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 provision is outstanding.
Children greatly benefit from the high quality support and the excellent interaction they receive
from the staff. They are welcomed individually on arrival, find their name to register themselves
and settle quickly to their play. Young children are comforted if they cry briefly for their carer
and are sat next to staff to ensure they feel supported, safe and secure

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
The organisation is outstanding.
The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care. Children greatly
benefit from the staff's wealth of knowledge and expertise in all areas. They have an excellent
understanding of the National Standards and have robust systems in place for the recruitment,
induction and continuing appraisal of staff. Staff files have evidence of their suitability and
ongoing training which shows their commitment to improving the care they provide for children.

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION
On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:
The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National
Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.
The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.