The Wondergarden

Inspection of Simba's Den Memorial Hall, Main Street, Bulwick, Northamptonshire NN17 3DY

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

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at Simba's Den. The environment is well resourced and children, including young babies, make their own choices about their play. Babies have lots of opportunities to explore, both indoors and outdoors. They confidently move around, using low-level furniture to help them as they practice balancing and walking.

p.2

The provision is good

Older children share large spaces, indoors and outdoors, where they can choose from a wide range of activities. Children develop an awareness of the world around them. They enjoy travelling in the cargo bike when they visit the forest school, where they have created a bug hotel and have the opportunity to cook on the campfire.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff know the children very well and are attentive to their needs. This helps children to form strong relationships with staff; consequently, children feel safe, happy and secure. Staff have suitably high expectations of children. They plan a curriculum that considers children's interests and their learning needs. Staff use planned and spontaneous activities to support children to extend their mathematical knowledge. For example, at lunch time, children count the number of forks they need to set the table and name the colour of the cups they choose for their drink.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders have effective systems in place to monitor the quality of teaching to ensure it is consistently good. Staff have access to online training and are supported to follow areas they are interested in. Leaders have recently created a family worker role to ensure there is sustained support for parents. The member of staff designated to this role has been ably supported to develop her knowledge and expertise so that the role is successful. n Staff are proactive in their work with parents. Parents receive regular feedback about their children's progress and are slowly being welcomed back into the setting following the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff recognise that parents have missed coming into the setting and have provided some specific events in the forest school to bring parents back together. n All children benefit from lots of fresh air and activities outdoors. Staff deployment is effective in ensuring that children's safety and needs are met.

p.2

need to do better?

Children are allowed to take age-appropriate risks. For example, children build high towers and know to clear space for when it topples over. They carefully clamber in and out of large tyres and climb onto a low wall to sit on top of it. n Staff are good role models and interact positively with children. A strong emphasis is given to communication and language skills. When children

p.2

need to do better?

27 July 2022 pronounce words incorrectly, staff support them by repeating words back to them correctly. This helps children to develop language skills and broaden their vocabulary. n Children enjoy listening to stories and sharing non-fiction books. Staff explain that some books contain information rather than stories. Staff help the children use books to find out about turtle habitats and how to care for rabbits. n Children are taught to be kind to the pet rabbits that live at the setting. Staff talk to children about giving the rabbits food and water to keep them healthy. Children know not to poke the rabbits with their fingers, especially when they are sleeping. n Children are generally encouraged to be independent. They manage their own aprons and hats and use the toilet independently. However, sometimes staff do things for children that they could manage independently. For example, wiping children's hands and faces, pouring their drinks and cutting their fruit at snack

p.2

need to do better?

time. This means children do not always learn to do things for themselves. n Children are curious, interested and motivated to join the activities provided. They are confident to initiate conversations with staff. Staff consistently prompt children to be kind to each other and to work together. However, sometimes children struggle to share and take turns. This means that some children may not develop the social skills they will need as they move on to school.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff have a very good understanding of safeguarding and know about the signs and symptoms of abuse. They understand how to record and report concerns to the designated safeguarding lead for the nursery. Staff are required to complete regular training to ensure their knowledge of safeguarding issues remains up to date. The manager and staff complete effective risk assessments of the setting. The premises are secure and well maintained, which contributes to keeping children safe. The manager employs a robust process to ensure all staff have been appropriately checked and vetted and remain suitable to work with children.

p.3

should:

n further develop children's independence skills by consistently allowing them to carry out tasks by themselves n support all children to share, take turns and develop respectful relationships with one another.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2565259 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10233501 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 31 Number of children on roll 46 Name of registered person Simba's Den Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01780450937 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Simba's Den, located in Bulwick, Northamptonshire, registered in 2019. The nursery employs 14 members of childcare staff. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am until 1pm on Friday. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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 setting. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the setting's nominated individual. n The nominated individual and the inspector completed a learning walk together. n The inspector held a meeting with the leadership team. They looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke with staff and children during the inspection.

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

27 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.

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