Rascals Day Nursery

Inspection of Rascals Day Nursery The Old School, 400 Little Wakering Road, Barling, Southend on Sea, Essex SS3 0LN

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 Outstanding

p.1

The provision is good

Children enjoy stories read to them with enthusiasm and excitement. For example, in the toddler room, a member of staff engages with all children throughout the story. Children fill in the missing words of the story, extending their communication and language skills. Children feel the textures and make sounds of the pictured animals. Children also enjoy looking at books independently. They focus their attention on the pictures, turning the pages carefully.

p.2

The provision is good

Children work together well. They learn how to make play dough together. Children mix the ingredients and discuss how the texture changes from a liquid to a solid. They comment, 'It looks like porridge.' They copy the member of staff as they squeeze their hands together and slowly open them, to explore the sticky texture of the play dough. Children count the scoops of flour they are adding, developing their mathematical skills. Children independently unscrew the lids of the food colouring and comment on what colours they make. Children are excited when they make purple. When it is time to tidy up, children excitedly say, 'Teamwork'.

p.2

The provision is good

Children have good independence skills. Children in the baby room pour their drinks and learn to serve their own food during lunch. Parents comment that children are more independent at home and want to serve their own cereals at breakfast. Older children learn to dress themselves, and show the inspector how they can fasten the buttons on their tops independently.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff get to know children's experiences and create a curriculum that extends this. For example, if children have not had many opportunities to visit the park, staff take them there. Children have attended the local church and had a visit from firefighters. n Staff work with parents to create family books. Parents share photos of their family and their values, such as 'be kind and honest' and 'always leave saying I love you'. They share the festivals they celebrate, such as Diwali. These are put together into a book for children to share with their peers. n Children have access to a range of materials to draw with. They enjoy drawing pictures for each other, developing their literacy skills. n Children enjoy yoga sessions. They like stretching and exploring movements with their bodies. This supports their physical development. n Children have access to a range of technology. They use cameras to take

p.2

need to do better?

photos. Staff have created a photo album that they can reflect on together. n The nursery manager has a strong focus on providing an inclusive environment. She works with staff to review children's learning and development, and puts in place support plans for children in need of additional help. The nursery manager

p.2

need to do better?

4 January 2023 and staff work closely with parents to review children's progress in order to provide the best help for children. n Staff welcome in families to participate in activities with children at nursery. For example, parents enjoyed a 'messy morning' with their children, exploring paint and play dough. This develops staff's partnerships with parents. n Older children work together to create an electronic block kit. They fit the pieces together and then press the button to see if it works. The member of staff shows the children that when it is successful, they can feel the vibration. Children place their hands on the table and show delight when they feel this. n Parents speak highly of the staff at the nursery. They comment that staff are wonderful and welcoming and provide a safe, fun and inclusive environment for all children. They comment on the strong partnerships and communication they have with staff.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff sing songs with children and model how to use equipment. However, there are moments when children's interaction with staff is interrupted for staff to complete routine tasks. Children then get restless as they wait unnecessarily for meals, and this affects their engagement levels. n Children have formed good attachments with staff. Some children are more confident and have a closer bond with particular staff. Key persons know their key children well and successfully meet their needs.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff have a good understanding of how to keep children safe. They are aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and how to report any concerns. They are aware of wider concerns, including county lines, cuckooing, female genital mutilation and radicalisation. The management team reviews children's attendance and any incidents at home to ensure that children are safe. Staff know the procedure they should take if they have concerns about a member of staff.

p.3

should:

n review the organisation of daily routines so that children's learning is not interrupted.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY415045 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10263869 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 61 Number of children on roll 76 Name of registered person Polardreams Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01702217589 Date of previous inspection 15 May 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Rascals Day Nursery registered in 2010. The nursery opens all year round, Monday to Friday, from 7am until 7pm. There are two members of staff, including the manager, who hold an appropriate childcare qualification at level 4. There are nine members of staff who hold a childcare qualification at level 3. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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 and inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the areas of learning, their curriculum and what they want children to learn, both inside and outside. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n The inspector spoke to children about what they are doing at the setting. n The inspector spoke to parents, taking account of their views of the setting. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including first-aid certificates and Disclosure and Barring Service numbers of staff members.

p.5

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.5

Inspection activities

4 January 2023 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.5

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6