Childcare on Domestic Premises, Full day care in Westmorland and Furness

Report for childcare on domestic premises

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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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Children clearly enjoy their time at this safe, secure and welcoming setting. They spend most of their time outdoors, where they are physically active. Staff provide wonderful opportunities for children to connect with nature while exploring the natural environment and the world around them. For example, children enjoy daily walks around the surrounding fields, where they learn to care for the animals, such as rare breeds of sheep, chickens and ducks.

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The provision is good

Children are happy to leave their parents at the door and confidently go indoors with the staff. They form close attachments to their key person, who plan well for their individual needs. Babies and young children enjoy cuddles and reassurance, which successfully boosts their self-esteem. Children readily lead their own play and learning. They confidently choose from the range of resources available to them. For example, outdoors, children build obstacle courses using crates and long wooden beams. In the vegetable patch, they fill small watering cans to water plants and use long-handled spades while digging for worms.

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The provision is good

Children are supported to behave well. They listen and respond to staff's instructions. Children are familiar with the routines of the day and know what is expected. They immerse themselves in their play and learning. For example, children show great interest in making scented modelling dough. They choose the lemon essence oil, measure out the ingredients and mix it all together. Staff support children's creativity, language, and mathematical understanding while children have lots of fun taking part.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and staff are passionate and committed to providing high-quality childcare. Staff enjoy working at the setting and talk very positively about their role. Staff work well as a team. They benefit from regular meetings with leaders and access online and face-to-face training opportunities. n Staff are skilled in setting up the environment in ways that spark children's natural curiosity and interest. They support children's learning and development through a broad and varied curriculum. Staff know children well. They use their observations of children to plan the next steps in their learning effectively. n Children receive good-quality interactions from staff across the setting. They skilfully support children to develop their communication and language during activities and routines of the day. For example, staff sing with children, read books, speak clearly and introduce phonics sounds. As a result, children's

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need to do better?

communication and literacy skills develop well. They use a wide range of vocabulary that they understand the meaning of. For instance, children confidently use words such a 'pterodactyl' and 'stegosaurus' while playing with

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need to do better?

23 January 2023 shadow puppet dinosaurs. n Physical development and active play are a real strength within the setting. Children participate in outdoor physical activity every day to help them develop their fine and gross motor skills. They spend a vast amount of time in the garden areas practising climbing, running and balancing. Children help staff build obstacle courses using wooden beams and proudly demonstrate their balancing skills. n Staff encourage children to eat well and be physically active. Children learn the value of eating healthily. For example, they sow, grow, harvest, and eat seasonal produce from their vegetable patch. A range of healthy snacks and freshly prepared homemade meals ensure that children receive a balanced diet. Staff ensure that dietary needs and preferences are followed. Although children learn some personal self-care skills, such as handwashing, there are occasions when staff do not fully embed basic hygiene procedures with them. For

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need to do better?

example, staff do not always replace cutlery or dummies when they are dropped on the floor or explain to children the importance of following this. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Staff exchange information with parents about every aspect of their children's care, learning and progress. Parents are very happy with the education and care provided. They say, 'We couldn't be more pleased with our nursery choice; staff clearly care for the children, their learning and their development.'

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Leaders and staff understand their role and responsibility to keep children safe. They are aware of the possible signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. All staff have completed safeguarding training and understand their role and responsibilities. They know how to report concerns, including allegations, to the designated safeguarding lead and local safeguarding partners. Robust procedures are in place to help ensure that any new staff members are suitable to work with children. Staff risk assess the environment to ensure children remain safe and secure.

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should:

n support staff to ensure hygiene policies and procedures are embedded and managed consistently with children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY555098 Local authority Cumbria Inspection number 10237335 Type of provision Childcare on 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 20 Number of children on roll 51

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 21 March 2022

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Information about this early years setting

Country Tots registered in 2018. The setting employs 10 members of childcare staff, of whom seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The manager holds an early years qualification at level 5. The setting operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays, family holidays and two weeks at Christmas. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the provider and has take that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed staff interactions with the children and evaluated the impact of these on children's learning. n The deputy manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including checking the suitability of the staff. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n Parents and carers spoke to the inspector and shared their views about the nursery. The inspector also took into account the views shared by parents through written statements. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they want the children to learn.

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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

23 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

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

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