Bee In The Woods Kindergarten

Inspection of Bee In The Woods Kindergarten Foredown Woods, Foredown Allotments, Thornbush Crescent, Portslade, Brighton BN41 2GW

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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

Children thrive in the incredibly inspiring and nurturing kindergarten, which is set completely outdoors in an adventurous woodland site. Children's love and curiosity of nature are ignited and used to spark an enormous amount of learning, investigation and discovery. For example, children learn about the cycle of 'farm to plate' as they grow, harvest and cook their own vegetables. Children explore the scents and textures of herbs and plants in their play, for example when making 'medicine' and 'potions' with blackberries and rosemary.

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The provision is outstanding

Children develop a vast knowledge of nature, safety and risks as they excitedly explore their surroundings. They confidently discuss the rules in place to keep them safe and regulate their own behaviour extremely well. For example, children know that they can climb trees, but only to the height of the staff so they can be helped down if needed. They learn to test the strength of branches before putting their weight on them, and they recite rules such as not to 'pick or lick' the red berries as they are poisonous. Children develop a great thirst for learning, which helps them to become exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education.

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need to do better?

n The inspirational manager and her highly qualified, experienced and passionate staff work together seamlessly. During in-depth weekly meetings, they discuss children's development, interests and individual learning styles in meticulous detail. They use this deep understanding to plan and provide a remarkably diverse and challenging curriculum designed to help all children achieve their full potential. n Key curriculum threads, such as sustainability, curiosity, nature, togetherness and community are at the heart of the setting and children's experiences. For example, children compost their leftover food and learn how this provides food for insects and minerals for the soil. They explore woodland seasonal changes every day and discover new creatures, such as a dog fish, during weekly beach school sessions. n Children thrive on the community feel of the kindergarten and develop immense confidence, knowing that they are cherished and their ideas are valued. They

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need to do better?

speak eagerly during 'together times', listen to the views of others and share their own thoughts. Children are extremely kind, respectful and well-behaved, and staff support these qualities with warmth and understanding. For example, they use a 'bucket full of kindness' to store and celebrate children's positive acts throughout the day. n Staff are exceptional teachers and have the highest expectations of every child. They make expert use of both spontaneous learning opportunities and planned activities. During the inspection, children excitedly celebrated 'nursery rhyme

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need to do better?

16 November 2021 week' and used a map to follow a trail, solving clues to identify 10 hidden rhymes. They showed a broad vocabulary, excellent memory and an eagerness to learn new words and their meaning. Children continuously describe what they see and find in the woodlands. Communication is at the heart of their learning. n Children develop high levels of perseverance and problem-solving skills. For example, when a child wanted to get a dinosaur toy down from a tree, they kept trying until they succeeded. First, they got a crate to stand on, but when they still could not reach, they found a fallen branch to swing at the toy. The child then celebrated with other children and staff who were watching and showed an immense sense of pride. n The ambitious manager and her deputy provide staff with inspirational coaching and training to continue to develop their skills to the highest levels. Staff feel completely supported and are encouraged to further their qualifications. This

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need to do better?

helps to create a hive of skill and knowledge sharing. Staff provide parents with extensive support. Parents are completely involved and engaged in their children's learning. They show overwhelming support and praise for the kindergarten. n Children develop excellent physical skills. They climb trees and use rope ladders with great confidence. They use tools, such as hammers and saws, skilfully to make wooden models. Children are extremely independent, motivated and keen to do things for themselves. They count, understand quantities and recognise numbers confidently. Children develop a love of books and storytelling and are highly imaginative in their play.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff update their safeguarding knowledge continually through training, discussion and staff meetings. They regularly discuss wider safeguarding issues and potential safeguarding scenarios to strengthen their knowledge further. Staff very confidently know the signs that indicate a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect and the procedures to follow if they have a concern about a child's well- being. They have an excellent understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as protecting children from extreme views. Staff teach children to identify and manage risks. Children have a great understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY557571 Local authority Brighton and Hove Inspection number 10175231 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 43 Name of registered person Collins, Lucy Elizabeth Owen

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reference number

Telephone number 07880 727679 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Bee in the Woods Kindergarten registered in 2018. It operates in Foredown Woods in Portslade, East Sussex. The setting opens each weekday between 8.30am and 3.30pm. Holiday clubs operate during the school holidays. There are nine members of staff, seven of whom hold qualified teacher status and one holds early years teacher status.

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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 his evaluation of the setting. n The inspector carried out a learning walk with the manager to discuss the kindergarten's curriculum intent. n The views and opinions of the children, staff and parents were taken into account during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and jointly assessed the impact this has on children's learning and personal development with the manager. n The inspector looked at a sample of documents, including staff suitability records.

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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

16 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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