouraged to develop their independence, from peeling fruit at snack time, scraping their plates after meals and putting their own coats on. Staff guide children in these tasks while allowing them to take responsibility, helping them to build and develop these skills. 

SEND

Staff work extremely hard to support children with special educational needs and /or disabilities (SEND). They work closely with families and a range of external professionals to ensure that children receive the support they need.

Staff receive bespoke training to use equipment to support children, ensuring they are inclusive within the pre-school. This provides all children with good quality learning opportunities and, in particular, supports children with SEND to make good progress from their starting points.

Parents and staff

 Parents speak highly of the pre-school. Parent boards provide information, including oral health promotion and top tips for supporting children's well-being. Parents are informed about their child's day through an online platform and a daily newsletter, and policies and procedures are readily accessible. Parents are invited to attend coffee mornings and fundraising events, providing a welcoming space for new parents and strengthening community ties.

Staff provide a range of activities that help children to build on their communication and language. For example, children are familiar with songs and join in as they sing nursery rhymes during adult-led activities. However, sometimes these adult-led activities are too long, and children become distracted, which has an impact on their engagement.

The staff team communicates well with each other, ensuring smooth transitions and effective deployment. They collaborate closely with the local school, participating in events and fostering strong community links to support smooth transitions for children moving into school. This ensures that children are well supported and safe. Morale is high within the team, and all staff have a shared goal of providing the best possible start to children's education. 

Safeguarding

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