Explorers Nursery

Inspection of Explorers Nursery Priory Children's Centre, Cannon Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9SQ

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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 at this welcoming nursery. They show that they feel secure and confident as they play and engage deeply in their self-selected activities. Toddlers enthusiastically explore water and use their imagination as they pretend to make 'tea' in the different size pots and cups. Older children explore and investigate nature as they dig in the garden and delight as they find 'wriggling' worms.

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The provision is good

Children have plenty of opportunities to make marks and practise their early writing skills. For instance, they use chalks in the garden and staff encourage children to give meaning to the marks that they make. Older children are proud of their own writing and display their work for all to celebrate.

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The provision is good

Children are independent learners. They put on their coats and boots to go outside. At snack time, children peel their fruit and pour their drink. They are encouraged to make decisions, such as what book to listen to at story time and what activities they would like to participate in. Children do things for themselves. This helps them to develop their self-care skills and prepare them for their next stages of learning and move on to school.

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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. Children are highly praised for their successes and gain a sense of achievement. n Children are making good progress, particularly, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff have strong bonds with children and understand their needs. When children become a little emotional or are unable to communicate their needs, caring staff comfort them and help them to express what they want. This helps children to feel safe and secure. Staff work closely with external agencies to further support children's development. This helps to close gaps in children's development. n Communication and language development is given high priority. Staff narrate

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need to do better?

as children play and clearly emphasise key words in their interactions. They support children to use a range of visual signs to effectively communicate their needs and preferences. n Children's individuality and achievements are successfully valued and celebrated. Staff provide a rich environment that promotes inclusion and equality. For instance, staff display positive images of children's different cultures and languages spoken at home. This helps to encourage discussion about differences and creates a sense of belonging and inclusion.

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need to do better?

16 March 2023 n Children generally behave well. They respond positively as staff encourage them to participate in the tidying up. However, staff do not fully support children to develop their listening skills as much as they could. For example, children are excited to contribute to discussions and answer questions. This sometimes results in them speaking loudly over one another or interrupting their peers. n Children have lots of opportunities to develop their physical skills. They have regular access to the outdoor space and use this to run, climb, kick balls and use ride-along toys. They manage their coordination as they create their own obstacle challenges and navigate carefully over and across them. n Parents speak highly of the nursery. They express positive comments on how well their children are progressing and supported in their learning and care. The staff share information about their children's development at nursery. However,

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need to do better?

they do not consistently provide ways to support parents in extending their children's next steps and learning at home. n The manager is enthusiastic and reflects on practice to make improvements. She uses additional funding effectively to support children's learning. The management finds learning that will benefit the whole team and staff are motivated to complete regular individual courses. Staff work well together as a team. This provides a positive environment, where staff are ready to put children at the heart of everything they do.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

All staff are confident and have a good understanding of how to safeguard children. They know how to follow safeguarding procedures should they have concerns about a child in their care. This includes whistle-blowing against any inappropriate actions or behaviour of a colleague. The management team implements robust recruitment procedures to ensure all staff are suitable to work with children. All staff follow an induction process and receive mandatory training, such as safeguarding and paediatric first aid.

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should:

n support staff to consistently develop children's listening and turn-taking skills n provide parents with ideas and guidance about how they can continue to support their children's next steps and learning at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY410681 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10280586 Type of provision Childcare on non-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 28 Number of children on roll 52 Name of registered person Thanet Early Years Project

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reference number

Telephone number 01843 585535 Date of previous inspection 30 August 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Explorers Nursery is one of four nurseries run by the Thanet Early Years Project. It registered in 2010 and operates from the Priory Children's Centre in Ramsgate, Kent. It is open each weekday from 8am to 5pm, during term time. There are eight members of staff, six of whom have relevant early years qualifications at level 2 to 6. The nursery receives funding for free 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 manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. 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 spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager.

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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

16 March 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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