Witham Valley Nursery

Inspection of Witham Valley Nursery Guithavon Valley Evangelical Church, Guithavon Valley, Witham, Essex CM8 1HF

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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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive and flourish in this inclusive, loving nursery. They look forward to attending each day and come in happily to settle at an exciting activity. Children form unbreakable bonds with staff at the setting. They quickly settle and form lasting friendships with others. Children benefit from a curriculum that encompasses and values their ideas and interests. Children take an interest in role play with pretend food. Staff then add real fruit and vegetables that children can explore using their senses. Experiences are then widened further, by introducing 'juicing'. Children adore squeezing juice out of fruit, tasting and sharing their thoughts on the flavours and sensations.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely well behaved and know exactly what is expected of them. This is due to the consistent routines and clear rules and expectations; these help children feel secure, and maintains a calm environment throughout the day. Staff act as incredible role models for respecting others, sharing and turn taking. As a result, children stop playing to tidy up. They work together to find a dustpan and brush to sweep away the leaves and help put toys back in the correct place.

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need to do better?

n Staff create an incredibly inviting setting with an amazing variety of resources. They ensure the environment is rich in language. Through exceptional interactions, staff introduce new language and concepts. Children are highly praised for developing their vocabulary. As a result, they confidently learn to express their opinions and needs with others. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, those who speak English as a dual language, and those with health needs, make excellent progress. This is due to the diligent planning and support from staff. They create support plans with achievable goals and quickly put interventions in place. Visual prompts, dual-language words and phrases, and the use of signing alongside speech are used. Support plans are regularly reviewed, understood and followed by staff. As a result, all children progress rapidly. n The manager and staff have a brilliant understanding of how children learn.

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need to do better?

Using this knowledge, they consistently observe, assess and track children's development. Staff know children well and are clear on children's developmental targets. They plan stimulating activities especially with these in mind. This creates the best opportunities for children to learn and achieve their goals. n Teaching standards are exceptional. Staff ensure that they build on what children already know and can do. They take learning to higher levels by challenging and asking questions, such as, 'What do you think?' and 'Why do you think that?'. This raises children's curiosity to find out more. As a result, children develop deeper understanding, and learn to problem solve.

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need to do better?

23 September 2022 n Staff superbly introduce mathematical concepts through play experiences. During carpet activities, children are challenged to count how many of them are present. They are encouraged to talk about shapes and sizes when drawing or exploring fruit. Children love joining in with counting songs alongside others. As a result, children fast develop mathematical knowledge ready for their next stages of learning. n Parent partnerships are outstanding. Parents highly praise the setting for the strong bonds that children make with staff. They state that their children love attending. Parents appreciate the regular updates about what children have been learning and enjoying each day. They praise the setting for the range of activities and opportunities for children. n Community involvement is exceptional. Children have regular opportunities to go on walks to the local duck pond and spot wildlife on the way. They take part in

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need to do better?

regular singing and dancing sessions, or communication and language activities delivered by outside companies. The setting takes part in local fundraising activities, whereby parents can get involved. This widens children's experiences and they love to share their memories with others. n The manager gives staff welfare a high priority at the setting. She is highly self- reflective and supportive of her team. This shows in the closeness of the team and the feedback from staff. Staff report feeling incredibly well supported by their new manager. They feel that their personal development needs are met, with many opportunities for training.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

All staff are knowledgeable of their roles and responsibilities for safeguarding children. They are highly trained in the wider aspects, such as the risk of being drawn into radicalisation. All staff demonstrate confidence in recording and reporting any concerns early on, including reporting outside of the setting to the local authority or police. Stringent risk assessments and safety protocols are followed by all staff at the setting. Staff are clear about what to do if there is a fire or an intruder. They can also explain risk assessments for various aspects of the setting, keeping children's safety as a high priority.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY481449 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10236472 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 24 Number of children on roll 34 Name of registered person Witham Valley Nursery CIO

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reference number

Telephone number 07761 818409 or 07842 275458 Date of previous inspection 23 November 2016

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Information about this early years setting

Witham Valley Nursery registered in 2014. The nursery employs nine members of childcare staff, eight of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, during term time, from 9am until 3pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children.

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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 setting and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk of the nursery to discuss the curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The manager and the inspector completed a joint observation of an activity. n Staff, children and parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection, sharing their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the safeguarding procedures and evidence of the suitability of staff.

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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

23 September 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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