Elms Nursery School

Elms Nursery School 8 Richmond Road, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 9QP

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 12 July 2016 30 July 2015

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires Improvement

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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 managers have made significant improvements since the last inspection. For example, additional experienced and well-qualified staff are now in place and monitoring of staff practice and the educational programmes is working effectively.  Management encourages staff to continue to develop the play environment and plan challenging and enjoyable experiences for all children.  The quality of teaching is good and staff have a secure understanding of how children learn. They use this well to help children make good progress from their starting point.  There are strong partnerships with parents. There are effective systems in place to help ensure parents are kept well informed about their children's progress. For example, there is a good range of communication methods and staff give parents daily feedback.  The nursery environment is welcoming. Children settle quickly and are eager to play

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This provision is good

with their friends. The stimulating activities encourage them to play on arrival.  Partnerships with other local organisations, specialists and schools are good. They all work very well together to meet children's individual needs and provide continuity in their learning and care.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 At times, during some daily routines and activities, children wait too long for something to happen and become distracted. For example, during lunch all children have to wait for their friends to finish before being able to have their dessert.

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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 and activities to help avoid children waiting too long before moving on to the next activity.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact of this on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the provider and discussed the outcomes for children.  The inspector held a meeting with the provider. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the self-evaluation document, policies and procedures, and evidence of the suitability of staff working at the nursery.  The inspector took account of some parents' views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The managers prioritise safeguarding children and child protection. All staff keep their skills up to date, such as through attending training sessions, including safeguarding. This helps them to identify and support children who may be at risk from harm. The managers monitor staff practice and nursery procedures well, for example, they have improved recruitment and supervision processes since the last inspection. All required records and documents, such as accident records, are completed as required and kept available for inspection. Staff help to ensure that the premises are safe and secure for children to use. Managers, staff, children and parents all contribute their views to the self-evaluation process and help to identify where to improve the setting.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Parents contribute to initial assessments as their children start at the nursery. This helps staff to plan promptly for children's interests and any next steps in their learning. Ongoing assessments help staff monitor children's progress effectively. Staff use these to help them identify gaps in children's learning and then implement plans to support children's development in these areas. This helps staff to close gaps in children's learning well. Staff interact skilfully with children as they play. For example, they help children compare size and quantity and provide opportunities for them to learn about shape, space and measurement. Staff support children's language and communication skills well. Children enjoy story time and conversations with staff. There is a wide range of opportunities for children to practise their writing skills. Babies develop their confidence as they explore the relaxing environment.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children behave extremely well. They listen attentively to instructions and respond quickly. Children show a strong sense of belonging. Staff work tirelessly to help ensure all children are included and make friends with each other. Staff provide good opportunities outdoors for children. For example, children can take risks as they use wooden steps and footholds to climb up to the den. Children learn about healthy lifestyles. They enjoy fresh air and physical exercise, such as visiting local parks and the nearby beach. Freshly prepared and cooked healthy, balanced meals and snacks are provided throughout the day. Children, even younger ones, enjoy serving their own snacks and meals. Children grow in confidence and staff respond in a positive and sensitive manner.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children, including those who speak English as an additional language, are making good progress. Children learn to be independent, are capable to lead their own play and are self-assured. They are well prepared for the next stage in their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY252581 Local authority Kent Inspection number 1023309 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 0 - 5 Total number of places 72 Number of children on roll 64 Name of registered person Tender Shoots Ltd

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 30 July 2015 Telephone number 01843 852727

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reference number

The Elms Nursery School registered in 2003 and is owned by Tender Shoots Limited. It is situated in Ramsgate, Kent. Access to the different floors is via steps. The nursery is open each weekday, from 7am to 7pm, for 51 weeks of the year. The nursery is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The nursery employs eight members of staff. The provider, director and manager all hold either early years professional status or a degree. Three staff hold a relevant qualification at level 3, and two staff hold a qualification at level 2.

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reference number

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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reference number

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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reference number

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reference number

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reference number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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