The Maltings Day Nursery

Inspection of The Maltings Day Nursery Ship Lane, Ely, Cambs CB7 4BB

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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 truly flourish at the nursery, where they are valued as individuals and made to feel very special. They thoroughly enjoy their day playing and learning. Children particularly enjoy being outside where they become totally absorbed in their play. They show excellent concentration in their pretend play as they recreate activities they have seen elsewhere. Children learn to use tools safely during forest school-type sessions or when undertaking woodwork activities. Staff supervise children closely and put excellent safety precautions in place. They teach children how to hammer nails and saw wood without harming themselves. Older children demonstrate outstanding abilities as they firstly plan and draw what they want to make. Children's creativity is treasured by staff, who ensure children's artwork is attractively displayed and celebrated.

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The provision is outstanding

Younger children show their sense of security as they happily find their own playthings or join in with a focused activity. They show great interest in toy animals and particularly love making them splash in the water. Young children's good dexterity is further demonstrated at mealtimes when they feed themselves. Care practices, such as nappy changing, are carried out in an unhurried manner and give the upmost dignity and choice to children.

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need to do better?

n Leadership is inspirational. The proprietor and managers have a clear vision of excellence and an ethos that is understood and shared throughout the nursery team. Managers use their expert knowledge of well-established childcare and teaching theory to develop the ambitious curriculum to prepare children for their future lives. The outstanding practice demonstrated by everyone is firmly built on the deep respect they have for each other, the children and their families. n Staff benefit from excellent support from the proprietor and managers. Induction and ongoing training are well planned and targeted to ensure all staff have the high level of skill and knowledge that is expected of them. Staff talk enthusiastically about what they have learned and how this helps the children they care for. The proprietor places great importance on the well-being of the staff team. This was especially evident during the recent pandemic when new

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need to do better?

ways of working were embraced to ensure staff were not isolated or troubled by the uncertainties. n The standard of teaching is exceptionally high throughout the nursery. Staff know the children well and make exceptional use of children's 'home adventures' to expertly weave their interests and fascinations through the planning. Equally, children's good communication is a priority and staff know how to enhance children's speech from an early age. Staff always acknowledge and respond to children's efforts to make themselves understood. Consequently, all children

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need to do better?

27 May 2022 have a strong sense of belonging and confidence as they enjoy their day at nursery. n Staff place a high priority on storytelling. They understand the positive effects this has on children's communication development and that it forms the foundations of early literacy. Staff demonstrate excellent skills as they recount familiar tales and use simple yet effective resources to capture children's interest. Children sit totally transfixed and are clearly calmed by the relaxing and familiar routines. n Parents offer the highest of praise for staff and the practices at the nursery. They describe staff as 'amazing' and say that they go above and beyond what is expected of them. Parents recognise the exceptional strong bonds children have with staff. They say that communication is excellent and consequently, parents know what children are learning during the day. Parents are immensely thankful for the support given to them by the staff, who they say are 'dedicated' and

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need to do better?

'professional'. n The respectful approaches staff use throughout the nursery have an outstanding impact on children's behaviour. Staff give children time to finish what they are doing and they use songs to indicate a change in activity. Older children show good consideration for their friends and follow instructions exceptionally well. Staff react calmly when young children find sharing difficult. Their responses are highly supportive, and children are beginning to learn how to regulate their reactions to challenge.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have an excellent understanding of the nursery's safeguarding procedures and know how to keep children safe. They are very well trained and are confident in the actions needed to report any concerns about children's welfare. Equally, staff know about a wide range of child protection matters, such as children being at risk of extremist views. Recruitment procedures are robust, and ongoing measures are taken to ensure staff remain suitable for their roles. Well-planned procedures are in place and practised should the nursery need to be evacuated or the emergency services called.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY389853 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10113045 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 48 Number of children on roll 80 Name of registered person Wigwam Nurseries Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01353661442 Date of previous inspection 24 April 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The Maltings Day Nursery registered in 2009 and is located in Ely. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round except bank holidays. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. The nursery employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, nine hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above, including the manager who holds early years teacher status. The setting provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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 their evaluation of the provider. n The nursery manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the nursery manager. n The inspector held meetings with the providers, the area manager and the nursery manager. She looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n A number of parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection and others

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Inspection activities

sent emails for her to read. The inspector took account of their views.

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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 May 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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