The Linden Nursery School

The Linden Nursery School Byfleet Cricket Pavilion, Parvis Road,, Byfleet, WEST BYFLEET, KT14 7AB

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 11 September 2017 1 March 2017

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3

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Requires improvement Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Requires improvement Personal development, behaviour and welfare Requires improvement Outcomes for children Requires improvement

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This provision requires improvement. It is not yet good because:

 The manager of the setting works on a temporary contract and there is no named deputy in place to take charge in the manager's absence. Therefore arrangements for the continuing management of the nursery are not guaranteed.  Indoor and outdoor play areas do not provide enough opportunities for children to play and learn.  The system for checking the progress made by children is not fully embedded and planning for individual children is not precise enough.  The organisation during the lunchtime is not planned well enough to take account of the needs of new children who are settling in.

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It has the following strengths

 The manager has been pro-active in driving improvement across all areas of the nursery school. Successful engagement with the local early years advisors has supported the systems in place for staff's professional development, and has improved the quality of teaching in the setting.  Staff know the children well and have forged successful links with parents to promote children's learning. Parents report they are happy with the care and education their children receive.  All staff have completed safeguarding training and have a clear understanding of their safeguarding role.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage the provider must:

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Due Date

 improve accuracy when checking the progress made by children and make sure that planning targets the areas that individual children need in order for them to make the best possible progress 13/10/2017

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Due Date

 ensure there is a named deputy who is capable and qualified to take charge in the manager’s absence 13/10/2017

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Due Date

 ensure the premises are organised at all times in order to meet the needs of children, with particular regard to transition times for new starters 13/10/2017

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Due Date

 ensure the learning environment in all areas of the setting provides children with well-planned opportunities that stimulate their thinking and encourage active learning. 13/10/2017

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Inspection activities

 The inspector conducted a joint observation with the nursery manager.  The inspector spoke to several parents, looked at parent questionnaires and took account of their views.  The inspector spoke to the manager and staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector carried out observations of teaching and children's learning both inside and in the outdoor area.  The inspector sampled a selection of records, including recruitment, safeguarding and children's progress records.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management requires improvement

The new system for checking children's progress is not yet fully embedded. This means it is too early to fully see the impact on the quality of planning for children's individual needs. However, the manager has a suitable oversight of children's progress in the setting. The manager effectively supports staff through a newly implemented system for supervision and coaching. As a result, there is a sharper focus on identifying staff’s training needs and developing their teaching practice. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. All staff have attended safeguarding training and they are confident in their safeguarding responsibilities. They form good links with outside agencies, including the special educational needs and disabilities advisor, to make sure children get appropriate support at the earliest opportunity. Positive feedback from parents show they are happy with the setting and welcome the regular communication with staff.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment requires improvement

Overall activities and equipment provide satisfactory opportunities for learning. However, less attention has been given to planning opportunities for children to initiate their own play, problem solve and develop their own ideas. As a result some of the most able children show less engagement at times. This is identified by the manager in the improvement plan, which clearly outlines how they are developing their planning to meet this gap. The quality of teaching is variable. Some staff engage well with children and support them in their learning. For example, when exploring natural objects, such as acorns and cones, staff use effective questions to encourage children to talk about their colour, shape and texture. This stimulates interest and promotes children’s language. However, not all staff teach well.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare require improvement

The lunchtime routine conflicts with children's arrival and departure time. A lack of organisation at this time results in some new children becoming unsettled. Staff interact warmly with the children and know them well. Effective staff deployment enables children to move safely between the indoor and outdoor area, which develops their confidence and promotes their well-being. Children behave well and staff encourage them to share and to be kind to one another. There are clear systems in place to promote children's good health and most staff have a current first aid certificate.

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Outcomes for children require improvement

Children are making steady progress and becoming confident independent learners. At times, older children do not have enough challenge to really engage them. Staff encourage children to be independent in their routines, which helps to prepare them for school. For example, children help to tidy up and find their own belongings. Older children write their name on their pictures and they listen to stories with interest. They confidently recall and ask questions about the story. Children are happy and move around the setting confidently. They develop good friendships and show concern for one another.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY430586 Local authority Surrey Inspection number 1108231 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 8 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 32 Name of registered person New Generation Nursery Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 1 March 2017 Telephone number 01932356361

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reference number

Linden Nursery School has been in operation since 1972. It re-registered in 2008 and again in 2011 and is privately owned by New Generation Nursery Limited. It operates from one room in a porta cabin on the grounds of Byfleet Cricket Club, in Byfleet, Surrey. The nursery school provides funded early education for two, three and four-year-olds and receives support from the local authority. The nursery operates between the hours of 9.00am and 3.00pm, Monday to Friday, during the term time. Six staff are employed at the nursery including the temporary manager. Three staff have a relevant level 3 qualification, one holds a level 2 qualification and two are unqualified.

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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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