Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries - Academy Gardens

Inspection of Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries - Academy Gardens Academy Gardens Childrens Centre, 1 Academy Gardens, Northolt UB5 5QN

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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 and parents are greeted warmly by the friendly and professional staff. Children arrive happily and settle quickly into the routines of the nursery. Staff provide a stimulating learning environment, both indoors and outdoors. Children select from a wide range of age-appropriate resources. They are confident in choosing the direction of their play. Staff provide fun and exciting activities to capture children's attention. All children make good progress from their starting points.

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The provision is good

Children are supported well to manage their own feelings. Staff give clear instructions and children know what is expected from them. Staff consistently praise children for their efforts, achievements and positive behaviours. Children's behaviour is good. All children enjoy regular access to the nursery's outside area. They have fun exploring a range of interesting activities and practise their physical skills. All children develop secure and trusting bonds with their key person and all staff. Babies and toddlers are relaxed and smile when they see a familiar face. They look to staff for reassurance and cuddles, which they receive in abundance. Children seek staff out to show their accomplishments and share their ideas. Children are confident and supported well to develop independence skills in preparation for the next stage in their learning.

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need to do better?

n The leadership team and staff have adapted well to the challenges faced due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. They ensure that all children are supported and continue to make good progress. Parents say that staff have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and always have a smile on their faces. They say their children love being at the nursery and could not be happier. n Children are supported well to develop a love of books. Staff provide cosy and inviting reading areas where children handle books with care. Older children listen intently as staff read stories in an expressive way. n Staff help children to gain a wide range of physical skills. They ensure babies have plenty of room to crawl and begin to walk. They sensitively help children to grow increasingly independent in meeting their own toileting needs. n Children's mathematical and literacy skills are supported and developed well.

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need to do better?

Staff help children learn how to count as they build a tower with construction blocks. Children access a vast array of mark-making resources in the outdoor classroom. Additionally, staff help children to learn the letters in their names and practise letter formation. This helps to support children to be prepared for school. n The manager and staff carry out termly assessments on children to swiftly

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need to do better?

10 August 2021 identify any gaps in learning. Staff are effective in supporting children's communication and language development, including those who speak English as an additional language. The routine includes plenty of opportunities for children to talk, listen, sing and enjoy stories. All children, including those in receipt of funding and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are fully included during activities. n Children have many opportunities for creative and imaginary play. They enjoy mixing water and cornflour and experimenting with the different textures. n Staff encourage good care practices. Children wash their hands prior to snack and after using the bathroom. This contributes to good health and hygiene. n Children have good opportunities to learn about the wider world. For example, they learn how to grow vegetables and celebrate different cultures and countries. Older children consider the concept of objects that float and sink.

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need to do better?

n Regular evaluation of the service provided takes account of the views of children, of parents and of staff. Leaders have high expectations for the staff and children. Staff have access to in-house training portals, and they receive regular appraisals. However, these are not yet sharply focused to ensure that their teaching practice is highly effective and that their understanding of the curriculum is deeply embedded. Furthermore, some staff are less clear on what they intend children to learn. Therefore, some activities for those children are not always as well matched to their individual learning needs.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Managers and staff complete regular safeguarding training. This helps them to understand their responsibilities. Staff know how to report concerns about a child's welfare or any inappropriate actions of adults working with children. They are aware of wider safeguarding concerns, such as the 'Prevent' duty. The manager and staff use risk assessment effectively to make sure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. This includes robust recruitment, selection, and induction procedures for new staff. Effective staff deployment means that children are well supervised and cared for.

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should:

n provide staff with more robust supervision and training that supports them to develop their individual practice and support children's learning to the highest levels.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY552928 Local authority Ealing Inspection number 10143533 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

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inspection

Total number of places 64 Number of children on roll 80 Name of registered person Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07946377505 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries - Academy Gardens registered in 2017. It is based in Ealing. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm for 51 weeks per year. The setting receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are 17 members of staff, including the manager. Of these, 13 staff hold recognised early years qualifications at level 2 and above.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector talked to staff and children during the inspection. n The manager evaluated an activity with the inspector. n Parents talked to the inspector about their views of the nursery and took account of their views. n The inspector observed children playing and learning inside and outside. n The inspector interviewed the manager and other key members of staff. n The manager carried out a learning walk with the inspector and explained how the curriculum is organised.

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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

10 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.

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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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