Ripe Nursery School

Inspection of Ripe Nursery School The Hayton Baker Hall, Ripe, LEWES, East Sussex BN8 6AP

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children are very warmly welcomed into this exceptional nursery. They thoroughly enjoy exploring the thoughtfully planned and inspiring activities, both indoors and in the large garden. The calm atmosphere indoors allows children time to choose from the attractive, flexible resources which they combine and investigate in imaginative ways to extend their ideas. Learning is carefully sequenced by the extremely knowledgeable and attentive staff. Children reflect, repeat and consolidate what they have learned. They show extremely high levels of motivation and concentration as they play.

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The provision is outstanding

Toddlers eagerly begin their day in the familiar surroundings of their own cosy room. For instance, they have fun as they turn real lamps on and off and operate cameras. They squeal with delight as they see their faces on the screen. This helps their understanding of technology and strengthens their finger muscles and sense of identity. Children show they are happy and secure, which helps them to learn with great enthusiasm.

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The provision is outstanding

Children behave impeccably. Even the youngest children share toys and understand they may need to wait for their turn. Children consistently demonstrate excellent social skills and a strong understanding of the clear routines of the nursery. For example, children quickly stop and listen carefully when they hear the bell signal for group time. They learn to be part of a group as they sing good morning and name a friend to play with.

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need to do better?

n Staff are extremely caring, supportive and patient. A culture of warmth and concern for the welfare of each child is evident across the nursery. Staff listen carefully to children and involve them in making meaningful choices about their activities. Older children are extremely kind and caring to younger ones and support them in their play. For example, they choose a game of 'What's the time Mr Wolf?' in the garden. Older children model the use of a counting aid to tell the time, help the youngest count steps and run away from the 'wolf'. n The manager and staff focus intently on developing children's speech and literacy skills. They frequently use enjoyable songs, rhymes and stories to engage children. Children learn from their clear speech and the repetition of sounds. Younger children name objects and extend their sentences. Older children confidently write their names and blend the sounds letters make, to

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need to do better?

begin to read. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make extremely rapid progress and develop key skills needed for their future learning. n The inspirational manager and staff are highly skilled and dedicated. They

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need to do better?

27 January 2022 successfully share a clear vision of high-quality care and have high expectations for all children. The manager actively promotes staff well-being and they work extremely well together as a strong team. They benefit from excellent opportunities, through research, training and links with another nursery, to develop their expert skills and qualifications even further. Staff are each responsible for supporting teaching and learning in a curriculum area. They ensure there are no gaps in children's development. Continually raising children's outcomes is a strong focus of all training and reviews. n The nursery is a highly valued part of the village community. Staff use these contacts extremely well to help children begin to understand different people and the world around them. For example, children perform their nativity play in the church and walk to the local shop. They learn about the crops growing in the

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need to do better?

nearby farm, measuring their own height against the tall wheat, and celebrate harvest festival. Staff use relevant stories in conjunction with creative activities to help children understand that people and family differences should be valued and respected. n Staff know the children and their families extremely well. Ongoing communication with parents is excellent. For example, new methods developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as catch-up chats outdoors, help to ensure parents and staff share regular information. Staff record videos of stories and helpful advice. Parents are invited to attend workshops, such as those currently planned to explain the forest school ethos. Parents say the setting is 'phenomenal'. This strong partnership enables parents to be actively involved in their child's learning and development. It helps to raise outcomes for children to the highest level.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff prioritise children's safety and well-being in this nursery. Children learn to manage their own risks, for example as they move large blocks and planks in the garden. Staff have frequent training and staff meetings where they can discuss child protection. These contribute to their secure and up-to-date knowledge of how to keep children safe. Staff understand their role and know what to do if they have any concerns about a child's welfare, including whistleblowing. The manager effectively checks the suitability of staff to work with children. The premises and resources are clean and safe. Staff are very well deployed to ensure children have effective supervision both indoors and outdoors.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY477976 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10128755 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 Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 28 Number of children on roll 45 Name of registered person Fleming, Kate Mary

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reference number

Telephone number 01323 811899 Date of previous inspection 5 July 2016

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Information about this early years setting

Ripe Nursery School registered in 2014. It is located in Ripe, near Lewes in East Sussex. The nursery is open from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, during term time. The nursery employs eight staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. Three members of staff hold qualified 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 provider and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk of all areas of the nursery and discussed the curriculum. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact of this on children's learning. n Children, staff and some parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection. She took their views into account.

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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

27 January 2022 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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