The Duckling Nursery

The Duckling Nursery Writtle Infant School, Writtle CM1 3HZ

p.1

Inspection date 19 September 2018 Previous inspection date Not applicable

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Not applicable Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

p.1

The provision is good

n Children show good levels of perseverance and imagination as they play in the superb outdoor play area. They have fun and work together during activities, showing good cooperation. n Excellent relationships are developed with other professionals that work with children. This helps to ensure that children are supported to make good progress relative to their starting points. n Children enjoy a good range of physical play opportunities. They have fun climbing ladders and show very good coordination as they weave around obstacles in their path. This demonstrates children's good spatial awareness. n The provider ensures that she regularly asks staff for their views about how the nursery could improve. Children are listened to and parental feedback is sought through discussion, a suggestion box and questionnaires. This helps to inform the provider's detailed plans for future improvements.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

n Staff do not always use information from assessments as effectively as possible, to identify and plan precise next steps for younger children's learning. n Professional development plans are not precisely targeted on raising the quality of staff's teaching to an even higher level.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

n make more effective use of the information gained from assessments to focus precisely on what children need to learn next, in order to help them to make the best possible progress n enhance professional development opportunities to help to raise the quality of the staff's teaching to an even higher level.

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the provider. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the provider, staff and children. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability of staff working with children. The inspector discussed with the provider and staff how they reflect on their practice. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through discussion during the inspection.

p.2

Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff are able to identify the signs of abuse and know how to report their concerns. The deputy manager has completed designated person training and ensures that staff are provided with up-to-date advice and support. Staff are aware of how to implement the whistle-blowing policy if they have any concerns about those working with children. The indoor and extensive outdoor environments are thoroughly risk assessed to help identify and minimise potential risks to children. The provider uses robust recruitment procedures. This helps her to ensure that all staff working with children are suitable to do so. The provider is pro-active in promoting partnerships with other settings that children attend. Staff supervision and deployment is good, which ensures that children are well supported and closely supervised.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children enjoy playing in the nursery's mud kitchen. They use their imagination to make up stories about what they are doing. Staff promote children's communication and language skills well. They encourage older children to engage in discussions about things that interest them, such as dinosaurs and crocodiles. Children enthusiastically tell staff that their dinosaur 'eats chicken and apple', and the crocodile has 'sharp teeth'. Staff use everyday activities to introduce mathematical language. For example, children talk proudly about their family and staff ask 'who is the biggest brother?'. Staff skilfully maintain older children's attention during games. They remind them of the rules and purpose of the game, and help children to understand what they need to do next.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children form strong relationships with their key person and other staff. They actively seek them out for support when needed and to join in with their games. Children enjoy fresh fruit and rice cakes at snack time. Staff use this opportunity to discuss healthy lifestyles. Children are well behaved. Older children are supported to learn how to take turns and share during activities and board games. Younger children are given gentle reminders, such as how to line up when coming back from playing outdoor games. Children are supported to learn how to take measured risks, such as climbing a ladder to reach the tree house.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children develop hand-to-eye coordination as they use kitchen implements to cook a pretend meal. Older children are able to communicate their needs to staff and each other through discussion. Younger children are able to follow simple instructions and are beginning to ask simple questions. Young children are very eager to explore and investigate toys that interest them. Older children enjoy taking part in adult-led activities, such as group time. Children are developing skills in preparation for their next stage in learning and eventual move on to school.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY535765 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10076783 Type of provision Full day care

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 1 - 4 Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 61 Name of registered person The Duckling Nursery Limited

p.4

reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 07771645270

p.4

reference number

The Duckling Nursery re-registered in 2016 and is run by a limited company. The nursery employs nine members of childcare staff. Of these, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above and the manager holds early years professional status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, during school term times. Sessions include a breakfast and after-school club, which runs between 7.30am to 5.30pm on Monday to Thursday, and from 7.30am to 12.45pm on Friday. A holiday club opens for several weeks during the school summer holidays from 9am to 3pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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.

p.4

reference number

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

reference number

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.5

reference number

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: www.ofsted.gov.uk/user .

p.5

reference number

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

p.5