Hamilton Nursery

Inspection of Hamilton Nursery 25 Hilltop Road, Hamilton, Leicester LE5 1TT

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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

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The provision is good

Children are very happy at this nursery. They are greeted at the door by friendly staff, who support them to separate from their parents before moving on to find their friends. Babies are handled carefully and taken to the 'Discoverers' room where they are met and welcomed by caring, warm staff, who understand their individual needs. Older children, 'Explorers and Inventors', are encouraged to lead the way as they rush to explore what they will be doing today. 'Foundation Unit' children ably manage the stairs as they chatter to staff about what they have been doing at home. Children are encouraged to independently manage their own coats, shoes and other belongings.

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The provision is good

The relationships between staff and children are very positive, which helps children to feel safe. Staff have high expectations of children and, consequently, children's behaviour is very good. Positive interactions with staff contribute to children's learning, and support children to understand and manage their own behaviour. Children are learning to be kind to their friends. Staff support them with gentle reminders about sharing, waiting and taking turns. Babies are supported to wait until their friend has reached the bottom of the slide before they sit down for their turn. Older children are supported to share craft resources when they colour and draw shapes.

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need to do better?

n The manager spends time in each room and is attentive to the development needs of the staff. She has a clear vision for the nursery's future. Staff and the manager share positive relationships. The manager observes staff interactions with children and uses her findings to enhance staff development. She provides staff with purposeful feedback, while encouraging them to become reflective practitioners. n Parents speak very highly about the nursery. They comment that the verbal and . Parents attribute children's positive social development to the time they spend at nursery. They specifically mention the strong bonds children have with staff. Consequently, parents are confident that their children are safe and well cared for. n Staff understand that children have different home experiences. They are aware that some children may not have access to outside space, therefore, they plan for children to play outside every day. Children run around freely, enjoying the

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need to do better?

large climbing frame and slide. Older children visit the forest area. They climb trees, hang lanterns and learn to be respectful of their environment and the things within it. n Staff encourage children's independence. All children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn to brush their teeth,

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need to do better?

30 May 2022 pour drinks, and serve their own lunch. Staff build on children's existing skills, which helps them be ready to move rooms within the nursery or to start school. n Staff develop a well-considered, exciting curriculum that supports children's learning. Babies and toddlers choose freely from activities, games and books. Older children enjoy sensory play, arts, crafts and drawing. Children have enjoyed a Jubilee tea party and staff support them to make tea in the water tray. They explore tea bags and learn that tea turns the water brown. Staff support children's curiosity to learn as they open the tea bag to look inside. However, mathematical development could be further enhanced in children's play. For instance, when pouring between containers, staff could introduce the idea of capacity and measurement. n Staff encourage children to broaden their knowledge about things that interest them. Pre-school children collect bugs and leaves in a bucket. They find a

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need to do better?

millipede and are excited to examine it using an investigation pot. Staff encourage children to gather information from books and provide them with information from the internet. Children learn new vocabulary and begin to understand it. For example, they explore the difference between millipedes and centipedes. n Children with SEND, and children who speak English as an additional language, are provided for very well. This enables them to make the best possible progress. Staff work well with the external agencies who are involved with individual children. Appropriate plans are developed to support children and their learning. For example, the manager uses funding to employ specialist, bilingual support staff. This helps staff to communicate with children and supports children and families to be able to express their needs.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a very good understanding of safeguarding and know about the signs and symptoms of abuse. They recognise how to record and report concerns to the designated safeguarding lead for the nursery. Staff are required to complete regular training to ensure their knowledge of safeguarding issues remains up to date. The manager and staff complete effective daily risk assessments in the nursery. The premises are secure and well maintained, which contributes to keeping children safe. The manager employs a robust process to ensure all staff have been appropriately checked and vetted and remain suitable to work with children.

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should:

n develop further the language staff use with children to support learning,

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should:

30 May 2022 particularly mathematical concepts.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2557628 Local authority Leicester Inspection number 10205570 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 Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 58 Number of children on roll 122 Name of registered person Belgrave Gate Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 0116 274 3090 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Hamilton Nursery School re-registered in 2019. It is located on the outskirts of Leicester. The setting employs 19 members of childcare staff. Of these, one is a qualified nursery teacher and 15 hold appropriate qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 6pm all year round. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting 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 setting. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the nursery manager. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together. n The inspector held a meeting with the nursery manager. They looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke with staff and children during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to parents and read comments made by parents about the nursery during the inspection, and 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

30 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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