Scallywags Nursery

Inspection of Scallywags Nursery Warrior Drive, Warrior Park, Seaton Carew TS25 1EZ

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Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

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The provision is inadequate

Children's safety is not assured in the setting and this continues to be a concern. Although managers state that there are procedures in place to keep children safe, staff do not always follow these. Children do not get always get the attention they need due to poor deployment and organisation of staff. At these times, children lack direction and do not engage in meaningful play. Teaching is often weak and staff do not always have high expectations for children. Consequently, children are not supported to make the best progress possible and become well prepared for school. Not all staff are confident about how to plan for children's learning and how to monitor their progress. Activities do not always challenge or extend children's capacity to learn, particularly for the oldest children. For example, group times are uninspiring, and children quickly become bored and disinterested. This has a negative impact on their behaviour and they do not listen to staff or engage in the

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need to do better?

n There are significant hazards in the nursery. There has been previous non- compliance with the requirement to ensure children are not exposed to risks. Medication is stored in a low-level, unlocked fridge in a corridor used by children. Cleaning detergent used to wash tables is left within easy reach of children. Some staff keep their handbags in low cupboards in the playroom. Managers are unaware of this practice. Steps are not taken to check that these handbags do not have dangerous items in them. Effective procedures are in place to ensure that staff do not take mobile phones into the nursery areas. n The deputy manager undertakes supervision sessions with childcare staff. However, this is a relatively new procedure and not yet fully embedded to bring about the improvement needed. Steps are not taken to identify and address weak practice. There is no established, effective system of ongoing supervision

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need to do better?

and support for the manager herself. n The setting receives regular advice and support from the local authority advisers. Despite this, there are still ongoing concerns about safety and the quality of the teaching and learning. This demonstrates a poor capacity to improve the nursery. n On the day of the inspection, enough staff were in the building to meet the required ratios. However, staff are often distracted by domestic tasks instead of engaging with the children. Managers also report that they are routinely needed to work directly with the children. As a result, they are unable to focus on organising and supervising staff, ensuring the setting's procedures are followed. n Lunchtime for the older children does not promote their independence. It also does not prepare them fully for what will be expected of them when they start school. Food is already plated and placed on the table before children sit down.

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need to do better?

11 February 2020 There are no clear expectations for them to follow a routine at this time. n Managers say they are working hard to improve the environment. They are currently replacing resources. However, the nursery building is in need of re- decoration. Some areas do not look particularly inviting and stimulating for children. n Parents spoken to on the day of the inspection say that their children are happy to come to nursery. They speak positively about the information they get about children's general care throughout the day. They say staff are friendly. Some efforts are made to engage parents in their child's learning and to support them in continuing this at home. However, staff state this is not always successful. n Interactions between staff and the youngest children are warm and caring. Babies approach staff confidently and appear settled in their care. They explore the environment and delight in squishing the sand between their fingers. They

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need to do better?

crawl into the book area and help themselves to books. Staff encourage their speech development through talking and singing.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

Breaches to the safeguarding and welfare requirements compromise children's safety and welfare. During the inspection, the inspector identified risks to children's safety. The managers and staff have a clear understanding of what to do if they have a concern about a child's welfare or the behaviour of a member of staff. Managers follow safe recruitment processes to ensure that staff are and remain suitable to work with children.

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Due date

complete a thorough risk assessment of the premises and take prompt actions to ensure the premises are safe and suitable for children and procedures are consistently followed by staff 16/03/2020

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Due date

11 February 2020 implement and embed effective arrangements for supervision for all staff, including the manager, that will foster a culture of mutual support, teamwork and continuous improvement, to raise the overall quality of the provision, including teaching and learning 16/03/2020

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Due date

improve the deployment of staff and the organisation of the nursery sessions to ensure the needs of all children are met. 16/03/2020

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Due date

consider the individual needs, interests and stage of development of each child and use this information to plan a challenging and enjoyable experience for each child in all areas of learning and development 16/03/2020

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Due date

work with parents to promote the development of children by sharing information about learning in the setting, and how they can support and extend this at home. 16/03/2020

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY332371 Local authority Hartlepool Borough Inspection number 10145176 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 82 Number of children on roll 118 Name of registered person Scallywags Childs Play Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01429 235 351 Date of previous inspection 7 February 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Scallywags Nursery registered in 2006. The nursery employs 18 members of childcare staff. Of these, 16 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above, including one with early years professional status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector completed a learning walk with the manager and discussed how the curriculum is delivered. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the registered provider, the manager and the deputy manager. n The inspector spoke to parents and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working at the nursery.

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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

11 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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