Kid Ease at County Hall

Inspection of Kid Ease at County Hall Kidease Day Nursery, 41 Harriet Court, NORWICH NR1 2DG

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Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision requires improvement

Overall, children are happy and settled in the nursery. They separate well from their parents and/or carers, as they are greeted by caring staff. Babies are well cared for in a warm, nurturing environment where individual routines are followed. Babies receive good attention from their key person when they are fed or have their nappy changed.

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The provision requires improvement

The quality of teaching across the nursery is inconsistent. Children aged two years and over are not provided with a good enough range of activities to capture and sustain their interest. Although staff position themselves around the room, they fail to engage effectively by extending and challenging children's learning. As a result, some children spend time wandering and are not engaged in purposeful play.

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The provision requires improvement

Older children's interest is captured well. They enjoy taking part in adult-led activities. For example, they have fun exploring and experimenting as they make 'magic spells' using water, bicarbonate of soda and food colouring. Staff sound out new words, such as 'vinegar', phonetically to support learning. Children successfully pronounce the magic words 'abracadabra, to make it go faster'.

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need to do better?

n Managers use a range of systems, including supervision, peer observation, training opportunities and reflective practice, to monitor staff performance and children's progress. However, these are not being used to address weaknesses effectively in planning and delivery of the curriculum or to ensure the quality of teaching is at a consistently good level. n The premises are safe and secure. However, staff give insufficient attention to planning and creating a stimulating learning environment for children. For example, activities do not consistently challenge children's learning. Some books are torn and not used in a way that encourages children to develop a love of books. Many of the crayons are blunt, thus preventing children from practising early writing skills. Some puzzles are incomplete, which hinders children ability to persevere and complete tasks. In addition, some of the toys and equipment

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need to do better?

used by children are worn and in need of replenishment. n Children who are mobile have good opportunities to be physical outside, in all weathers. They splash in puddles, pedal tricycles and role play imaginatively in the mud kitchen. However, babies and those who are less mobile spend much of there time being carried around by staff. This does not offer them the opportunity to practise and develop their physical skills outdoors. n Overall, staff support children's language skills. Most provide commentary as they play alongside the children and several ask open questions that encourage children to develop their thinking. However, some children, particularly those

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need to do better?

13 February 2020 who use dummies, are not consistently provided with good opportunities to practise speaking. In addition, staff do not offer opportunities for children who speak English as an additional language to use their home language in play and learning. n Key persons get to know each child and their family, providing consistency and reassurance. Parents comment favourably on the nursery. They feel well informed about their child's care and learning, through regular feedback, which is both verbal and written. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are provided with appropriate support and information. Overall, staff work effectively with other agencies in order to help narrow any gaps in children's learning. n Children learn to take turns and listen to instructions. Overall, children behave well. Staff are calm, and provide clear boundaries. Older children are learning to be independent as they clear away and wash their own crockery at snack time.

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need to do better?

They put on their outdoor clothes and boots and some show care and consideration for their friends, as they help those who find this task harder.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Managers and staff have a secure knowledge and understanding of safeguarding. They can identify signs and symptoms of possible abuse and understand reporting procedures, should they have concern about a child's welfare. Staff attend regular safeguarding training to keep their knowledge up to date. They are aware of wider safeguarding issues, including those relating to cultural practices and extreme views and beliefs. Robust recruitment procedures ensure that all those working with children are suitable. Staff carry out daily risk assessments to ensure the premises are secure and the equipment is safe.

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Due date

improve the planning and presentation of the learning environment, both inside and outside, to provide purposeful, challenging play through a mix of adult- led and child-initiated activity, which covers the seven areas of learning 08/05/2020

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Due date

13 February 2020 improve the quality of teaching to ensure that practitioners recognise the different ways that children learn and reflect these in their practice 08/05/2020

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Due date

ensure that children whose home language is not English are provided with opportunities to develop and use their home language in play and learning. 08/05/2020

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY276220 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10145458 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 0 to 5 Total number of places 61 Number of children on roll 63 Name of registered person Kid Ease Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01603 760106 Date of previous inspection 19 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Kid Ease at County Hall registered in 2004. The nursery employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate qualification at level 4, four at level 3 and five at level 2. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round, from 8am until 6pm. It provides funded early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This inspection was carried out following Ofsted's risk assessment process. n The inspector conducted a tour of the premises with the manager and discussed how the curriculum is organised and delivered. She 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 observation of a chosen activity with the manager. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector held a meeting with the nursery and area manager. She looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability of people working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke to a sample of parents and took account of their views.

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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

13 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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