New Hall Nursery

Inspection of New Hall Nursery New Hall School, The Avenue, Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3HS

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

Babies and toddlers are happy, settle easily and enjoy their time at nursery. A gradual settling-in process helps even the youngest children to quickly gain confidence in the new environment and leave their parents with ease. Babies and toddlers form secure relationships with their key person and the other staff. This helps them to explore the room and activities, safe in the knowledge a supportive adult is close by. Babies and toddlers are confident communicators and are taught simple sign language by staff. Babies confidently sign 'please', while toddlers use their more developed skills to request 'more' and say, 'thank you'.

p.2

The provision is good

Babies enjoy playing with scented play dough. They make 'cookies' and proudly present them to their key person, who helps them to extend their play. For example, staff demonstrate how to use rollers with raised patterns to create detail on their dough and put their 'cookies' into the toy oven. This helps to develop babies' early imaginative play. Toddlers enjoy singing songs and eagerly gather on the rug for circle time. They wait for their turn to choose a song spoon from the box. Toddlers and staff join in together to sing the chosen song.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff understand the importance of ensuring that children experience a language-rich environment. They constantly narrate children's play and praise them for their achievements. However, at times, particularly in the Sycamore toddler room, their enthusiasm results in them talking loudly or asking children too many questions without opportunities to respond. n Children enjoy a good balance of adult-led activities and those they choose for themselves. Babies and toddlers have daily opportunities to engage in messy play, including sand and water. Toddlers carefully dip cut fruit and vegetables into paint to create prints and patterns. Babies explore paint textures and sound as they paint onto tin foil. However, sometimes, staff forget to provide them with suitable-sized resources, such as paint brushes, to allow babies to be fully independent. n Babies and toddlers enjoy healthy, balanced meals and snacks. Staff follow good

p.2

need to do better?

procedures to ensure that children with an intolerance or dietary requirement are catered for. Babies and toddlers learn to develop good table manners, appropriate to their age and stage of development. n The manager ensures that staff's welfare and well-being is high on her list of priorities. Regular supervision, lots of opportunities for discussions and frequent training helps staff to feel valued, supported and happy in their work. Staff work well as a team, both in their own rooms and across the nursery. This helps to promote consistency in practice for children as they move between rooms. n There are effective partnerships with other settings that children also attend and

p.2

need to do better?

25 August 2022 a very supportive relationship with New Hall School. Staff are able to tap into the expertise of professionals working onsite, such as speech and language therapists and special educational needs coordinators. This enables staff to promptly seek guidance and help as they notice any gaps in children's learning emerging. n Staff work closely with parents to provide continuity in children's care routines and their learning. They encourage parents to share information about children's achievements at home and what their current interests are. This helps staff to plan for what children need to learn next, using their interests to engage and motivate them. n Staff encourage babies and toddlers to develop a love of books from an early age. Story areas are cosy, inviting and provide a relaxing space to listen to favourite tales, snuggled up to staff. Babies are currently enjoying plenty of 'bear hunts'. Staff bring the story to life using different tones of voice. Once

p.2

need to do better?

spotted, the bear becomes a soft place to lie down and babies close their eyes resting on the bear's rather large tummy. n Toddlers and babies have many opportunities to explore and be outside. They enjoy trips to the farm and forest school that are onsite, as well as daily play outside in the nursery garden. This helps to support their physical well-being and good health.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The manager makes sure that all staff regularly update their knowledge of safeguarding and child protection. This helps to ensure they remain aware of the latest guidance and policies. Staff know who the designated safeguarding officers are within the nursery, and across in the school. They are clear about what they would do in the event they have concerns about children in their care. Staff understand the risks posed to children from extremist behaviour and radicalisation. They know what to do should they have concerns about a colleague's conduct or practice.

p.3

should:

n build further on staff's good teaching skills to develop their awareness of how they interact and communicate, particularly with the toddlers n develop the range of resources to enable babies to independently explore and ignite their curiosity, particularly during messy play.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2555035 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10221619 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 111 Number of children on roll 99 Name of registered person New Hall School Trust

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01245 467588 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

New Hall Nursery registered in 2019. The nursery employs 19 members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above, including the manager who holds early years teacher status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. The nursery receives funding for the provision of early education for three and four year olds.

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 provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n Children spoke to/communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager.

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

25 August 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