Go Explore Formby Foresters

Inspection of Go Explore Formby Foresters Shorrocks Hill Country Club, Lifeboat Road, Formby, Liverpool, Lancashire L37 2EB

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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children thrive at this beautiful forest school nursery. They are incredibly happy and well settled. The unique surroundings offer children an abundance of opportunities to explore and be curious while in the natural environment. Staff have very high expectations of children, particularly in relation to health and safety. Children firmly understand the importance of following the rules and boundaries to stay safe in the forest. For instance, they talk about staying near to the base camp, listening carefully and calling 'cuckoo' if they need help from an adult. Children's behaviour is impressive.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's physical skills are very good. They strengthen their large muscles when eagerly climbing trees and transporting resources using a wheelbarrow. Children develop good balance when carefully navigating the trails and climbing in and out of hammocks. They are becoming confident explorers. Children develop good fine motor skills using trowels to dig in the mud when making 'birthday cakes'. They talk about the different ingredients they can use, such as pinecones, leaves and shells. Staff understand the importance of strengthening children's small muscles in preparation for early writing. They encourage children to be creative and explore how they can make marks with unconventional resources, such as sticks.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager has a clear understanding of what she wants children to learn. The curriculum is ambitious and balanced. A child-led approach to teaching helps to keep children interested and engaged. Staff have a good knowledge of the different ways that children learn. They swiftly identify and address any gaps in development. All children make good progress in their learning. n Children love listening to stories. Staff read with enthusiasm and excitement, capturing children's attention for lengthy periods. Children join in with words and phrases they remember. Regular discussion throughout the story helps to develop children's speaking and comprehension skills. This prepares them for the next stage in their learning, for instance school. n Children have a positive attitude to learning. They are motivated and eager to join in. Children are kind, considerate and polite. They work together with their friends to achieve their goals. For instance, children form a partnership when

p.2

need to do better?

going on a 'treasure' hunt. They quickly discuss adding a third friend to increase the amount of 'treasure' they can find. Children interact positively with each other and clearly have well-embedded friendships. n Children have regular outings to the local community. They explore the beach, the library and public transport. Staff take children to restaurants to teach them about different cuisines and the countries they originate from. For example, children recently had lunch in a Chinese restaurant to celebrate Chinese New

p.2

need to do better?

2 February 2022 Year. They are learning about the world in which they live and preparing for life in modern Britain. n Children have formed strong attachments with staff. The interactions they receive are high quality and sensitive. Kind, nurturing staff put children at the heart of the nursery. They encourage children to adopt a sense of freedom in the forest. Independence and mutual respect are firmly embedded. This promotes children's emotional well-being and helps them to feel safe and secure. n Partnerships with parents are effective. Parents are very happy with the quality of care their children receive and are complimentary about the staff. They praise the communication methods and feel involved in children's learning and development. However, partnership working with other nurseries that children attend is still in its infancy. The manager has not yet established a consistent two-way flow of communication to share information. This does not fully

p.2

need to do better?

promote continuity of care and learning for children. n The manager and her staff are passionate about the service they offer. They have a shared vision for providing quality care and learning for children. High priority is placed on staff well-being. The manager has weekly meetings with staff to ensure they are happy and feel supported in their role. However, the support she offers does not consistently help to raise the quality of education to the highest level. For example, occasionally, staff do not focus sharply enough on the curriculum intent and children's next steps during activities. This means not all learning experiences build on children's prior knowledge.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities to protect children from harm. They know the signs and symptoms of abuse. Staff understand the procedures to follow if they are concerned about a child's welfare or the behaviour of another staff member. They are alert to the indicators that a child or family may be at risk of being drawn into extreme behaviours. Staff are aware of safeguarding issues that are prevalent within the local community, such as county lines and witchcraft.

p.3

should:

n strengthen partnership working with other settings attended by children to ensure continuity of care and learning n support staff to implement the curriculum intent more specifically, building on what children already know and can do.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2578496 Local authority Sefton Inspection number 10213979 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 14 Number of children on roll 19 Name of registered person Melling Nursery Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07814700484 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Go Explore Formby Foresters registered in 2020. The forest school nursery operates from grounds within Shorrocks Hill Country Club. The nursery employs two members of childcare staff, both of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications. The nursery opens from Monday to Thursday during term time only. Sessions are from 9am until 3.30pm. The nursery provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the nursery 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 nursery. n The manager gave the inspector a tour of the forest school nursery and discussed how the curriculum is planned and implemented. n The inspector observed the quality of education outdoors and evaluated the impact on children's learning. n Discussions were held with staff, parents and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n A leadership and management meeting was held with the manager. Documentation relating to the suitability of people working with children was checked. The inspector looked at qualification certificates and paediatric first-aid certificates.

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

2 February 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