On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Dunster Pre-School opened in 1982. It operates from a portakabin consisting of one room with adjoining toilet facilities and a fully enclosed outside play area, on the grounds of Dunster First School, Dunster, Somerset. It serves the local area.

There are currently 49 children from two to under four years on roll. This includes 42 funded children. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting supports children with special needs and English as an additional language.

The group opens five days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09.00 to 11.45 Monday to Friday and 13.00 until 15:30 Tuesdays to Thursdays.

There are six members of staff who work regularly with the children. of these, four have level 3 training and one has a level 2 and is working towards a level 3 in early years. The setting receives support from the local authority.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

Helping children to be healthy.

The provision is outstanding.

Children's health is given the highest priority by the staff who promote high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Children routinely wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They are encouraged to access tissues as required and dispose of them hygienically. They are reminded to put their hands over their mouths when they cough to prevent the spread of germs and there is a comprehensive sick child policy to prevent the spread of infection. Staff are vigilant at wiping tables with anti-bacterial spray and notice immediately when a child pours themselves a drink and then pours some back into the jug, replacing the water immediately.

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe.

The provision is outstanding.

Children have very good space to play both inside and outdoors, which is well organised to allow them to participate in a range of activities. Their play space is warm and welcoming with a variety of bright displays which includes children's own work. Children self select from the excellent range of low-level storage and the variety of resources laid out on tables, on the floor and outside. Children confidently use the computer and mouse, access books independently, persist at puzzles and access mark making materials independently.

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do.

The quality of teaching and learning is good.
Children persist for a long time at activities of their choosing and are learning to wait patiently for their turn, with some support from staff as appropriate. Children are forming good relationships with their peers and are confident to talk to staff and ask for help.

Helping children make a positive contribution.

The provision is outstanding.

Children's individual needs are well known and met by the caring, attentive staff who talk confidently about children's interests, likes, dislikes and personalities. Children learn about diversity through the good range of resources which reflect positive images, such as dolls, musical instruments, puzzles, books and dressing-up clothes.

Children play harmoniously together and are forming good relationships with their peers.

Children are well supported by the observant staff who encourage children to take turns and share fairly. Children are very familiar with daily routines. For example, they wash their hands when asked and then line up in twos before being prompted by staff, when they are going to visit the school.

Organisation