Saplings Day Nursery

Saplings Day Nursery 56 Holyhead Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B21 0LH

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 3 August 2017 11 March 2014

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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

 Partnerships with parents and other providers are strong. Staff update parents on their children's progress regularly and share ideas to help their continued learning at home. For example, parents attend regular workshops that provide useful information to support children's learning and good health.  Staff respond well to children's interests as they play and explore. For instance, staff consider how they can answer children's questions, such as 'What does a lemon taste like?' All children make good progress from their individual starting points.  Staff know each child well and assess their progress accurately. They observe their key children's development closely and help them to successfully move on to their next stage of learning. Staff work well with other professionals to ensure that children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities receive the support they need.  Staff prioritise children's independence and provide many opportunities to help them

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This provision is good

become confident in their own abilities. Younger children help to put their bedding away without prompting when they wake. Pre-school children help to set up their room for activities and carry chairs carefully.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Some adult-led activities with pre-school children do not consistently provide learning experiences that extend their understanding as fully as possible.  Staff overlook some opportunities to challenge children's literacy skills.

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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 planning for some adult-led activities in the pre-school room, to ensure children have even higher levels of challenge consistently  develop the existing good practice in teaching children to develop their reading and writing skills, to support children's progress in literacy even further.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed teaching practices and the impact these have on children's learning.  The inspector held discussions with the manager, staff, children and parents.  The inspector read some of the setting's documentation, including the safeguarding policy and procedures.  The inspector sampled children's development information and records.  The inspector carried out joint observations with the manager.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Strong leadership and effective self-evaluation has enabled the setting to maintain its good-quality service since the previous inspection. For instance, the manager and staff have recently implemented new systems to more closely track children's communication and language development. Good systems are in place to monitor practice and staff are well supported with their professional development. Recent training has helped staff identify how they can extend children's mathematical understanding. Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a good understanding of how to protect children and understand the procedures to follow if they have any concerns. Procedures for recruitment and checking the ongoing suitability of staff meet requirements.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff support children's communication and language development skilfully. Babies maintain good eye contact with staff and listen attentively to the gentle dialogue provided. Older children join in conversations enthusiastically, exploring a range of topics that interest them. Staff provide a range of engaging opportunities that helps children to explore and develop their understanding of the world. Younger children enjoy using their hands to mix ingredients to make dough and experiment with adding different colours. They are keen to explore the different scents added. Children's physical development is well supported. Babies explore on their tummies and pull themselves along the floor eagerly. Older children enjoy practising moves, such as stretching and balancing.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff support children's emotional security successfully. They benefit from a gradual settling-in process when they first start and are helped to prepare for the move to school through a range of activities, such as role play. The friendly staff are positive role models and use a range of effective strategies to manage children's behaviour successfully. Children learn to share, take turns and play cooperatively. Staff help children explore their differences and respect diversity. For example, children develop an awareness of the different languages that people use and enjoy celebrating a range of festivals.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children develop their understanding of healthy lifestyles. They learn about the importance of good dental hygiene and the benefits of eating. Children progress well with their mathematical understanding. Older children recognise and order numbers and talk about shapes they have drawn. They use their imaginations as they play and enjoy opportunities to be creative. For example, they decide that magnetic wands represent ice creams. They pick leaves and paint them in bright colours, considering the effects created. Children are well prepared for their future learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY307246 Local authority Birmingham Inspection number 1102009 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 51 Number of children on roll 35 Name of registered person Saplings Day Nursery (Midlands) Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 11 March 2014 Telephone number 0121 250 0233

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reference number

Saplings Day Nursery registered in 2002. It operates in Handsworth, Birmingham. The nursery opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm, all year except bank holidays. There are 13 staff. Of these, 11 have appropriate early years qualifications from level 3 to level 6. The nursery receives funding to provide free early education 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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