The Kentish Town Day Nursery & Pre-School

Inspection of The Kentish Town Day Nursery & Pre-School 37 Ryland Road, London NW5 3EH

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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 arrive motivated and ready to learn at this exemplary nursery. Staff greet them warmly at the door, talking to them about the day ahead and the activities they have to look forward to. This inspires the children and engages them from the minute they arrive. Children confidently greet their friends and immediately settle at an activity they are interested in. They lead their own learning, motivated by the stimulating resources and the very well organised environment. Staff are adept at extending the children's learning. For example, children compare the smells of different spices. They describe the smells and try to identify the spices that smell the same. Staff ask lots of questions to help them clarify their ideas and deepen their thinking skills.

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The provision is outstanding

Children appear confident and very secure across the nursery. Babies move around the room independently, finding resources they enjoy playing with. Older children decide when they would like a snack and a drink. They sit at the table and choose the snack themselves, pouring their own water afterwards. Behaviour is outstanding. Children thoroughly understand the nursery routines and what is expected of them when transitioning between activities. They demonstrate excellent concentration and perseverance. When an activity proves difficult they are happy to try again, encouraged by staff who explain that 'practice makes perfect.'

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need to do better?

n The nursery manager and her senior-management team are well-qualified and very experienced. They are passionate about giving children the best start in life. They promote key values that include building children's self-esteem and confidence to support this. They consistently monitor and develop staff practice to ensure high-quality teaching. Managers and staff work together extremely well. This helps build a supportive and caring environment and has a positive impact on children's attitudes towards their own learning and development. n The nursery manager successfully evaluates the already outstanding provision with her staff. Together they identify areas that could be enhanced, working tirelessly to develop them. The manager asks parents for feedback and acts on their suggestions. Staff are highly motivated and report that they feel valued and thoroughly supported. Parents say they are very happy with the provision.

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need to do better?

n The curriculum is very well designed and takes account of the individual needs of each and every child. All the areas of learning are planned for and supported. Older children are well prepared for their transition to school. n Staff provide children with lots of opportunities to be physically active and to develop their large-muscle control. The outside space is well-equipped. Children enjoy climbing, jumping and regular yoga sessions. They are learning how to

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need to do better?

28 July 2022 keep themselves and others safe. Healthy living is a focus. Children enjoy a varied, nutritious menu and drink lots of fresh water. n Communication and language learning is at the heart of everything the children do. Makaton is used to support children's early communication skills and rich conversations extend their vocabulary and language. Children have a love of reading and books. Babies choose books they enjoy sharing with staff and older children select their favourite stories to read on their own and with others. They retell the story and ask each other questions about what they think is going to happen next. n Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is outstanding. Needs are identified early on and support plans are put in place immediately. Staff work closely with parents and education and health partners to ensure children can access the curriculum and make very good progress.

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need to do better?

n Staff make sure children are proud of themselves and their achievements. They use praise effectively to motivate and encourage them. For example, the babies crawl up and down a ramp, smiling and gurgling at staff when they encourage them to have another go. n Children's behaviour is exemplary. They are caring and considerate towards each other. They share resources appropriately and show real empathy when their friends become upset. They enjoy finding out about and celebrating significant cultural traditions. This helps children to understand the differences between them and the world they live in.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a very strong understanding of the possible risks to children. They know what to do if they have a concern about a child or a member of staff, and the procedures to follow. Managers continually test the staff's safeguarding knowledge and make sure that all training is always up to date. Staff understand their responsibilities in relation to the 'Prevent' duty and female genital mutilation. Staff meetings and supervision sessions are used to discuss any safeguarding concerns. The recruitment of staff is robust and the manager checks ongoing suitability. Regular risk assessments are carried out and appropriate action is taken to ensure the children's safety at all times.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY232072 Local authority Camden Inspection number 10219697 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 78 Number of children on roll 78 Name of registered person Little Garden Day Nurseries Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 020 7284 3600 Date of previous inspection 31 August 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The Kentish Town Day Nursery & Pre-School registered in 2003. The nursery is located in Kentish Town, in the London Borough of Camden. The nursery is open weekdays, from 7.30am to 6.30pm, and operates throughout the year, except for bank holidays. The provider is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education to children aged three and four years. The provider currently employs 25 staff, 18 of whom hold early years qualifications ranging from level 3 to level 6.

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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 provider. n The manager and the inspector conducted a learning walk together, discussing the learning intentions for children and how the environment is organised. n The inspector held discussions with staff and the manager regularly during the inspection n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact on children's learning n The inspector looked at a sample of the setting's documents. This includes evidence of training and suitability of staff n The inspector spoke to parents to gather their views of the nursery.

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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

28 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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