Ditchingham Day Nursery

Inspection of Ditchingham Day Nursery Ditchingham Day Nursery, Belsey Bridge Road, Ditchingham, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 2DT

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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 smile with excitement as they begin their day and are welcomed by caring staff. Staff gain information on what children already know and can do during tailored settling-in sessions with parents. They use this to inform their planning and teaching. Staff create a stimulating environment tailored to children's individual needs and interests. They excitedly join children in their play and introduce new ways children can contribute effectively to society. For example, children enjoy learning about recycling and explore different ways they can reuse different items. Staff value the importance of children's well-being. They support children to develop emotional security and provide them with cuddles and comfort during the day. Staff teach children the language of feelings during story time, discussing different 'worries' and how they make them feel.

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The provision is good

Children's independence is well supported. They are encouraged to hang up their own belongings on their peg when they arrive. Older children benefit from helping to prepare fruit at snack times. This helps to give them a sense of responsibility. Children make independent decisions in their learning and are supported in their play by nurturing staff. Younger children engage in a painting activity and show delight in exploring the colours of their hands with staff.

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need to do better?

n Children generally behave well. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. Older children are confidently supported to develop an awareness of right and wrong. Attentive staff support children to regulate their behaviour, and support older children to resolve conflicts by talking about the situation and ways they can solve the problem together. n Leaders and managers place significant focus on promoting children's literacy skills and developing a love for literature. Children benefit from visiting the local library bus. Young children enjoy listening to stories snuggled up to a member of staff, highlighting they feel safe and secure. Staff read to children in a way that excites them and captivates their attention. n Overall, children's communication skills are well supported. They enjoy participating in group activities with their friends. Older children show delight as they share their own ideas and thoughts using the 'talking stick', while exploring

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need to do better?

the forest. However, at times, staff do not effectively use opportunities to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to develop their vocabulary. This means they do not fully benefit from group activities provided. n Transitions into the next room of the nursery are supported effectively by staff. Staff work in collaboration with parents to identify what children have learned and how they will support them further. Children are provided with regular visits

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need to do better?

23 February 2023 into their next room alongside their friends, to help prepare them for their next stage in learning. n Children are provided with a wealth of experiences to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Staff regularly plan outings in the local community. They are linked to children's interests and provide them with new experiences, such as participating in their first forest session. Children are provided with a range of opportunities to explore the outdoors during the day. Older children enjoy hunting for 'treasure' when they are in the forest. Young children enjoy jumping into the mud pit and looking at the marks they make with their boots. n Staff engage with children at mealtimes. They discuss with older children the foods they eat and the importance of drinking water to stay hydrated. Children enjoy explaining that the carrots they eat feel 'crunchy'. Young babies skilfully

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need to do better?

feed themselves with a spoon and let staff know when they have finished. However, during mealtimes, children often experience long periods of waiting, and this leads to them becoming restless and unsettled. n Parents are extremely happy with the care their children receive at this nursery. They highlight the kindness and affection their children receive from staff, and state that they feel staff genuinely care about their children. Parents praise the continuous communication they receive about their children's learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff demonstrate a secure knowledge of safeguarding practices and how to keep children safe. Staff confidently identify the signs and symptoms that might indicate a child is at risk of harm. They receive regular training to ensure they are aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as female genital mutilation and the importance of monitoring children's attendance. A vigorous recruitment and induction process helps to ensure staff are suitable for their role and are aware of their own responsibilities. Detailed risk assessments are carried out daily to ensure that all activities and outings are safe and suitable for the children.

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should:

n implement ways to promote good communication skills for children with SEND to allow them to make good progress in their learning n review the organisation of mealtimes, so that the needs of all children are considered and the length of time children spend waiting is reduced.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY437684 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10276686 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 40 Number of children on roll 56 Name of registered person The Benjamin Foundation

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reference number

Telephone number 01986 895091 Date of previous inspection 27 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Ditchingham Day Nursery registered in 2011. It is one of four settings run by the Benjamin Foundation. The nursery employs 13 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. 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 nursery has 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 setting. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager and quality manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual about the leadership and management of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager. n Parents and grandparents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

n The manager 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

23 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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