Otters Nursery Schools Ltd

Otters Nursery Schools Ltd Otters Nursery School, The Old Dairy, Farleigh Road, BASINGSTOKE, Hampshire RG25 2JS

p.1

Inspection date 15 November 2018 Previous inspection date 26 May 2016

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 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 enjoy their play and learning. They respond with enthusiasm and engage well in activities. All children make good progress from their individual starting points. n Staff work effectively with parents and other professionals involved in children's care and learning. This helps staff develop a strong understanding of how to support children's individual needs, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). n Staff provide a calm and happy environment for children. They know their key children well. For example, staff talk to children about their home lives, such as family pets. n Staff teach children well about keeping themselves healthy. For example, they show them how to wash their hands properly and explain why cleaning their hands before eating is important to remove germs. n The manager and staff actively involve parents in their children's learning. For example,

p.1

The provision is good

they provide a library book service and ask parents to provide feedback about their child's learning and experience. This helps to support children's learning at home.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

n The manager's monitoring of staff practice is not precise enough, to help build further on the quality of teaching, including assessments of children's learning, to support children to make even better progress. n Occasionally, staff do not manage some routines well in the pre-school, particularly during changes of routine, and at times this interrupts children's play and learning.

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 strengthen the existing monitoring of staff practice to build on the identified areas for improvement further, including the quality of teaching and assessments of children's learning, to help children make more rapid progress n review and develop the organisation of routines during times of change in the pre-school, to help provide more continuous play and learning opportunities for children.

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector spoke to the owner, manager, staff, parents and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed children's play and activities indoors and outdoors. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector reviewed a sample of documentation and records, including evidence of staff suitability.

p.2

Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a strong understanding of their responsibilities to safeguard children. They have a confident knowledge of how to recognise and respond to concerns about children's welfare and other staff behaviours. Staff supervise children closely, helping to keep them safe. Overall, the manager has a clear understanding of the areas for development and how to support staff to develop their skills. She makes plans for improvement and shares these with staff, such as during team meetings. A specialist consultant has supported improvements outdoors. For example, each room has a covered outdoor learning area along with access to gardens with stimulating resources and activities. The manager tracks children's progress and responds well to gaps she identifies, including obtaining and creating new resources.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff provide good-quality teaching. They engage with children positively and support their learning through informal play and planned activities. They ask questions that help children think and respond, and solve problems. Older children develop a good understanding of mathematics. For example, a member of staff taught children about simple addition and subtraction using model animals. Staff develop toddlers' communication and language skills well, including repeating words and extending these into short sentences. Staff understand the progress children make and plan next steps in learning that relate to children's interests and what they need to learn next. Children with SEND and those learning English as an additional language are supported well. For example, staff use signing to support communication alongside spoken words.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children form positive relationships with staff and develop close bonds with them. For example, babies 'snuggle in' and enjoy cuddles with staff. Older children form good friendships with each other. They learn to share, take turns and play cooperatively. For example, older children worked together to find different containers to collect water being poured through connected lengths of drainpipe. Children develop their confidence very well. They receive praise and encouragement from staff. Staff provide a positive role model to children, including providing calm interactions and using good manners.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children are well prepared for the next stage in their learning, including school. Older children develop their independence and manage their personal needs well. For example, they recognise when to clean their noses, and pour themselves a drink when thirsty. They develop good listening skills and concentrate effectively, such as when a story is read to them. Babies enjoy learning about how things work, and they are curious and inquisitive, such as pulling levers to make a toy move. Toddlers develop good physical skills. For example, when outdoors they learn to climb and move with confidence.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY474524 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10075712 Type of provision Full day care Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 0 - 4 Total number of places 56 Number of children on roll 76 Name of registered person Otters Nursery Schools Ltd

p.4

reference number

Date of previous inspection 26 May 2016 Telephone number 01256 336880

p.4

reference number

Otters Nursery School registered in 2014. It is operated by a limited company and is situated on the outskirts of Basingstoke, Hampshire. The nursery is open each weekday from 7.30am to 6pm, all year round. The nursery receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are 16 staff who work with the children. Of these, eight are qualified to level 3 or above, including two staff who hold qualifications at level 4. In addition, three staff hold qualifications at level 2.

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