The Townsend Nursery

The Townsend Nursery Stretton Grandison, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2TS

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 23 October 2015 24 March 2009

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3

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Requires improvement Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision requires improvement. It is not yet good because:

 Although children are well supervised to keep them safe, the arrangements for risk assessment are not secure enough to make sure that potential hazards are always recognised.  The manager is unable to demonstrate that all necessary information relating to the vetting process used to establish staff suitability is appropriately recorded.

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It has the following strengths

 Teaching is strong. Staff understand how children learn and develop. They provide varied and stimulating activities which engage children well. This has a positive impact on the progress children make.  The manager monitors children's progress regularly. She makes effective use of the information she gathers to make sure that any gaps in learning are closed. Children are gaining the skills they need to support them in their future learning and in preparation for school.  Partnerships with parents are good. Staff ensure they are well informed about their children's learning and development. They support parents and make sure that the learning taking place at home and in the nursery is complementary.  The manager and staff seek and act upon the views of parents, children and other professionals. They take positive steps to improve children's experiences.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage the provider must:

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Due Date

 ensure that risk assessments identify all aspects of the environment that potentially pose a risk to children 23/10/2015

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Due Date

 maintain a clear and accurate record of the vetting processes used to establish the suitability of staff. 30/10/2015

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the nursery manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the nursery manager. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the nursery's self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.  The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management requires improvement

Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The manager has attended relevant training on child protection. Staff have a good understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. They are also fully aware of the procedure to follow should they have any concerns about a child's welfare. Risk assessments are undertaken, but staff do not always recognise every potential risk. However, they do supervise children appropriately so they do not come to any harm. All staff working with children have undergone Disclosure and Barring Service checks. However, the manager cannot demonstrate that she meets the requirement to maintain a record of the staff vetting procedures she has undertaken. Staff are supported well to improve their knowledge and teaching skills. They have regular supervision from the manager.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The quality of teaching is good. Staff use their knowledge and skills well to plan interesting and exciting activities which children relish. Strong emphasis is placed on promoting children's language and communication skills. Staff are adept at extending children's vocabulary. For example, new words are introduced to children when talking about the changes of the seasons. Staff help children to compare the trees as they talk about the differences between them. Children become confident at comparing and offer suggestions as to whether a tree is deciduous or evergreen. Children's physical skills are promoted well. They have regular access to the outdoor areas which surround the nursery. Here they have opportunities to climb, balance and negotiate space. Children's physical skills are also developed in other ways. They learn to use tools, such as knives, when cutting their own fruit.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children behave well within the setting. Staff help children to understand and learn to respect the boundaries set. Children play cooperatively together and learn to be kind and polite. Children are encouraged to take care of their own care needs. They confidently manage tasks, such as attending to their own toileting needs and putting their coats on for outdoor play. The key person system is effective in supporting children emotionally. Staff get to know children quickly and very well.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children, including those whose starting points are below what is generally expected, make good progress in their learning and development. Children are acquiring the necessary skills to support their future learning, including moving on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 223603 Local authority Herefordshire Inspection number 854645 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 24 Name of provider Susan Davies Date of previous inspection 24 March 2009 Telephone number 01531 670426

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Setting details

The Townsend Nursery was registered in 1999. The nursery employs four members of childcare staff. Of these, one is a qualified early years teacher and two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The nursery opens on Mondays from 9am to 12.30pm and on the other four weekdays from 9am to 3.45pm during term time. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Setting details

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Setting details

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Setting details

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Setting details

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