Willowbrook Nursery

Inspection of Willowbrook Nursery North Mymms Youth & Community Centre, Station Road, Welham Green, North Mymms, Hatfield AL9 7PF

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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

The nursery provides a calm, happy and sociable atmosphere. Children are warmly welcomed as they arrive to start their day. They develop close bonds with staff, which allows them to feel safe, secure and ready to learn. There is a broad range of activities on offer for the children. Babies babble away, learning the art of conversation, as they explore mark making using paints. Toddlers gather around to listen to a story read by staff. They point to the pictures and talk about the story, developing their interest in literacy. Pre-school children squish and squeeze play dough; they use tools to roll it and cut out shapes. This develops strength in their hands in preparation for writing.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They play cooperatively together as they work as a team to complete puzzles. Staff promote positive behaviour effectively and children learn to follow their boundaries and rules. Children demonstrate a good understanding of these when they move from one part of the daily routine to another with ease. For example, they line up patiently to walk to the main hall together. Children learn that their behaviour has an impact on others when staff support them to share equipment.

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need to do better?

n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported extremely well. Staff work with external professionals and parents in a cohesive manner to give children the focused support they need. Staff receive training from outside specialists, which allows them to implement effective strategies. This helps to improve outcomes for children and they progress to the next stage of their education exceptionally well. n Staff demonstrate a thorough understanding of their key children. They know what they can do and what they need to do next to make progress. They use children's interests effectively to plan activities that excite children and help them to progress. For example, children enjoy decorating ice lollies in an arts and crafts session as a result of a group discussion about the summer. At times during in these planned activities, staff do not always allow children to follow their own creative ideas.

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need to do better?

n Children are well prepared for the transition to school. They develop independence skills, such as self-care and serving their own snack. They practise school routines such as focused learning on the carpet, so they are ready for school. Transition reports are prepared, and children develop relationships with their new teachers before they start school. This enables children to manage the transition to school smoothly. n Staff establish close working partnerships with parents. They keep parents fully informed of their children's progress and development through regular

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need to do better?

5 July 2022 discussions and consultations. A parent representative provides a strong voice for communication between the manager and parents. Parents speak very highly of the provision and would highly recommend the nursery to other families. n Children have good opportunities to progress in their physical development. For instance, they explore different ways that they can move their bodies in regular yoga sessions. Children master riding tricycles with pedals in the outdoor area and develop balancing skills as they walk across obstacle equipment. However, at present, the babies have a limited space for movement and exploration outside. n Staff speak highly of the manager. They comment how they feel valued and well supported by her. They work cohesively together to ensure the nursery runs smoothly. The manager has a good oversight of her staff team, and their well- being is important. Regular supervision sessions are provided where positive

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need to do better?

feedback, training needs and any concerns are discussed. This allows any emerging issues to be addressed and quickly managed. n Children develop good communication and language skills. Staff take every opportunity to extend language. They introduce new words to the youngest children and engage older children in meaningful conversations. Children talk about different types of weather, and how it makes them feel. They describe enjoying building snowmen when it is cold.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard children. Staff are aware of how to report any concerns, including allegations made against staff. The manager ensures that staff's knowledge is secure with regular quizzes and updates shared in team meetings. Risk assessments are completed daily in the setting to ensure the equipment and resources are safe. Staff are deployed in all areas to ensure that children are always supervised, inside and outside. The manager has robust recruitment processes to ensure that those who are employed have the necessary suitability checks.

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should:

n provide more opportunities for children to follow their own creative ideas, particularly in planned activities n enhance outdoor areas for babies to enable them to explore freely in their environment.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2612721 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10246192 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 40 Number of children on roll 38 Name of registered person Little Wonderland Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01707518221 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Willowbrook Nursery registered in 2020 and is situated in Hatfield. It employs seven members of staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 6, including one qualified teacher. The nursery is open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am until 6pm and on Friday from 8.30am to midday.

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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 manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk. She talked to the inspector about the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors. She discussed children's progress with staff. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation in the pre-school room. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation. This included evidence of staff suitability, supervision records and safeguarding documents. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of written 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

5 July 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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