Clerkenwell Mount Nursery

Inspection of Clerkenwell Mount Nursery 27-29 Amwell Street, London EC1R 1UN

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy and secure as they arrive with their parents and separate with confidence. It is clear that they have made some firm friendships with each other. Mealtimes are sociable occasions where children, including babies, sit on low chairs at the table with staff. Children show confidence in speaking and listening during this important time. Staff have a good knowledge of the children and plan activities that interest, engage and challenge them. This has a positive impact on the quality of teaching and children's outcomes. Children benefit from outings to the library where they learn about their community. Babies and toddlers seek comfort from familiar staff. They enjoy looking at books with staff who, for example, use props and sensory resources to keep them stimulated and engaged. Staff work well as a team and have a good understanding of their responsibilities. They have a shared commitment to providing a quality service for children. A major renovation of the

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The provision is good

building is under way following close consultation and feedback from staff and parents. Children have opportunities to be involved in decision making about the activities and resources offered. They behave well and happily share, take turns and involve others in their play.

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need to do better?

n Managers have accurately identified what is working well and some key priorities for development. They listen to and consider the views of staff, to help identify areas to improve. Managers have accurately evaluated the quality of care and education that children receive. Together with staff they continually reflect on the provision to identify further ways to build on good practice. n The skills and well-being of staff are valued by the managers. Staff have regular supervision meetings where they can discuss key issues. Staff report they feel motivated and supported, and enjoy the benefits of regular training. n Staff promote successful two-way communication with parents to share information about children's development and well-being. Parents spoken to express how much they appreciate the efforts made by the staff and manager. They say their children are happy and enjoy attending. n Staff create a positive environment for children, who respond well to familiar

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need to do better?

routines. They act as good role models and give children gentle reminders about the plans for the day. Children learn to cooperate and interact positively with their friends, which contributes to the development of their social skills and attitudes. n The group rooms are arranged well and staff promote good personal hygiene habits with children, including regular handwashing. However, some areas of the nursery are not so well maintained, including the communal areas. n Staff encourage children to be independent. For example, children take responsibility at tidy-up time and in preparing for lunch. Staff use everyday

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need to do better?

6 February 2020 routines to increase children's awareness of numbers. For example, children confidently count cups as they share with their friends. This supports children effectively to develop important skills that help them in their future learning. n Children understand what is expected of them. Older children know that they must line up to be counted at the end of outdoor play so that staff know everyone is safe. Staff make sure children are comforted and monitored when they sleep. n Younger children have good opportunities to develop their growing physical skills. The group rooms are organised, for example, so that babies have plenty of space to pull themselves up on furniture and practise their walking skills. Older children also have plenty of opportunities to develop their physical skills. They enjoy regular time spent outdoors where they can be physically active. However, at times, staff do not provide the same level of opportunity for babies

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need to do better?

and younger children to practise their physical skills outside. n Staff speak to children about what they are doing, ask questions and encourage them to extend and develop their play. This helps develop children's resilience and problem-solving skills. As a result, children remain focused at their chosen activity for long periods of time.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff make children's safety a priority. They carry out ongoing risk assessments to help reduce any hazards. They are supported to undertake regular training and are encouraged to strengthen their knowledge of child protection and safeguarding, including the wider issues of safeguarding. They are clear about the procedures to follow if they are concerned about a child's welfare. Robust vetting procedures ensure staff are suitable to work with children. Staff deploy themselves effectively to supervise children during their play and to provide them with the support they need. Staff maintain information and records for the safe and efficient management of the setting, including, for example, recording changes to children's expected attendance.

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should:

n increase the opportunities for babies and toddlers to explore and play in the outside area n improve the presentation, general maintenance and cleaning of the building further, with particular regard to the communal areas.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2546100 Local authority Islington Inspection number 10132439 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 0 to 4 Total number of places 56 Number of children on roll 56 Name of registered person Three Little Birds Nurseries Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 02078335850 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Clerkenwell Mount Nursery registered in 2019. The nursery is in the London Borough of Islington. The nursery is open each weekday from 8am until 6pm throughout the year, excluding bank holidays. The nursery receives funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four years. Staff hold relevant qualifications at level 2 and above.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector took part in a learning walk with the manager at the start of the inspection to discuss the approach to early education. 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 spoke to parents and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at safeguarding policies and discussed safeguarding procedures with the manager and staff. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager during lunchtime. n The inspector sampled documentation, including planning, children's learning and assessment records and relevant policies and procedures, including those related to staff suitability.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

6 February 2020 regulates and inspects to 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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