Snapdragons Nursery Weston

Inspection of Snapdragons Nursery Weston Henley Lodge, Weston Road, BATH BA1 2XT

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The nursery provides a homely, comfortable environment, where children are made to feel welcome, safe and valued. Children settle quickly and thoroughly enjoy exploring the interesting range of resources and activities available. They are independent learners who make choices about their play with confidence. Babies and toddlers, for example, show great curiosity as they explore play spaces. Children are extremely well behaved and attentive. For example, older children show great concentration as they take part in a listening activity and experiment with making sounds quieter and louder. Staff know children well and use effective teaching methods to support them to make good progress from their starting points. They explain, demonstrate and ask questions to engage children fully.

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The provision is good

The nursery remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff maintained good contact with families of those children not attending during this time and provided activity packs to help parents support their children's learning at home. Parents still drop their children at the door to reduce the risk of infection. Staff from their child's room have a brief discussion with them to ensure that important information is still exchanged.

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need to do better?

n Staff use what they know about the children to identify what each child needs to learn next and to support their learning. They interact well with them and offer praise and encouragement to engage them and give them a sense of achievement. They help all children, including those who may need additional support, to be ready for their next stage of education. n Staff encourage children's communication skills well. Older children are confident communicators who initiate conversations and interactions. Younger children use signs and words, saying 'please' and 'thank you' when they are given food or drinks. They understand what is said to them. For example, when staff say it is snack time, children head straight to the table to find a seat. n Children's behaviour is exemplary. Older children negotiate with one another to take turns with equipment and even babies are starting to share. For example, they hand pretend food to others and take turns in conversations on the pretend

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need to do better?

phones. Toddlers share equipment as they build sandcastles. They show tolerance and perseverance. For example, when sandcastles get knocked down, they build them again and do not get frustrated. n Staff generally use effective methods to support children who are learning to speak English as an additional language. For example, parents supply key words in the child's home language before they start. However, there are inconsistencies in the encouragement offered to children to use their home language in play and learning to further support their overall language

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need to do better?

5 November 2021 development. n Children of all ages show an excellent understanding of good hygiene practice. Toddlers ask for tissues to clean their runny noses and know to put the used tissues in the bin. Staff talk with children about the importance of cleaning hands when coming in from outdoors and remind them to use soap to get rid of the germs. Children know they need to do this before eating too. n Leaders reflect on the quality of the provision and make positive changes to improve outcomes for children. For example, they recognised that the nursery did not promote diversity as much as possible. They attended relevant training and used what they learned to develop this aspect of the provision further. There is now a greater focus on valuing and celebrating children's individual backgrounds and a variety of new resources has been introduced to help children learn about similarities and differences.

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need to do better?

n There is a strong focus on staff well-being. Leaders have introduced an employee assistance programme where staff can access counselling and there is a well-being champion who can provide advice and information if staff need support. n Leaders have introduced 'in the moment' planning and are using the 'curiosity approach' to support children's learning. These are working generally well and children relish exploring the stimulating new resources. However, staff's ability to extend children's learning and introduce other areas of learning, including mathematics, during activities is not yet fully embedded.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a secure understanding of how to protect children from harm. They complete safeguarding training and regularly discuss safeguarding matters in staff meetings, which helps to keep their knowledge up to date. They understand the signs that a child may be at risk of harm and know the procedures to follow if they have concerns. They are also confident in their understanding of what to do if they are concerned about the conduct of a colleague. Staff ensure that the environment is safe and secure, and remind children how to stay safe.

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should:

n embed staff's ability to include and build on all areas of learning during children's play, with particular regard to mathematics n provide more consistent support for children who are learning to speak English as an additional language.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY253622 Local authority Bath and North East Somerset Council Inspection number 10210529 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 164 Number of children on roll 172 Name of registered person Snapdragons Nurseries Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01225 426255 Date of previous inspection 19 September 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Snapdragons Nursery Weston registered in 2003. It is located in the Weston area of Bath. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, for 51 weeks of the year, from 8am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are 41 staff members who work directly with the children. Of these, four hold relevant childcare degrees and 25 hold qualifications at levels 2, 3 and 5.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors Catherine Sample Anita McKelvey

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The lead inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The manager and the head of early years practice joined the lead inspector on a learning walk and talked to her about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n Children spoke to the inspectors about what they enjoy doing while at nursery. n Staff spoke to the inspectors during the inspection. n The inspectors observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The manager and the lead inspector carried out a joint observation. n The second inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspectors looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the

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Inspection activities

suitability of staff working in 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

5 November 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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