Flower Pots Day Nursery (Boxmoor)

Inspection of Flower Pots Day Nursery (Boxmoor) 6 Alston Road, Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 1QU

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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 demonstrate they feel happy and safe in this nurturing environment. Babies hold their arms out to their key person who greet them affectionately. Older children are excited to arrive and chat enthusiastically to the manager and staff.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate high levels of independence. Staff encourage this by supporting children in completing age-appropriate tasks. For example, toddlers change their clothes and put on shoes with minimal help from staff. Older children are encouraged to assist in planning and preparing activities. They confidently cut rolls of paper with scissors to construct a large canvas to paint on.

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The provision is good

Children of all ages enjoy a language-rich environment. Babies giggle with delight at the songs staff sing to them throughout the day. Older children enjoy sociable mealtimes. Staff sit with children and use this as an opportunity to discuss the activities they have enjoyed during the day. Children are encouraged to explore new and descriptive language at every opportunity. For example, when they eat their dessert of fruit, staff role model words such as 'sour' and 'sharp' to describe the taste of oranges.

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need to do better?

n Staff support children's mathematical development particularly well across the nursery. Babies and toddlers delight at counting and popping bubbles. Older children explore more complex mathematical concepts during activities. For example, children are thoroughly engaged in a painting activity. When they get paint on their hands, staff encourage them to make hand and fingerprints on paper. Children discuss who has the largest hands before placing the prints in size order. n Staff support children's transitions through the nursery very well. Children and their key person spend sessions in their new rooms before they move. They become familiar with their new environment and routines. This enables children to settle swiftly and progress well. Children in the classroom area identify their names on pegs and hang coats and bags up independently. This prepares them for the routines of school. n The manager and provider reflect well on the nursery and are committed to

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need to do better?

enhancing the provision. The manager closely monitors the changing needs of all children. She uses this information to make well considered adjustments to the running of the nursery. For example, children in the classroom area are being taught by a qualified teacher. This supports their learning and development in preparation for starting school. n Staff work hard to develop strong relationships with families. Parents attend settling-in sessions with children. Staff use this an opportunity to gather

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need to do better?

31 August 2022 essential information about children's early experiences. They use this to plan activities to support their learning. Managers and staff work hard to establish effective methods of communication with parents. They use electronic journals and parents attend regular stay-and-play sessions to share information about children's progress. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported in the nursery. Robust assessments ensure staff are swift to identify when children need additional support. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to support the progress of children with SEND. n Children behave well in the nursery. They are kind and considerate to one another, taking turns in activities and supporting their friends in tasks. Staff are good role models. They consistently demonstrate good manners and are respectful towards adults and children.

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need to do better?

n Parents speak highly of the dedicated manager and staff. They particularly value the close relationships staff build with families. Parents deeply appreciate the guidance and support staff provide in challenging situations. For example, staff develop and share resources, such as reward charts with parents. This provides children with a consistent approach to behaviour management. n Staff supervise children well in activities. They engage with children, asking them age-appropriate questions to support their development. For example, children are making collages in the extensive craft area. Staff encourage them to identify the colours of feathers and count the stickers they use. However, staff do not always allow children to fully explore activities independently to extend their learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

All staff demonstrate good knowledge of the signs and symptoms which could indicate a child is at risk of harm. They confidently explain the correct process to follow if they have concerns about the welfare of a child. The provider has robust recruitment procedures in place to ensure all staff are suitable to work with children. Staff complete thorough risk assessments and supervise children well in all areas of the nursery.

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should:

n support children's independent learning further by adopting a more flexible approach in planned activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2579687 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10239501 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 85 Number of children on roll 70 Name of registered person Flower Pots Day Nursery Childcare Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07736332990 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Flower Pots Day Nursery (Boxmoor) registered in 2020 and is situated in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. It is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. The nursery employs 15 members of staff. Of these, nine hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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 setting. n The inspector considered the views of parents by speaking to several during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all staff. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and manager completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with staff about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of several children.

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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

31 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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