Green Tree Childcare

Inspection of Green Tree Childcare Fergusons Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE15 7PL

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Overall effectiveness Inadequate

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Inadequate Leadership and management Inadequate Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is inadequate

Although there are sufficient staff to meet the statutory requirements for staff-to- child ratios, children's safety cannot be assured at this nursery. For instance, when all ages of children are being cared for together, the supervision of the younger children is compromised. In addition, the provider has failed to ensure that all staff have received appropriate safeguarding training. As a result, there are weaknesses in staff's knowledge of the nursery's safeguarding policy and procedures.

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The provision is inadequate

Despite these areas of concern, children arrive at nursery eager to go and join their friends. They enjoy exploring the stimulating resources available in the newly refurbished playrooms. Staff focus on encouraging children's interest in books. Children often choose to look at a book on their own or snuggle up with a member of staff to listen to them read. Song time is a popular part of the day. Even the youngest children enthusiastically join in with the actions to their favourite rhymes. Children develop strong bonds with the caring staff team. Staff offer plenty of cuddles and words of reassurance if children become upset or unsettled. Children are polite and helpful. They beam with pride when they are praised for being kind or helpful. This supports their emotional well-being.

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need to do better?

n Although every effort is being made to recruit additional staff, the current arrangements do not consistently meet children's needs. During periods of staff absence, all children are cared for in one room. This leads to some children, especially the youngest, not being supervised effectively enough. Staff work tirelessly to try to care for all the children. However, on the day of the inspection, the inspector observed children putting pieces of wood and dirty beanbags in their mouths when outside. Inside, children pick up discarded dummies from the floor. Older children enter the sleeping area unnoticed. n The quality of children's learning opportunities is varied. Staff know all the children extremely well. They describe children's interests and explain their next steps in learning. This enables staff to plan appropriate activities to support children's development. For example, staff set up a painting activity to help

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need to do better?

some children to recognise colours. For other children, the activity helps them to control the paintbrush. When staff work with individual children or with small groups, they make progress. However, too often, during free play, children wander around and are not engaged in purposeful play. n Children benefit from freshly prepared food. Staff cater for children with special dietary requirements effectively. Drinking water is always available. Children know when they need to wash their hands. Nappy changing procedures are of a good standard. Children's health and well-being is further promoted by regular access to a large outdoor area. Outside, children confidently steer bikes and

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need to do better?

24 January 2023 cars, carefully watching out for any obstacles. Staff show children how to throw balls and to roll hoops. This helps to support children's physical development. n The nursery is highly inclusive. Staff welcome the support they receive from other professionals who visit the nursery to work with children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). n Parents appreciate the warmth and care of the staff team. They receive information about their child's day via an online app. This focuses on recording their sleep and what they have eaten. However, limited information about their progress is included. Parents, including those who have children with SEND, report that they would welcome further information about their children's learning. n Staff understand the importance of helping children to develop their self-care skills and independence. They support children to put on their own outdoor

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need to do better?

clothing. At mealtimes, staff encourage older children to pour their own water and to serve their own food. Staff sit with the younger children so they can help them to use their own cutlery. n The provider recognises the areas of development required. She is working with the relatively new management team to put in place a programme of change. Their focus has been on the development of the learning environment and the curriculum. However, there has not been sufficient attention paid to ensuring that staff receive effective support, such as supervision sessions with the manager, or on improving staff's professional development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff, including the deputy safeguarding lead, have not attended recent safeguarding training. They are not familiar with the content of the nursery's safeguarding policy. Staff can describe some of the indicators that a child may be at risk of harm, such as neglect or physical abuse. However, they are not aware of the 'Prevent' duty guidance. They know they must report any concerns to the designated safeguarding lead but cannot confidently describe what they would do in their absence. Additionally, staff are not aware of the statutory agencies who need to be informed of any allegations against members of staff. Effective arrangements are in place for the safer recruitment of staff.

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Due date

24 January 2023 provide training so that all staff understand the safeguarding policy and procedures 10/02/2023

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Due date

improve staff's knowledge and understanding of the 'Prevent' duty guidance so that they can identify the signs that a child may be at risk of extremism or radicalisation 10/02/2023

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Due date

review and improve staff deployment so that children are supervised effectively at all times to ensure their safety 10/02/2023

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Due date

provide staff with regular and effective support, which helps to address issues with practice, and identify their training and support needs. 10/02/2023

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should:

n consider how to improve children's engagement in purposeful learning, especially during child-led play n strengthen the information shared with parents about children's learning so that they can continue to support their children at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2695469 Local authority Newcastle upon Tyne Inspection number 10269782 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 36 Number of children on roll 64 Name of registered person Rascals Playtime Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07791421120 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Green Tree Childcare registered in 2022 and is located in Newcastle upon Tyne. The nursery employs four members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds qualified teacher status and one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The nursery opens all year round, from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and a week at Christmas. It provides funded 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 We carried out this inspection as a result of a risk assessment, following information we received about the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises with the deputy manager. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The deputy manager talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they want children to learn. n Parents shared their views of the nursery with the inspector. n The provider 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

24 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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