Swanscombe Springfield Lodge

Swanscombe Springfield Lodge Craylands Lane, Swanscombe, Kent, DA10 0LP

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 18 April 2016 21 April 2010

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 Leaders and staff remain committed to improvement. They value the views of parents, visitors and children when they evaluate their setting. Current improvement plans to improve outcomes for children are accurate and well thought out.  Managers and key-persons share learning concerns with parents and carers promptly. This helps them to seek additional support for children. They work very closely with other early years professionals and settings that children attend. This helps to ensure that children receive the extra support that they need to make good progress.  All staff know children well. They use regular observations and assessments to plan activities that reflect the needs of children. Planning is shared with all staff so that they can support children's learning and development effectively.  Staff are kind and caring. For example, they help children to think about their needs and those of others as they encourage friendships.

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This provision is good

 Partnerships with parents are strong. They work together to support children's progress in their learning and development.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 There are some occasions when young children become a little unsettled and learning is not continuous due to changes in routines; for example, as staff move children from one room into another at the beginning of the day or when staff go for lunch.  Staff do not always make the very best use of learning opportunities to help extend children's awareness of people's differences and similarities.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 review the organisation of daily routines to reduce any disruption to settling children or to their ongoing learning  improve opportunities for all children to learn about people's similarities and differences, to increase their awareness of the world around them.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities indoors and outdoors.  The inspector had discussions with the managers, staff, parents and children.  The inspector took into account the views of parents and carers.  The inspector and manager completed a joint observation together.  The inspector sampled a range of documentation, including children's records and safeguarding procedures.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff participate in training to ensure that their knowledge is up to date and they feel able to safeguard children's welfare. Risk assessments are thorough and, for example, staff involve children in these as they learn how to keep themselves safe. For instance, they check alongside adults that gates are closed outside and help to identify potential hazards. Thorough monitoring and support by managers help staff to improve their practice. For example, staff reflect on the training they attend and share ideas for improvement with other staff.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children are independent learners. For example, they make choices about what to play with and help themselves to easily accessible and interesting toys and resources. Staff are skilled at knowing when to step in and extend children's learning. For example, babies investigate musical instruments, and staff add to the experience by playing the instruments for children to copy in time to songs being sung. Children are active learners who investigate, create and think critically. For example, in the wooded area, children explore the effect that pouring water has on mud. They learn how to climb up slippery slopes safely as they use magnifying glasses to examine plants and minibeasts. Key persons routinely share children's learning and development with parents so they can support learning at home.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children have plenty of opportunities to experience fresh air and physical exercise. For example, they choose to play outside as they decide what they need to wear for the weather and confidently put on their coats. Meals and snacks are nutritious. Staff help children to make healthy choices, for example, they involve children in discussion about a balanced diet. Children form strong relationships with staff and each other. They develop positive self-esteem, for instance, as they respond well to frequent praise and encouragement from staff. Staff help children to prepare well for school. For example, children dress up in school uniforms, look at picture books of their schools and enjoy visits from their new teachers.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children develop the skills they need for the next stage in their learning. They develop strong early writing skills in preparation for school. For example, they make good use of resources, such as clipboards and pencils in construction areas to encourage their writing practise as they play. Children make good developmental progress from their starting points.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY335723 Local authority Kent Inspection number 827398 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 145 Number of children on roll 220 Name of provider Springfield Lodge Day Nursery (Swanscombe) Limited Date of previous inspection 21 April 2010 Telephone number 01322 389181

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Setting details

Swanscombe Springfield Lodge nursery registered in 2006. It operates from purpose-built premises in Swanscombe, Kent. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 6.30pm, all year round. It receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are 34 members of staff working directly with the children, 29 of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications. This includes 19 staff with a qualification at level 3, two staff with a qualification at level 4, and one member of staff who has Early Years Professional Status.

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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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