Kindred Wheathampstead

Rainbow House (Herts) Ltd 4 Meads Lane, Wheathampstead, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 8BW

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 13 July 2016 27 November 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

 The nursery has made good improvements since their last inspection. They have a named deputy manager in place and permanent staff have been employed, which provides continuity of care for children.  The key-person system works well and enables children to make secure attachments with the staff. This is supporting children to settle in well and helps to build their self- confidence.  The management team has a strong commitment to providing the best quality of care and learning experiences for children. They have an effective system of self-evaluation. Senior staff regularly gather the ideas of parents, children and staff. They set targeted plans for development which incorporate everyone's views.  Children practise their mathematical skills as they count ladybirds. They have fun sorting them into different sizes and eagerly await their turn to answer questions and solve problems. For example, they count six ladybirds and are asked how many more

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff supervision does not always focus precisely on how staff can fully develop and enhance their teaching skills to the highest level.  Although children in the baby room are making progress, staff sometimes plan next steps that are rather broad. This does not always help staff in identifying exactly what individual children need to work towards in order to make more rapid progress.

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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

 strengthen staff supervision to identify strategies to help them to extend their quality of teaching to the highest level  identify younger children's next steps more precisely to promote higher levels of progress.

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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 observed and discussed a joint observation with the nursery provider.  The inspector held a meeting with the providers at an appropriate time during the inspection. The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as the nursery's self- evaluation, policies and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.  The inspector spoke to some parents and children during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff are aware of the signs and symptoms that could raise concerns about a child's safety and welfare. They know the procedures to follow and who to contact in the local authority. Staff work closely in partnership with parents to share assessments of children's learning. They provide ideas for activities that parents can use to further their children's learning at home. The well- qualified senior staff are good role models for other staff. This provides them with some support to help them to enhance their teaching skills. Children's progress is monitored through frequent observations and assessments of learning. This supports them to make continued good progress.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff have a good understanding of the different ways that children learn and develop. They provide stimulating learning experiences that are suitable for children's individual ability and stage of learning. Children's language and communication skills are promoted through good quality interactions with staff. For example, children join in with singing nursery rhymes and well-known songs. They use musical instruments to shake to the beat of the song. Staff use repetition to strengthen children's developing language and introduce new words during their play. Children listen carefully and enjoy answering questions about stories where they predict what may happen next. They have plenty of opportunities to strengthen their early writing skills with the range of art and craft activities available. For example, they enjoy painting, colouring, chalking and writing their names in sand.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children learn to behave well through the consistent approach that all the staff use. They are learning how to share and wait patiently for their turn during activities. Children are encouraged to be independent from a young age and will help to prepare food for snack time. They spread cheese on their crackers and clear away their own plates and cups when finished. At the end of a session all children follow instructions and happily work together to tidy away the toys and equipment. Children have plenty of opportunities for developing their physical skills. For example, they play games in the large garden area and enjoy playing and sliding on the climbing frames and equipment. Children take turns on the wide variety of bicycles, push bikes and pushchairs. They enjoy walks around the village and visiting the local shops. The nursery staff promote healthy eating. For example, children are provided with a variety of healthy meals and snacks. Staff talk to children

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

about what food is good for them and what food is not.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are making good progress from their starting points. They learn the skills that they need ready for their next stage in learning and for moving on to school. Children are provided with a wealth of interesting and challenging activities that keep them motivated and eager to learn. They enjoy the challenge of putting a road track and buildings together to make a whole town which includes people and vehicles.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY481793 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1034012 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 65 Number of children on roll 83 Name of registered person Rainbow House (Herts) Ltd

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 27 November 2015 Telephone number 01582 831 991

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reference number

Rainbow House (Herts) Ltd was registered in 2015. The nursery employs 22 members of childcare staff. Of these, 14 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including one with early years professional status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.45am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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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