Tiny Toes Day Nursery & Pre-School (Hertford) Limited

Inspection of Tiny Toes Day Nursery & Pre-School (Hertford) Limited 41 Chambers Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1PL

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children happily enter the nurturing nursery, and they are eager to participate in the stimulating activities. This immediately promotes their curiosity. For example, young children smother their hands and arms in paint and discover how this feels on their skin. They are fascinated by how the colour of paint changes as they add different colours. Children are exceptionally kind and caring towards each other from a young age. They are extremely respectful to each other, and they have a consistently positive attitude in their play and learning. For example, children enthusiastically welcome peers to join them to solve problems, such as how to secure the lid on a jar of herbs. This contributes to a very happy, calm and busy atmosphere within the nursery.

p.2

The provision is good

Babies explore the sound of dried cereal as staff demonstrate how to crush it. They use wooden spoons to bang bowls made from different materials, such as wood and wicker. Babies smile with delight and bounce their bodies in rhythm to the noise. Children have a strong sense of belonging. They fondly look at photographs of their families and of their achievements. Children are independent and show care and consideration for their environment. For example, they serve themselves lunch and carefully handle china teapots and cups during their imaginative play.

p.2

need to do better?

n From a very young age, children play exceptionally well together. They demonstrate that they have an excellent understanding of the importance of sharing and of respecting the needs of others. Children and their parents build close bonds with their key person and all staff. Settling-in arrangements are carefully planned to ensure they meet the unique needs of every child. Children's emotional well-being is given mindful consideration. This means that children settle well and are ready to learn. n Staff place a strong emphasis on promoting children's language skills. For example, babies listen attentively to the songs and rhymes staff sing to them. This motivates them to babble and to begin making sounds. Staff respond positively. This helps babies to learn the pattern of conversation. Staff's use of questioning encourages younger children to respond and to practise the new words they learn. Older children use complex sentences to describe flowers in a

p.2

need to do better?

vase. n Staff know the needs and interests of children. They provide a rich and ambitious curriculum. Children learn where bugs prefer to live and which ones can fly. However, staff do not consistently respond to older children's spontaneous interests to build on their knowledge. n Careful consideration is given to how any additional funding the nursery receives is spent to ensure it has the biggest impact on children's learning and

p.2

need to do better?

2 June 2021 development. Staff work well with parents to support children who speak English as an additional language, and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This helps to ensure that all children make good progress. n Children are involved in the local community. Older children have recently created a 'fairy' garden as part of a community project. This is currently displayed for the public to enjoy in a communal garden. Prior to COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, staff took older children to visit residents in a local care home. Children and staff have remained in contact throughout the pandemic. However, there is scope to enhance younger children's knowledge of diversity and people beyond their immediate experiences. n Children benefit from a good range of activities to support their physical development. They enjoy healthy foods and spend quality time outside in the fresh air. All children learn to take manageable risks. Children also enjoy regular

p.2

need to do better?

visits to the local park. They develop an increased control of a ball, and have fun jumping in puddles. n The manager and the staff build strong relationships with parents. They receive ongoing information about their children's development and progress. Staff provide ideas on how they can help to support children's learning at home. Parents particularly appreciate the innovative ideas they received during periods of absence due to COVID-19, such as receiving sunflower seeds to grow at home with their children. Parents are highly complimentary of the nursery; they describe staff as 'amazing'. n Leadership is strong, and the manager is sensitive and respectful in supporting staff's well-being. Staff benefit from regular supervision meetings and peer observations. They have access to training to develop their practice.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The manager and the staff understand how to identify the signs and symptoms that could indicate a child is at risk. They understand how to report any concerns about children's welfare or the behaviour of another adult. They have a broad understanding of wider safeguarding issues. Robust recruitment procedures ensure that all staff are suitable. Ongoing support from the manager ensures staff remain alert to their responsibility to keep children safe. They protect children from the sun. For instance, staff ensure that children wear a hat, and they help children to apply sun protection cream.

p.3

should:

n enhance opportunities for younger children to develop a stronger understanding of diversity to help them to learn about different traditions and people beyond

p.3

should:

2 June 2021 their immediate peers and families n support staff to recognise and to respond positively to older children's spontaneous interests.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY552760 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10174125 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 42 Number of children on roll 75 Name of registered person Tiny Toes (Hertford) Ltd

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 01992 589020 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Tiny Toes Day Day Nursery & Pre-School (Hertford) Limited registered in 2017. The nursery employs 16 members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds qualified teacher status, two hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 6 and 12 hold qualifications at level 2 or 3. The nursery opens from 7.30am until 6.30pm, all year round. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year- old children.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n The inspector and the manager completed a learning walk across all the areas of the nursery to understand how the curriculum is organised. n A joint observation of an activity was carried out by the inspector and the manager. The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors. She assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector about the experiences they enjoy. The inspector took account of the views of children and of parents spoken to on the day. n The inspector held a number of discussions with staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager and the owner of the nursery.

p.6

Inspection activities

She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. She discussed with the manager how she reflects on the service she provides.

p.6

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.

p.6

Inspection activities

2 June 2021 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7