Bridgwater College Childcare Centre

Inspection of Bridgwater and Taunton College Childcare Centre Bridgwater College, Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4PZ

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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

Children thrive in this wonderful childcare centre. Staff develop strong bonds with children as they have an in-depth knowledge about children's individual needs. They have exceptional knowledge to support children's developmental stages. Staff soothe babies with cuddles and songs, and encourage them to explore many sensory activities. During play, children are highly engaged and motivated to learn. Excellent teaching skills are demonstrated by staff. When explaining how water turns to ice, staff are very detailed. Children learn about cause and effect as they discuss what happens when it gets cold outside. Staff skilfully reinforce learning by using books and rhymes. For example, staff read a story about ice skating and ask children about their previous experiences. This reinforces children's learning.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are confident as staff support them to take appropriate risks. For example, during forest school, staff show children how to make a fire. Children then watch as they heat water in a kettle to make hot chocolate on a cold day. An ambitious curriculum supports children's curiosity to learn. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make rapid progress in this exciting learning environment.

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need to do better?

n The management team has an extremely strong focus on partnerships with parents and professionals to ensure that the children have the best start. Parents are extremely complimentary about the childcare centre. They praise staff for the excellent care, stating that they go above and beyond to support the children in their care. For example, tailored workshops support parents in a variety of areas relating to parenting. n The management team has a clear vision for the childcare centre that encourages children's independence through an ambitious and well-planned curriculum. Staff plan learning experiences meticulously. They consider how to tailor activities, building on children's prior knowledge in each learning area. Children benefit greatly from small-group activities that focus on maths and literacy. n Children are highly skilled communicators and develop a love of reading. Staff read to children consistently. Children access books freely across the whole

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need to do better?

childcare centre. Children repeat new vocabulary, such as 'hibernate', which they recall from previous activities. Staff skilfully combine books with all activities on offer. For example, an activity for children to build a house with bricks includes books for children to refer to. Staff read stories to the children about a place called home. This sparks conversation and supports children's learning, creating a strong foundation for future learning. n The forest school is an important part of the nursery where children deepen

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need to do better?

12 December 2022 their learning about the natural world. Children show delight as they feed the birds seeds and comment on the birds that they see, such as the sparrows and the robin who likes to visit the children regularly. Staff carefully explain the rules of the forest school to the children and praise them for following them, reinforcing their expectations. Children behave and work very well together. They cooperate and share, which helps them to make excellent progress in their social and emotional development. n Staff support children's emotional well-being effectively. For instance, staff have introduced cosy spaces throughout the childcare centre so that children can take themselves away from the busy environment. Staff sensitively talk to children about their feelings using a 'rainbow of emotions'. Children learn to regulate their emotions and express themselves in a positive way. n The manager is extremely conscientious. She strives for continuous

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need to do better?

improvement, which is reflected in her knowledgeable staff team and feedback from parents. She supports staff through very precise professional development and supervision. Staff talk about the excellent support that they receive from their manager and the college, through the extensive well-being resources available to them. Staff feel that these are beneficial for their mental health. n Children are exceptionally independent. Babies put on their own hats and boots if they can. Older children show off their independence skills as they get themselves ready in their waterproofs, hats and gloves ready for outdoor play. Children serve themselves at lunchtime and pour their own drinks. Equally, they are aware of self-care and hygiene procedures, such as washing their hands after being outside and blowing their own noses.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding is of paramount importance to all involved in the childcare centre. All staff go through a secure recruitment process involving the human resources department at the college to ensure their suitability to work with children. The management team works closely with the college to ensure that all staff are supported through a detailed induction process. The management team has attended designated safeguarding training and, in addition, has access to the designated lead for safeguarding at the college. All staff have regular safeguarding training and have a robust knowledge to ensure the safety of the children in their care. Staff can demonstrate a good knowledge of issues such as 'Prevent' duty and radicalisation.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 142750 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10233556 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 71 Number of children on roll 89 Name of registered person The Governing Body of Bridgwater College

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reference number

Telephone number 01278 441270 Date of previous inspection 13 December 2016

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Information about this early years setting

Bridgwater and Taunton College Childcare Centre registered in 1992. The setting is based on the campus of Bridgwater College. The setting operates from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm, for 50 weeks of the year. There are 24 staff working with the children. Staff have suitable early years qualifications that range from level 2 to level 6, with one holding early years professional status and one with qualified teacher status. There are three apprentices working towards level 2 and 3 qualifications, and a level 1 apprentice. In addition, there is an administrator, a financial administrator and lunchtime assistant. The setting receives funding to provide free early education for 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 inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk, and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the deputy manager and discussed the quality of teaching. n The inspector spoke to parents and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the human resources department and the manager about safer recruitment and looked at documentation relating to 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

12 December 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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