The Secret Garden

Inspection of The Secret Garden 69 Musters Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG2 7PY

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children are welcomed into a warm and inviting environment. They quickly develop a sense of security and belonging as they build positive relationships with staff. Children greet staff and their friends with a smile and hug on arrival. They develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem. For example, babies offer the inspector a spoon to join in an activity. Children tell the staff what they want and need to support their play. They show determination to continue trying when activities do not go as planned, such as when building with light-up blocks.

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The provision is good

Children explore the wide range of activities and resources available to them. Babies develop their physical skills as they pull themselves up to stand. They use their senses to explore. Babies start to show good control as they use spoons to empty and fill containers, showing good concentration. Toddlers enjoy making marks using the wheels on small plastic cars and paint. They show good levels of engagement during singing time as they begin to join in with familiar songs. Older children develop their thinking skills through open-ended play activities. They show excitement to engage in new activities, such as making rainbows and potions. Children develop their vocabulary as they learn new words, such as 'transparent', during activities.

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need to do better?

n The management team is passionate and dedicated to placing children at the centre of all it does. Managers' energy and passion sift down throughout the whole staff team. Management and staff work together to evaluate the nursery as they continuously strive to improve and embed good practices further. As a result, the staff team has a good knowledge of the areas of strength and the improvements needed for the nursery. For example, staff have recently developed additional learning experiences outdoors. n Children's mathematical development is supported through a range of activities. Staff introduce simple counting as children build with bricks. They help children use new language to describe different sizes, such as 'taller'. Older children are encouraged to develop an interest in numbers through activities such as measuring. n The staff know the children well. As a result, children's development is well

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need to do better?

supported. Staff complete accurate assessments and plan children's next steps with parents. They work with parents to find out about children's achievements and experiences at home. This enables staff to plan meaningful learning for children. Staff identify where additional support is needed and take steps to act on this quickly. However, at times, some children who need additional support are not always supported in practice as effectively as they could be. n Children love outdoor play. Babies laugh as they splash in the water. Older

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need to do better?

4 January 2023 children develop small-muscle skills as they design with the play dough and pretend to make birthday cakes and aliens. Children enjoy the sensory exploration of running their hands and feet through the sand. They explore the natural area, digging in the mud as they look for 'wiggly worms'. Children develop control as they explore different ways of moving, such as crouching and crawling. n Parents speak highly of the nursery. They value the frequent communication and focus sessions that are available to them. Parents find the home-learning activities useful and enjoy doing these with their children. They describe the support for children's communication and language as 'amazing'. Parents feel well supported by the nursery team, which has created positive partnership working. n Children learn about health and hygiene routines. They wash and dry their own hands. Children are encouraged to brush their teeth daily and take part in

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need to do better?

activities that support their understanding of oral health. They learn about healthy eating and are encouraged to try new foods, such as mushrooms. This supports children to develop healthy lifestyles. n Communication and language are the main focus within the nursery. The language lead supports the team through modelling activity ideas and teaching. Staff develop children's interest in stories and singing as part of this focus. Children of all ages show high levels of engagement and enjoyment during these times. Babies look with fascination to see what object will come next from a story bag. They bang and shake instruments during singing time. Toddlers and pre-school children develop a love of books and favourite stories, and they become actively involved in story time, such as using props.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The staff know what to do if they have a concern regarding a child or staff member. They have good knowledge of the different types and signs of abuse. Staff are aware of local safeguarding concerns, such as radicalisation and female genital mutilation. They complete training, and information posters are displayed around the nursery to keep their knowledge refreshed and up to date. Parents are provided with information about potential risks when allowing children to access the internet. Measures are in place to keep children safe. For example, children walk down the stairs, holding onto the bannister as they go.

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should:

n support children who need additional support in more consistent and effective ways.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY314685 Local authority Nottinghamshire County Council Inspection number 10234966 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 56 Number of children on roll 81 Name of registered person Secret Garden Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 0115 981 7837 Date of previous inspection 6 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The Secret Garden registered in 2005 and is located in West Bridgford, Nottingham. The nursery opens from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, apart from bank holidays and for one week at Christmas. It employs 18 members of childcare staff. Of these, 16 hold appropriate early years qualifications between levels 2 and 4. The nursery provides funded early education 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 manager carried out a learning walk of the nursery with the inspector and discussed the curriculum. n The manager and inspector carried out a joint observation together. n The inspector spoke to parents to gain feedback regarding their thoughts of the nursery. n The inspector spoke to staff and children throughout the inspection. n The inspector carried out a leadership and management discussion with the manager. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working at the nursery.

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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

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.

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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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