Dimples Day Nursery Limited

Inspection of Dimples Day Nursery Limited Green Street, Green Road, Darenth, Kent DA2 7HT

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Throughout this vibrant and exciting nursery, children spend their days immersed in the serious business of exploring, investigating and learning. The atmosphere is alive with the sound of laughter, animated discussions and warm interactions. Children of all ages form strong, trusting relationships with staff. They quickly realise that they will be treated with kindness and respect, and that their needs will be met. This provides even the youngest children with the secure foundation they need to be able to fully enjoy the experiences on offer.

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The provision is outstanding

Staff make excellent use of storytelling to enhance children's language skills. They make the absolute most of these activities to extend all areas of learning. For example, those working with the toddlers retell much-loved stories in the outdoor area. Children squeal with delight as they spy animals that staff have hidden along the forest trail. Staff are highly engaging in the telling of the story, and children are captivated and engrossed in the adventure. They make the sounds of the animals they identify, going on to predict the next animal to be found by making the sound before it has been discovered.

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The provision is outstanding

Staff constantly explore ways to build on what children already know. They understand how to extend children's learning as fully as possible. For example, older children with a fascination for dinosaurs concentrate intently as they use light boxes to study images of different skeletons. The introduction of real horse bones, and discussions about how they join together, very successfully gives real-life context to children's learning.

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The provision is outstanding

All children display wonderful social skills and impeccable behaviour. They are polite, considerate and extremely friendly.

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need to do better?

n The senior management team has a clear and ambitious vision for children that is fully understood and implemented by all staff. They are committed to identifying and nurturing the uniqueness of each child, supporting them to develop a clear sense of self-identify. This is promoted with a strong focus on adventurous outdoor play. Staff working with each group skilfully use their precise knowledge of each child to plan activities that successfully capture their interest and extend their learning. Staff also provide a multitude of experiences specifically aimed at sparking children's imagination and exposing them to new ideas. Examples of their many recent experiences include catching and filleting fish, which were cooked for them to eat. Children have also enjoyed a demonstration from a farrier and visits to a care home for older people. n Morale is extremely high within the staff team. The managers recognise and

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need to do better?

7 November 2022 value the skills of each staff member and fully nurture their ongoing professional development. Staff complete training that is specifically targeted to respond to the needs of the children they are caring for. In addition, time is routinely built in for all staff to read relevant articles and guidance to enhance and update their knowledge. n Staff do not place any limits on their expectations for children. They provide them with endless opportunities to challenge their own limits and learn at their own pace. Outdoors, children learn to assess and manage risks as they engage in all manner of physical pursuits. Indoors, they freely explore the exceptional range of resources, all thoughtfully provided to enhance their learning and enjoyment. n There is a clear intent behind all planned activities, and staff use creative methods to help children learn. For example, children sent cards to a veteran

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need to do better?

war hero on his 100th birthday. To help three-year-old children fully appreciate what an achievement it was to reach that age, staff placed 100 objects on one table, and three objects on another. Teaching of this calibre is commonplace throughout the nursery. n Staff are consistent in their support for children's language development. They introduce new vocabulary through description, discussions, stories and a vast repertoire of songs. Children use their rapidly developing language to express their views, ask and respond to questions, and to share stories from home. n There are fully effective, and highly coordinated, arrangements to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff hold the same high aspirations for all children and work tirelessly to ensure that everyone is fully included in activities. As is the case for all children, the emotional well- being of children with SEND is sensitively considered. For example, when

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need to do better?

planning the transition of an individual child to their next group room, staff took the decision that they also needed to transition Sheldon, the nursery tortoise. n Staff expose children to experiences that help them to learn about the world and to consider how they can contribute to society. For example, children understand the importance of protecting bees, taking part in annual 'Save the Bee' events. They plant and tend a variety of fruit and vegetables, care for several pets and understand the importance of recycling. n Partnerships with parents are positive and productive. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, managers produced 'discovery bags' to help parents promote children's learning at home. All parents are encouraged to make use of the bags. These include cards with information about how children learn and ideas for activities. They also include all the equipment needed to complete the

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need to do better?

activities. Parents report extreme satisfaction with the service they receive, and they praise the staff highly.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The managers and staff have a secure knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of any child protection concerns. This includes the action to take in

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Safeguarding

7 November 2022 response to an allegation about a member of staff, or if they are concerned about the behaviour of a colleague. Managers ensure that all staff complete regular safeguarding training and routinely test their knowledge. Staff confidently discuss the potential signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm, including the risks associated with exposure to extreme views or beliefs.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY229801 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10259691 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 155 Number of children on roll 214 Name of registered person Dimples Day Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01322 285885 Date of previous inspection 4 July 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Dimples Day Nursery Limited registered in 2002. It operates from purpose-built premises in Darenth, near Dartford, Kent. It is open each weekday from 7.30am to 6.30pm, all year round. There are 50 staff. Of these, 44 hold relevant early years qualifications, including six who are qualified to level 6. The nursery is in receipt of funding to provide free early education to children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspectors discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and have taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n We carried out this inspection as a result of a risk assessment, following information we received from the provider. n Members of the management team showed the inspectors all areas of the nursery and discussed the intent for children's learning. n The inspectors observed the interactions of staff and children in all age groups and evaluated the quality of teaching. n The inspectors spoke to the management team, staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The views of parents were gained through written feedback and face-to-face discussions. n A range of relevant records and documents were scrutinised.

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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

7 November 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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