The Malthouse Nursery (registration until: 31 Aug 2026)

The Malthouse Nursery Malthouse Nursery, Charlton Park, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 9DG

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 12 May 2017 9 January 2015

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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

 Children make good progress in their development from their individual starting points. Overall, staff provide a wide range of interesting and challenging activities that supports children's learning well across all areas.  Staff form very good relationships with parents. They gather information from parents about their children's development when they first enter the setting. The exchange of information continues to effectively support children's learning in the setting and at home.  Children behave very well. They are sensitively supported to learn how to manage their own feelings. Staff provide very good role models to teach children about having respect for others.  Staff work closely with other settings that children attend and make strong links with local schools, to support good continuity for children's learning and development.  The manager works closely with the staff team. She observes practice on a daily basis

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This provision is good

and supports staff to reflect on what they do and make plans for improvement.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Older boys do not consistently benefit from highly inspiring opportunities to independently practise their early writing skills in all areas of their play.  Staff do not fully extend the range of experiences and activities to help children to explore technology for a variety of purposes.

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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

 consider ways to help older boys make even better progress in their early writing skills  extend opportunities for children to freely access and experiment with the range of technology available for different purposes during their play.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children playing in all indoor areas.  The inspector observed the staff playing and interacting with the children during a range of activities, indoors and in one of the outdoor areas.  The inspector discussed the setting's policies, reviewed children's learning records and checked evidence of the suitability and qualifications of staff.  The inspector carried out a joint observation and discussed activities with the manager and staff, in relation to the children's play, learning and progress.  The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to during the inspection.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The manager ensures that the staff have a good understanding of how to protect children in their care. Staff confidently explain how to report any concerns they have for a child's safety. Self-evaluation is well used to identify areas for improvement and change. The manager values the input of parents, staff and children in continually raising the quality of the setting. Staff make very good use of the knowledge and skills they have gained through their qualifications. The manager encourages ongoing training. For example, staff have recently completed training that has helped them to very successfully support children's behaviour management.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff effectively monitor and track children's learning to quickly identify any gaps, and use the information gained to plan for their continued progress. Staff's high-quality teaching helps to provide positive outcomes for all children. Staff provide activities that help children to explore and investigate, supporting them to become motivated learners. For example, children enjoy playing with the dough and use tools with skill as they make birthday cakes for each other. Children learn to become confident speakers and staff make very good use of their interactions with them to extend their vocabulary. Strong partnerships with parents and other professionals ensure children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities benefit from a coherent approach to learning.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff praise the children to show they value their efforts and achievements, helping to effectively develop their confidence and self-esteem. For example, children put on their own coats and wellington boots and staff celebrate their accomplishments. Children benefit from the exciting environment where they can freely choose what to play with, helping them to be independent in their play. Staff provide daily opportunities for children to enjoy outdoor play. For example, children delight in digging in the earth to investigate the roots of the plants. They talk together using good problem-solving skills and organising their play effectively. Children concentrate well and persevere at what they do, using lots of very good physical skills.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children enjoy taking part in art and craft activities where they can use their imagination to make their own creations. They develop good mathematical skills. For example, they use counting at different activities and learn about different shapes and sizes. Children have extensive opportunities to explore, investigate and discover in the wide range of outdoor areas. All children are well prepared for the next phase of their learning, including their move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 199406 Local authority Wiltshire Inspection number 1089842 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 47 Name of registered person Alison Ayrton

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 9 January 2015 Telephone number 01666 825227

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reference number

The Malthouse Nursery registered in 1992. It operates from a building within the Charlton Park estate, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire. The nursery is open each weekday from 9am until 3pm throughout the school term. The nursery employs six staff. The manager holds early years teacher status and she and the deputy manager have early years degree qualifications. Two other members of staff hold early years qualifications at level 3. The nursery receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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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

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