Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Watford

Inspection of Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Watford 36, The Avenue, Watford WD17 4NT

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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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Children enjoy imaginary play in the carefully arranged areas which staff create for them. They benefit from the positive interactions of the staff, who are keen to support children in each of the rooms. As a result, all children remain engaged in activities for long periods. Children enjoy cuddling up with staff to look at books. This helps to develop their love of reading.

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The provision is good

Children form bonds with other children and staff. They are warm and caring towards one another. For instance, older children hug their friends when they become upset. Toddlers eagerly wait as staff build a sense of anticipation when they interact with them. They count accurately to three before staff tickle them, making them giggle with laughter.

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The provision is good

Children share their thoughts and feelings with staff. Older children confidently speak about why they feel the way they do. They listen to one another thoughtfully, taking turns to speak and share their ideas. On the rare occasion that staff need to remind them to wait for their turn, they respond positively. Older children know what resources are available to help them regulate their own emotions. They sit quietly in the calming area of the pre-school room until they feel ready to return to playing with their friends.

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need to do better?

n Staff check children's understanding, asking each child questions in turn during activities. This helps them to identify gaps in individual children's learning. Staff revisit ideas with children, gently encouraging them to double check what they have done. For instance, they ask children to re-count the number of objects when they miscount. This supports children to build on their counting skills accurately. n Children broaden their vocabulary during activities. Staff talk to children about what they are doing. For instance, they explain to children that the silver material they are using is aluminium foil. Children talk about the texture of the materials and staff build on their language further, introducing words such as 'scrunch'. This helps children to develop their ability to communicate effectively. n Children who need additional support are quickly identified. The manager and staff work hard to monitor them closely. They put appropriate strategies in place

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need to do better?

to meet the individual needs of children. Relationships with other professionals are strong. The manager shares information with other agencies regularly regarding children's welfare and development. This helps all children to make good progress in their learning and development. n Parents are happy with the care that the staff provide. They feel well informed about the progress their children make. Staff give parents ideas to build on

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need to do better?

19 August 2022 children's learning at home. The manager values parental feedback and takes on board suggestions where possible. This enables parents to feel included in the nursery community. n Staff value children's views and opinions. Children help to plan special events. For instance, children tell staff that they are keen to have more dressing-up days. Staff combine this with raising children's awareness of helping those who are less fortunate. Children donate money to come to nursery in costumes. Staff speak to them about who the money will help. This raises children's awareness of the wider community around them. n The dedicated manager and staff team have worked hard to improve the nursery since the previous inspection. For instance, the manager has developed the systems in place to monitor staff performance. Staff receive regular observations and the manager provides relevant feedback. This has helped to

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need to do better?

raise the quality of staff's interactions with children to a good level. Nonetheless, the manager recognises that more can be done to strengthen these interactions to an even higher level consistently across the nursery. n Children enjoy activities that staff provide for them. For instance, babies laugh with delight as staff blow bubbles for them. However, on occasion, staff do not provide children with appropriate resources. For instance, babies do not all have appropriate cutlery for their age and stage of development at lunchtime. This hinders their ability to develop their independence.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a firm understanding of how to monitor children's welfare. They receive regular training to ensure that their knowledge is kept up to date. The manager holds regular meetings with staff, discussing their ongoing suitability for their roles. Staff recognise the possible signs of abuse and neglect. They are aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as how to identify children who may be at risk of exposure to extreme views or behaviour. The staff know how to raise concerns regarding their colleagues should they arise. They know the process to follow should the manager not address their concerns appropriately.

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should:

n support staff to raise the quality of their already good interactions with children to a consistently higher level across the nursery n ensure that age-appropriate resources are readily available to children during routines and activities so that they can make the most of their learning opportunities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2546682 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10210105 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 72 Number of children on roll 65 Name of registered person Buds And Blooms Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07429047978 Date of previous inspection 22 September 2021

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Information about this early years setting

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Watford re-registered in 2019. The nursery employs 13 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager and inspector went on a learning walk. The manager discussed her intentions for children's learning with the inspector. n The inspector and manager jointly observed staff interacting with children. They discussed the impact of these interactions on children's learning and development. n The inspector spoke to parents of children who attend the nursery. She took their views into consideration. n The inspector viewed documentation, including staff suitability and qualification records.

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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

19 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.

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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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