Mead Open Farm Day Nursery and Activity Day Camp

Inspection of Mead Open Farm Day Nursery and Activity Day Camp Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 9JH

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and secure and make good progress at this setting. They enjoy being greeted at the gate by a staff member from their own room and quickly settle. Children are gaining a good understanding of their emotions. They recognise how they are feeling and also understand how to recognise emotions in others. They are kind and caring. For example, they notice when their friends are upset and find their favourite toys for them. Staff appreciate that since the COVID-19 lockdowns, many children have not had the opportunity to interact with others and so ensure that children are well supported in this.

p.2

The provision is good

Children play well together and use their good language skills to discuss what they are doing. For example, a group of children work together to create 'mud pie café'. They talk about the 'ingredients' and how to 'thicken the mixture'. Children are learning to manage their behaviour. They discuss minor disagreements and negotiate taking fair turns. Staff are observant and support children in this, whenever needed. Children enjoy many opportunities that support the development of their physical skills. For instance, they help build an obstacle course and concentrate as they climb, balance and jump off crates.

p.2

need to do better?

n Managers are thorough and honest in their evaluation of practice. They acknowledge strengths, recognise weaker areas and support staff well in developing their practice. Staff well-being is very well considered. Staff complete training that helps them to support their colleagues. This creates a positive environment, where staff report that they feel valued. n The manager uses practical procedures to monitor children's progress and ensure that no child falls behind in their learning. She deploys staff well, so that children are safe and their needs are met. Additional funding is used effectively to offer children further opportunities and support their development. n Staff know children well and understand what they need to learn next. They offer children opportunities that increase their knowledge and support their ability to learn successfully. For example, children enjoy exciting outdoor play opportunities. They show a mature understanding of how to nurture living

p.2

need to do better?

things, such as animals, plants and seeds. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress. Staff quickly recognise when children need additional support. They tailor this support well and ensure that all children can participate meaningfully in play opportunities. n Staff interact well with children. For example, staff members support young children to understand how to gently groom a pony on the farm. The children learn new vocabulary and staff check that they understand this. Children eagerly

p.2

need to do better?

15 March 2022 exclaim 'It's Teddy the pony!' and use words, such as 'bigger, smaller' and 'Shetland pony'. n Parents speak highly of the nursery. They report that communication is good and they feel supported in understanding their children's learning and extending this. Staff have effective procedures to work with other childcare settings that children attend. This helps to ensure that children's care is consistent and their development promoted. n Children have easy access to books. They show their growing enjoyment of these. They snuggle up in an outdoor den to look at books or listen intently as staff members read with them. n Staff are clear about the intention of activities. They, generally, support children well, so that their development is promoted. For example, staff use sensory play as a way of helping children to develop their language skills. Younger children explore the taste of oranges and lemons and smell lavender. However, on

p.2

need to do better?

occasion, staff do not challenge children sufficiently and encourage them to think critically and solve problems. n Staff, generally, offer children support in developing their independence and their understanding of safety and healthy practices. For example, children assess the risks and understand their limitations as they climb on outdoor equipment. However, on occasion, staff do not reinforce children's understanding and also do things for children that they could do themselves, such as putting on their coats when they have already learned this skill. This sometimes confuses children and does not promote their independence to the optimum.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff complete regular training to keep their knowledge of safeguarding up to date. They understand how to recognise signs that may indicate concerns about a child's welfare. This includes wider issues, such as exposure to extreme views and behaviours. Staff are aware of how to report any concerns in a timely way to the correct professional. Managers ensure that correct staffing ratios are always maintained and that all required documentation is in place, further promoting children's welfare.

p.3

should:

n support staff to further extend children's play, for example, through challenging children and encouraging them to think critically and solve problems as they encounter them n support staff to understand and follow the setting's agreed approaches to promoting children's independence.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY490033 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10230716 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 140 Number of children on roll 102 Name of registered person Kids Play Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01525300646 Date of previous inspection 1 February 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Mead Open Farm Day Nursery and Activity Day Camp registered in 2015. The nursery employs 40 members of childcare staff. Of these, 27 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above, including two with qualified teacher status. The nursery opens Monday to Friday all year around apart from bank holidays. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6.30pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The activity camp opens from Monday to Friday during Bedfordshire local authority school holidays. Activity camp sessions are from 8am until 6pm.

p.4

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 their evaluation of the provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector observed staff interaction with children during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the acting manager. n Meetings were held between the inspector, the acting manager, the company's Head of People, the Senior Manager and the Childcare Director. The inspector looked at relevant documentation and saw evidence of the suitability of staff. n The inspector held discussions with staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

15 March 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6