Mill Hill Childcare

Inspection of Mill Hill Childcare Mill Hill Nursery School, Torphin Hill Drive, Sunderland, Durham SR3 2PJ

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Babies and young children have enormous fun as they play and learn. They enjoy a wide range of highly stimulating activities. For example, children use their senses as they sniff lemons, taste their sharpness and feel the 'bumpy' skin of the fruit. Staff model squeezing lemon halves until the juice drips onto their hands. They talk to children so that they understand what to do. Staff encourage children to keep trying. Toddlers copy staff's actions and do not give up until they succeed. This practice helps children to develop strong hand movements in preparation for making marks and early writing. Children are proud of their achievements and beam with happiness.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's speech and language development are a high priority. Staff introduce new words such as 'yellow', 'juice' and 'squeeze'. Children repeat these and staff add one new word to children's contributions to help extend vocabulary. Babies babble enthusiastically as staff listen carefully. Staff allow children plenty of time to speak and they respond thoughtfully to children's ideas.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are happy to see their key person and leave their parents and carers at the gate with ease. All children benefit from frequent cuddles and warm praise. Staff greet children with great kindness. They say every child is 'loved' at the setting. This deeply nurturing approach extends to the whole family. Staff have taken extraordinary measures to support families throughout the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. One example is when they set up a 'Bee Kind' project to link families to each other and their community through social media.

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need to do better?

n The headteacher of the maintained nursery, of which the setting is an integral part, expertly leads a knowledgeable, committed and passionate team. Managers set aspirational targets for themselves and staff. All staff are reflective and dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes for each child. They work hard together as a team to ensure that the setting welcomes and values all families. n Staff provide tailored settling-in arrangements to help children feel secure from the start. They involve all children effectively and know them very well. For example, staff use story time under the apple tree, rather than indoors, to read much-loved books to very young children who prefer to learn outside. Children excitedly recognise familiar pictures, point to animals and copy the sounds they make. Staff joyfully use singing to help children join activities, such as at snack time. They support children's emotional well-being to help them move smoothly

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need to do better?

onto the next stage of their learning in the nursery. n Staff use children's interests to plan their specific learning and development

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need to do better?

23 August 2021 needs. They expertly help toddlers to build on what they already know and can do. For instance, when staff remind children about their recent planting activity at the allotment, toddlers decide to fill watering cans to tend herbs in the garden. Children carefully pour water into the cans and carry these without spilling the water. This demonstrates that they remember new skills, think creatively and solve problems. Staff know when not to intervene so that children can freely investigate the rich, safe and motivating environment. n Staff develop children's independence well. For example, babies feed themselves using their fingers and spoons confidently. Children choose favourite books, turning pages carefully. Babies cruise around furniture and hold out their hands to staff to practise their early walking skills. Staff are wonderful role models. They are respectful to each other, parents and children, and use excellent

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need to do better?

manners at all times. Children's behaviour is exemplary for their age. n Very well-qualified, experienced staff accurately identify when children need support and guidance. They plan meaningful activities to help close any learning gaps swiftly. Managers work closely with other professionals to secure support. As a result, all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make rapid progress in their learning and development. n Staff work closely in partnership with parents who are kept well informed through a range of media. Daily information is shared between parents and the setting. Parents say that they understand how to support children's next stages in learning. They have frequent access to planning and learning records. Staff share leaflets that illustrate ideas for children's activities at home. Parents comment that they are fully involved in their children's development. Parents

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need to do better?

value the time that children spend outdoors in the fresh air and visiting the community, such as the park and their local 'secret garden'. n The management team prioritises staff's well-being. Staff benefit from regular supervision meetings. All new staff have mentors to provide guidance and advice. The comprehensive training plan is continuously updated and evaluated. For instance, managers identified communication and language, and attachment needs as priorities for all children. Staff use refreshed knowledge in these areas to support children's excellent progress.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Managers implement a robust recruitment procedure to help ensure staff's initial and ongoing suitability to work with children. All staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children. This includes having knowledge of local and wider issues. Most staff hold a current paediatric first-aid certificate and some have outdoor activity qualifications. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff kept in regular contact with families and agencies. This offered effective protection for children. Young children learn how to stay safe. For example, staff guide their use of knives when they chop vegetables.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY560998 Local authority Sunderland Inspection number 10190518 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 15 Name of registered person Mill Hill Nursery School Governing Body

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reference number

Telephone number 01915220505 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Mill Hill Childcare registered in 2018 for children aged between birth and two years. It operates within Mill Hill Nursery School for children between the ages of two and four years of age. There are five staff members, including the headteacher of the nursery and two qualified teachers. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3, two at level 7 and one at level 8. Mill Hill Childcare opens Monday to Friday from 8am until 5pm for 50 weeks of the year.

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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 headteacher of Mill Hill Nursery, managers and the inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed what children learn and why. n The inspector carried out two joint observations of teaching and learning with the headteacher and discussed staff development. n A number of parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector during telephone calls. The inspector also took account of written feedback from parents. n The inspector held discussions with managers and staff at various times throughout the inspection and reviewed documentation. She observed young children's play and spoke to them during activities.

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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

23 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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