Lenham Nursery School Limited

Inspection of Lenham Nursery School Limited Lenham Nursery School Limited, Lenham Primary School Ham Lane, Lenham, MAIDSTONE, Kent ME17 2LL

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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 happy and confident in this harmonious and welcoming environment. They behave well, as they learn to follow routines and understand what staff expect of them. Children learn to be respectful and caring towards others. For example, they help one another to collect the spilt sparkly craft materials. Children demonstrate kindness and help fetch their friend's drink when they identify that they may need it.

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The provision is good

Children have many opportunities to develop their communication and language skills, particularly those who speak English as an additional language. Staff speak to children clearly and help them to extend their vocabulary, which children then use in their play. Children learn well in small groups, and staff help them to develop their understanding, listening skills and ability to concentrate for short periods.

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The provision is good

Children feel safe and secure. They play well with one another, learn to negotiate with other children and confidently share their ideas. Children work together to create 'cosy areas'. They snuggle up and enjoy looking through their favourite story. Children choose from the wide range of books and enjoy listening to the stories staff read enthusiastically, as well as borrowing books from the local library. This enables children to develop a love of literacy.

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need to do better?

n Staff plan appropriate activities to support learning, which are based on children's interests. They monitor children's progress and identify any gaps in learning. Generally, staff skilfully implement children's next steps in learning into their chosen play. However, on some occasions, staff interactions are not always meaningful or focused enough to support children's learning. As a result, children do not remain consistently engaged and do not benefit from these interactions. n Children's mathematical knowledge is supported well. Staff help children to notice numbers in the environment and count throughout their activities and routines. Children learn to recognise numerals and use positional language in conversation. n Children develop their independence skills well. They get their own coats and put them on in preparation for going outside. Children know when to thoroughly wash their hands and make independent choices in their play and exploration.

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need to do better?

Children make good progress and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning. n Additional funding is used well to ensure that children have rich first-hand experiences that enhance their learning. For example, they have learned

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need to do better?

9 February 2023 relaxation techniques taught by outside agencies. Children are eagerly anticipating the arrival of chicken eggs to nurture and watch them hatch. This helps to broaden their knowledge of the world around them. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The manager and staff communicate daily with parents and keep them informed on the progress their children make. Parents speak highly of the nursery and the support they receive. They comment that they are very happy with the staff and the service provided. Parents describe how they particularly appreciate the detailed and regular communication. n Transitions to school are well supported. The manager has good links with class teachers from the host primary school. She shares relevant information prior to children starting school to support continuity in their learning. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well

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need to do better?

supported. The manager and staff work effectively with external agencies to address the needs of children with SEND, enabling them to make good progress. n Children develop their physical skills effectively. They enjoy being outside in the fresh air. Children work collaboratively to swing in the large tree swing and are learning to assess and manage risks to keep themselves safe. However, staff do not fully capture learning opportunities that arise, to develop children's understanding of healthy eating habits. n The manager is passionate and enthusiastic. Regular evaluation and effective team working contribute to a generally well-organised provision. Staff have good opportunities for professional development. They access a wide range of training topics and support from the nursery management.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. They understand who to contact if they have any concerns about the welfare of a child and have a clear understanding of the setting's whistle-blowing policy. Staff are aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as 'Prevent' duty. The manager has robust recruitment procedures in place. She completes ongoing checks to ensure the suitability of staff. Daily risk assessments help to make sure the environments are free from hazards.

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should:

n improve children's understanding of the importance of healthy eating n strengthen the support for staff to keep their interactions with children meaningful so that learning is always purposeful and matched to what children need to learn next.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 127314 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10264473 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 Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 32 Name of registered person Lenham Nursery School Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07967128056 Date of previous inspection 16 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Lenham Nursery School Limited registered in 1998. It is located in Lenham Primary School, in Lenham, Kent. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am until 3.30pm, during term time only. The provider receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The nursery employs 8 members of staff, two of whom hold a relevant early years qualification at level 6, with two more members of staff qualified at levels 2 and 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the nursery 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 her evaluation of the nursery. n The manager took the inspector on a learning walk and discussed the learning experiences planned for the children. n At appropriate times during the day, the inspector spoke to parents, children and staff and took their views into account. n The inspector spoke with the manager and staff about their responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm. n The manager and the inspector observed the interactions between children and staff and discussed the learning that took place. n The inspector reviewed documents relating to safeguarding, staff suitability and record keeping.

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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

9 February 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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