Saplings Rural Day Nursery and Preschool

Inspection of Saplings Rural Day Nursery and Preschool Saplings, Court Lane, Hadlow TN11 0DU

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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 are happy, content and confident. They are very aware of their play environment and happily explore the indoor and outdoor spaces. They develop close relationships with familiar staff, who enhance the bonds and attachments with children through reassuring cuddles and one-to-one activities. For example, babies snuggle up on staffs' laps to read favourite stories when they are tired.

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The provision is good

Children develop independence skills from an early age. They learn to find their boots for outdoor play and attempt to put their coats on themselves. Older children select more resources from low-level storage, making decisions about where to play, who to play with and for how long. Children gain self-help skills in readiness for school. For example, they learn to pull the hand towel to find a dry section to dry their hands after toileting.

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The provision is good

Children are eager to learn and enthusiastically take part in group activities. They are busy making choices in their play on their own, with a friend or in groups. Staff are quick to engage in children's play when necessary. They also show confidence to step back and watch children think for themselves to help develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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need to do better?

n Staff know the children well. They help children to develop trust, and they promote a sensitive approach towards meeting children's individual needs. Staff know how individual children learn, and they plan stimulating experiences for them. However, staff do not consistently use children's strengths and preferred styles of learning to help children participate in areas of learning that they show less interest in. n Managers play a vital role in children's development and care. They are actively involved in daily routines and engage directly with the children. Staff appreciate their active roles. They feel valued and respected by the managers for their practice and professional knowledge and skills. n Children's behaviour is exemplary. Children listen carefully to rules. Those who test boundaries have positive interactions to support their understanding of the rules. They make close friendships and help each other. Children remind others

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need to do better?

that 'we need to share the book'. Others help friends by asking, 'Can I fill the bucket up for you?' They listen to each other, learning to take turns in conversations and value what others say. n Children show curiosity and intrigue in their play. They confidently explore and experiment with natural materials. Babies crawl through water, splashing water with their hands. Toddlers fill and empty bowls and buckets. They explore what happens when water is poured on the floor. Older children talk confidently about

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need to do better?

9 November 2022 their experiences, such as watching bonfires. They explore water in the tyres and where the water came from. n Children learn to communicate for a purpose. They express themselves through gestures, expressions and words. Staff recognise children who have limited confidence to talk or have delayed speech. They use positive strategies to encourage communication, using words, eye contact and repetitive sounds. However, staff commentate throughout some children's play and do not consistently support children's introduction to new vocabulary. n Parents make very positive comments about the care their children receive and the progress their children make. They feel reassured and confident in the staff that look after their children. They talk confidently about how young children learn, and they use the information received to support their children's learning at home. They have access to a wealth of information through face-to-face

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need to do better?

discussions or electronic systems and websites. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive very positive care. The knowledgeable special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) works tirelessly to support children's needs and to close the gaps in their development. Staff help children to flourish to their full potential. The SENCo works closely with parents and other professionals to provide a consistent approach to their learning and care. n Babies thrive through a flexible routine that meets their individual needs. Staff engage sensitively, making eye contact and instilling confidence for children to explore by themselves. Babies thoroughly enjoy music as part of their routine. Staff enthusiastically join in with songs and actions. Children recognise their favourite songs and initiate dances to match the actions.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a robust knowledge of the procedures to follow to protect children from harm. They attend ongoing training, and their knowledge is frequently tested through discussions, questions and scenarios. Staff have a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. Effective recruitment and ongoing suitability procedures are implemented to ensure children are cared for by suitably checked and qualified staff. Children play in a safe and secure environment. Thorough risk assessments are carried out and are linked to children's physical capabilities. Staff help children to recognise hazards, and they learn to risk assess for themselves, for example when walking on wet logs.

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should:

n enhance staff's knowledge of using children's recognised strengths to underpin

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should:

9 November 2022 and support other areas of development n extend staff's understanding of how to support some children's confidence to develop conversational skills and further their vocabulary.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2608513 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10251706 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 69 Number of children on roll 93

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Name of registered person

Saplings Rural Day Nursery and Preschool Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01732 850958 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Saplings Rural Day Nursery and Preschool registered in 2020. It operates from a purpose-built premises in the village of Hadlow, Kent. It is open from 7.45am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, for 50 weeks of the year. It offers term time sessions from 9am until 3pm, and a holiday club for school-aged children during school holidays. 17 staff work with the children. Of these, 13 are qualified to level 2 and above. The setting offers funded places for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 provider. n The two managers joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector spoke to children to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The SENCo spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the managers. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The managers showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate 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

9 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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