Horsmonden Kindergarten

Horsmonden Kindergarten Back Lane, Horsmonden, Tonbridge TN12 8NJ

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Inspection date 15 July 2019 Previous inspection date Not applicable

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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

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This provision is good

n Managers and staff closely monitor children's development, which helps to quickly identify any emerging concerns. They make good use of outside agencies, such as specialist teachers, to ensure children receive the help they need to make continued progress. Early years pupil premium is used effectively to help close any gaps in children's learning. n Children confidently use their early writing skills. This is evident when they use a wide range of tools, such as brushes and rollers, to paint pictures. n Equality and diversity are positively promoted throughout the setting. Staff use books, resources and discussions to help children understand about other countries and cultures. This means children respect people who are different from themselves. n Staff successfully help children learn how to keep themselves healthy. For example, they provide nutritious snacks and many opportunities to play outside.

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This provision is good

n Staff form positive relationships with families. They use a variety of ways, such as regular consultations and the online journal, to keep parents up to date with their child's progress. However, staff do not maximise opportunities to share ideas with parents to further support their child's learning at home. n Sometimes, group activities are not organised effectively to meet the needs of all children. For example, younger children lose interest as they wait a long time for their turn.

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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

n strengthen processes for sharing home learning ideas to fully support parents to build on their child's learning at home n review the organisation of group activities so that all children are supported to maintain their interest, to help them make even better progress.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outside, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector held discussions with the managers and the committee chairperson. She sampled a range of documentation, including staff qualifications and suitability checks, and policies and procedures. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Members of the management team support staff well. They offer regular supervision meetings and closely monitor staff performance, which helps to swiftly identify any areas for development. There is a focused professional development programme in place for staff to help ensure teaching is consistently strong. For example, staff have introduced signing and picture boards to support children learning English as an additional language and children who have communication delay. Self-evaluation is accurate and includes the views of staff, parents and children. For instance, following feedback, staff have introduced more dinosaur resources to extend children's understanding of the world. Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a robust knowledge of the signs of potential abuse and neglect and have a thorough understanding of child protection procedures.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The well-qualified staff provides an exciting and stimulating environment for children to learn and play. There is a wide range of resources and activities for children to freely access, inside and outdoors. They plan activities that challenge and motivate children to learn. This is illustrated when children concentrate for long periods of time chipping ice to release the toy animals that are inside. Staff observe children's play and assess their progress accurately. They use the information gathered to plan precisely for children's next stage in learning. Children demonstrate good physical skills. For instance, they confidently ride bikes and balance on beams outdoors. Staff enthusiastically join in children's play, which positively helps to develop their imaginations. For example, they order ice creams from children in the outdoor role-play area.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff form strong bonds with children and positively support their emotional well-being. This is demonstrated when they celebrate children's achievements, giving lots of praise and encouragement. Transitions, such as starting at the setting and moving to school, are supported extremely well. Staff are thoughtful and sensitive to children's needs. For example, they read stories to children who want to relax in the cosy area. Children show high levels of independence, such as managing their own self-care needs and self- registering when they arrive. Staff are good role models for children. They consistently demonstrate good manners and encourage children to take turns and share. As a result, children are kind, polite and demonstrate good behaviour.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are happy and enjoy their time together at the kindergarten. This is illustrated when they laugh and giggle as they chase each other in the field. Children enhance their early mathematical skills, such as counting and measuring, as they play. All children, including those with special educational needs, make consistently good progress from their starting points. They successfully acquire the skills they need for their next stage in learning and the move to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY546431 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10107856 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 45 Number of children on roll 58 Name of registered person Horsmonden Kindergarten CIO

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reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 01892724805

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reference number

Horsmonden Kindergarten re-registered in 2017. It previously registered in 1992 and is situated in Horsmonden, Kent. The kindergarten opens Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3.30pm during term times. It is in receipt of funding for the free education of children aged two, three and four years, and also receives early years pupil premium funding. There are currently seven staff employed to work with the children. Of these, six hold appropriate early years qualifications from level 3 to level 6.

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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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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.

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