Whatcombe Farm Nursery

Inspection of Whatcombe Farm Nursery Whatcombe Farm, Jacks Lane, Spring Gardens, FROME, Somerset BA11 3NL

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children show great enthusiasm as they arrive at Whatcombe Farm Nursery, ready for their day to begin. They are met at the nursery door by staff who welcome them warmly, which supports children to feel safe and secure. Staff promote a charming and nurturing environment, which promotes close and trusting relationships with the children. Children are eager and excited to immerse themselves in the broad range of learning opportunities available from the moment they arrive at the setting.

p.2

The provision is good

Children show high levels of confidence and independence as they relish the opportunity to carry out small tasks. For example, children are involved in growing various fruits and vegetables in the garden and then have the opportunity to harvest these ready for their mealtimes. This also develops their knowledge and understanding of where their food has come from and how it is made. Children are enthusiastic learners and have positive attitudes to learning. They show high levels of interest in all the activities available. For example, children show delight as they use various storytelling props to retell the 'Billy Goats Gruff' story.

p.2

The provision is good

Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, parents are unable to enter the nursery building. Staff utilise the outside space to share detailed information with parents about their child's day. This means daily discussions can take place with appropriate social distancing. Staff make good use of electronic communications to ensure information about their child's progress is shared effectively with parents. Therefore, this has had no impact on children's learning and development.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider and the manager are extremely passionate about developing children's awareness and understanding of diversity and what makes them unique. They have developed an exceptional range of experiences to enrich and inspire children's knowledge about the world in which we live. For example, children greatly benefit from virtual learning opportunities with local children's authors, who enhance their knowledge of coastal pollution. Staff provide children with a variety of stimulating activities and skills that will help them to succeed in their next chapter of learning. For example, children benefit from daily trips to the woodlands and weekly music and movement sessions. Staff give a high priority to ensuring that children are able to express their feelings. n The provider is committed to providing children and families with the highest level of care and learning. The provider and the manager are good role models

p.2

need to do better?

for staff. They interact and engage well with the children, demonstrating effective teaching skills. The special educational needs coordinator works closely with other professionals and staff members to ensure all children are making

p.2

need to do better?

5 August 2021 high levels of progress in their learning. Each member of staff speaks passionately about their role within the setting. The staff meet regularly with the provider to share their knowledge, ideas and professional development. n Partnerships with parents are good. Parents describe the setting as 'unique and calm' and feel the staff are 'nurturing' and 'motherly'. They comment very positively on the range of learning opportunities on offer, particularly outdoors. Parents feel that their children have made good progress since starting at the setting and there is a good two-way exchange of communication and information. Staff prepare children well for their next stage of learning. n Staff have high expectations for all children. Children show a willingness to learn and demonstrate good levels of engagement. However, sometimes when staff deliver whole group activities, some children become restless and disengaged.

p.2

need to do better?

This, occasionally, distracts other children who are deeply involved in their learning. n In general, staff support children well to develop positive behaviours to enhance their future learning. For example, staff engage children in a variety of games and activities to support children's understanding of sharing and turn taking. Managers implement effective strategies to support children should they struggle to concentrate or focus on activities. However, on occasions, not all staff are consistent in using these strategies to raise children's learning to the highest level.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

All staff have a strong understanding of their role to protect children from harm. They know the possible signs of abuse and understand wider issues surrounding child protection, such as how young children might be exposed to extreme views. Staff are fully aware of what to do if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. All staff attend regular safeguarding training to help them keep up to date with current safeguarding requirements and statutory duties. The provider has robust recruitment procedures in place to ensure staff are suitable to work with children. Leaders and staff work together to carry out regular risk assessments to ensure the setting is safe and secure for all children.

p.3

should:

n review how whole group activities are organised to ensure all children fully engage n ensure all staff consistently use the effective strategies in place to support children should they struggle to concentrate or focus on activities.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY552148 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10174240 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 36 Name of registered person Whatcombe Farm Nursery Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07799346680 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Whatcombe Farm Nursery registered in 2017. The setting is in Frome, Somerset. The setting opens on weekdays all year round. The nursery is closed for a week in the summer holidays and a week at Christmas. The nursery employs 10 members of staff, including the provider who has qualified teacher status. The remaining staff members have appropriate childcare qualifications ranging from level 2 to level 6.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The provider explained the nursery curriculum during a learning walk with the inspector. n The provider and the inspector held a meeting together. The inspector looked at a sample of documents, including evidence of staff's suitability. n The provider and the inspector completed a joint observation of an activity together and discussed the quality of teaching and learning afterwards. n The inspector held discussions with the manager and staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

p.5

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.5

Inspection activities

5 August 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.5

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6