Apple Blossom Day Nursery

Inspection of Apple Blossom Day Nursery Bluebird House, Haugh Lane, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 3PU

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 Requires improvement

p.1

The provision is good

Children settle quickly and are very happy in this friendly nursery. Staff are enthusiastic and caring. They ensure that children form secure relationships with their key persons. Children develop a strong sense of belonging. Babies and toddlers are keen to explore the improved environment and enjoy making choices about what they would like to do. For example, they are fully supported as they use chalks to make marks on giant paper. Babies happily explore the sandpit or a tray of shredded paper to find hidden 'treasures'.

p.2

The provision is good

Children learn to be friendly and well mannered as they follow the positive example set by staff. Staff focus on developing children's social interactions as they play together. For instance, older children talk about sharing and waiting their turn to use a slide. They share different shape cutters as they create with dough and learn to wait in a 'smart line' to wash their hands before snack. Children have positive attitudes to their learning. They are prepared to persist at tasks which they have chosen for themselves. For example, older children persevere to write the letters in their name, hunt for bugs in the garden and create smiley faces out of cereal. Younger children enjoy exploring a variety of rose petals and materials to make potions. During these times, staff skilfully expand on children's learning in several areas, using good questioning skills. This helps to reward children's curiosity and

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager and staff team are passionate about their nursery. They have worked effectively together with leaders and local authority advisers to meet the actions set out at the last inspection. The manager and staff have raised standards in the nursery to a consistently good level in all areas, including safeguarding, and have successfully embedded a broad curriculum. n Staff collect detailed information from parents about what their children can do when they first join, to fully understand children's starting points in learning. They explain how their aim is to support children's progress through building on what they already know. Staff use their observations well to identify children's next steps in learning. When children need extra help, staff arrange effective activities and support to meet their needs. n Staff working with babies and toddlers plan sensitively to help children move on to the next stage in their learning. They talk to parents closely about the

p.2

need to do better?

individual support that younger children might need, for example, when they are ready to move into a new room. Staff give parents and carers 'home challenges' to encourage children's learning at home. Parents state that they are thrilled with their children's progress, and value the commitment of the caring manager and team.

p.2

need to do better?

5 October 2022 n All staff focus on supporting children's communication and language skills well. They continually talk to children and value what they say. For instance, in the baby and toddler rooms, staff regularly encourage children to sing, use rhymes and look at books. They point to the pictures and demonstrate clear words, along with actions, to help them to grow their vocabulary. Older children are encouraged to talk about their ideas. Children learn to be confident speakers in readiness for school. n Staff support children's developing self-care skills effectively and encourage good hygiene routines. For example, children say to each other, 'Now we need to wash our hands,' when they return from outdoor play. Staff teach children about healthy food choices and oral health. They consistently provide fresh drinking water for all children and babies. n Staff have started to build stronger relationships with other settings children

p.2

need to do better?

attend, sharing what they know about the children. Partnerships with local schools are also in the early stages of development. However, staff do not consistently share information about children's learning and development, to prepare children as well as possible for the next stage of learning or their move on to school. n The manager and team are reflective and want to keep on working hard to continually improve the setting. Following training, staff make sure that the environment offers a mixture of support and challenge for all children. However, although children regularly use the outdoor areas throughout the day, the youngest children do not have the same opportunities to explore and challenge themselves in the fresh air.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The manager now keeps safeguarding at the top of staff's attention, so that children's safety and welfare is at the centre of their practice. All staff are knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of abuse and know the correct local safeguarding procedures, including whistle-blowing. Staff have a secure understanding about a range of safeguarding issues. For example, they know the signs to be aware of if there is a risk to children in relation to radicalisation or extremism. The manager and staff regularly review the premises, so that children are safe and secure.

p.3

should:

n strengthen links with other settings and local schools to consistently share information about children's learning, development and well-being to support continuity

p.3

should:

5 October 2022 n extend opportunities for children to enjoy a wide variety of activities in all areas of learning, particularly for younger children who prefer to learn outdoors.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2545675 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10216160 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 34 Name of registered person Apple Blossom Childcare Limited

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 01434 604860 Date of previous inspection 14 October 2021

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Apple Blossom Day Nursery is located in Hexham, Northumberland and registered in 2019. It is one of several nurseries owned by Apple Blossom Childcare Ltd. The nursery opens all year round, from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday. It employs seven members of childcare staff. Of these, six hold relevant childcare qualifications from level 3 to level 5. The nursery provides funded education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

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 the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the manager. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the manager about leadership and management of the setting, looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

p.6

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.6

Inspection activities

5 October 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.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7