The Nursery

The Nursery Unit 1, The Old Barn, The Whitehouse Farm Centre, Stannington, Morpeth NE61 6AW

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Inspection date 12 August 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 Children are offered a very warm welcome into the nurturing and homely environment. Staff are caring and attentive, which helps to put children at ease. Children develop a strong sense of belonging and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the nursery. n Teaching plans are flexible and are closely linked to children's interests. This helps to engage children in their learning and they lead their own activities with confidence. They concentrate well and are motivated and curious learners. This contributes to the good progress children make and helps to prepare them for later learning. n The manager monitors staff practice and reviews the impact this has on children's achievements and progress. Staff with higher level qualifications demonstrate exceptionally strong teaching. Plans are in place for continuous professional development to help all staff to build on their already good knowledge and skills.

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This provision is good

n Parents speak highly of the nursery and are particularly pleased with the outdoor experiences offered to children. They compliment staff for their good communication and feel that their views are valued and acted upon. n Staff feel supported and valued and morale is high, which contributes to the positive environment in this nursery. n Partnerships with other settings that children attend are not fully established. Staff do not share enough information with other professionals about children's care, learning and development. n Staff do not consistently provide a wide range of opportunities for children to develop an even deeper understanding of people and communities beyond their own experience.

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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 share more detailed information with other professionals to help to provide a more consistent approach to children's care, learning and development and help them to make the best possible progress n extend children's opportunities to learn about people and communities in the wider world to help to strengthen their understanding of diversity.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n The inspector had a tour of the premises. n The inspector observed activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the quality of teaching and its impact on children's learning and development. n The inspector completed a joint observation of an activity with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability checks carried out on staff. n The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. She also spoke to a number of parents and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff are deployed effectively to ensure that children are well supervised. They contribute to risk assessments that help to ensure that the environment and care practices promote children's safety effectively. The arrangements for employing new staff are robust. Staff inductions and regular supervision meetings help to ensure that staff understand nursery procedures and that they remain suitable for their role. Staff know what to do if they have a concern about a child's welfare. The manager is committed to reviewing and enhancing practice, which contributes to a strong capacity for continuous improvement. She evaluates all aspects of nursery provision, and includes the views of staff, parents and children. For example, she asks a 'question of the month', where parents respond by adding a pebble to the 'yes' or 'no' jar.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff observe children at play, check the progress that they make and provide a range of opportunities for them to build on what they already know and can do. They have high expectations of all children. Babies investigate textures, such as flour mixed with water and paint. Toddlers fill and empty containers with rice, which helps to develop their understanding of mathematics. Pre-school children learn about colour, shapes and patterns while they observe reflections made by pictures they paint on a mirror. Staff encourage children's involvement at story time, for example by using props and puppets. They read with energy and enthusiasm. Children of all ages show a keen interest in books, which helps to promote their early skills in literacy and communication. Children have daily visits to the 'magical garden' and nearby farm. This helps them to develop an understanding of the natural world.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

A well-established key-person system helps staff to meet children's individual needs effectively. Children behave well. Staff help them to manage their feelings, for example through stories and discussions. They model good manners and offer plenty of praise and reassurance, which contributes to children's high levels of self-esteem. Babies and children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise to help promote their good physical health. Staff promote good hygiene well. Older children learn to keep themselves clean and staff have effective personal care routines for babies. Children develop self-help skills that help to prepare them for school. For example, they change their clothing and shoes for outdoor play and serve themselves during mealtimes.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children achieve the levels of development that are typically expected for their age range. Those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities benefit from tailored teaching, which helps them to build on their achievements. Children demonstrate a positive attitude and enthusiasm for learning. They develop skills in mathematics and literacy that provide a secure foundation for later learning in school. They develop good social skills, beginning to share their ideas and involve others in their play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY553597 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10118715 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 0 - 4 Total number of places 48 Number of children on roll 103 Name of registered person The Nursery At Whitehouse Farm

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reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 07766311054

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reference number

The Nursery registered in 2017 and is based at Whitehouse Farm in Morpeth, Northumberland. The nursery operates for 51 weeks of the year, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery employs 12 members of staff. Of these, 10 hold relevant qualifications at level 3 or above, including one at level 6 and two at level 5. The nursery provides funded education for 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.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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