The Column Nursery

Inspection of The Column Nursery The Column Nursery, Bell Lane, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 5HJ

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children attending this nursery receive love and warmth from the team of dedicated staff. Children are warmly greeted and settle quickly. They develop strong attachments to their key person and other staff, which helps them to feel safe. Children behave very well. There is a calm and supportive ethos within the nursery. Staff support children to understand their feelings and give them time to follow instructions and make choices. Staff are positive role models. They consistently demonstrate good manners and kindness to others.

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The provision is good

Staff get to know children and their families very well. They use information about children's experiences at home to extend their learning in nursery. Children learn about life in Spain through discussions about children's recent holidays. Staff teach children about the national flowers, animals and birds. Young children are proud to share their knowledge of Spanish bulls and flowers. Staff understand that repetition helps children to remember their new learning. They have high expectations for every child. Children take part in weekly dance lessons with the experienced staff. They learn the names of ballet moves as they practise new skills. This helps to broaden their vocabulary. Children follow instructions well and concentrate for extended periods.

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need to do better?

n Children engage in a rich and varied curriculum that introduces them to new experiences. Children learn about chicks that visit their nursery. They remember and talk about the colour and number of chicks. Children take part in weekly French lessons, with a dedicated visit from a French tutor. They learn how to count in French. Staff reinforce this by counting together during circle time sessions. n Staff use observation and assessments to build on children's interests and begin to extend their learning. For example, children enjoy looking through the window and watching the birds as they visit the feeders that they have in the garden. Staff display images of different birds in the window and children look through a book to identify the birds that they see. Children are excited when they identify robins and blackbirds. n Communication and language development is well supported. Staff value the importance of literature in children's development. They teach children how to

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need to do better?

look after books. Staff plan a story of the week and read it with the children daily. Children get to know the rhythm of the story and begin to recite the words. They learn about the meaning of print and show curiosity about print in the environment. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. Staff work closely with parents and other agencies to enhance their

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need to do better?

31 May 2023 experiences. Speech and language therapists share strategies with staff, which are then used to support children's communication skills. All children make good progress with the support of the nurturing staff. n Staff are attentive to children's individual care needs. Staff support children's individual sleep routines and cater for their dietary requirements. Staff share information with the nursery cook to ensure that children receive a healthy, varied menu that meets their needs. Children develop good self-help skills, such as feeding themselves and putting on their own slippers. This helps them to be independent and prepares them for the next stage in their education. n Managers support staff well-being. Staff feel confident to talk to managers, who listen and are supportive. Managers support staff's interest in furthering their professional development. Managers regularly observe the practice of staff and

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need to do better?

give feedback on their strengths. However, managers do not yet make the best use of supervision to identify specific targets that are unique to individual staff. This sometimes limits the potential for staff to continually build on their teaching skills. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Managers are passionate about creating positive relationships with families to enhance experiences for children. Managers send out regular newsletters, where they share information about children's learning and provide advice to parents. This gives parents ideas about how they can support their children's learning at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Managers and staff have a very good understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities. They clearly recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and how to report any concerns about children's welfare. Staff carry out thorough risk assessments of the indoor and outdoor learning environments to keep children safe from harm. There are appropriate systems in place to record accidents or injuries and share them with parents. Managers have robust procedures in place for the recruitment of staff. They take appropriate steps to ensure the ongoing suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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should:

n strengthen the feedback staff receive during supervision meetings to ensure they benefit from focused, individual targets that help elevate their already good teaching skills to an even higher level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2630874 Local authority Shropshire Inspection number 10289455 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 24 Number of children on roll 43 Name of registered person Harper, Carrie

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reference number

Telephone number 01743354779 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The Column Nursery registered in 2021. The nursery employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, all hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and a week at Christmas. Sessions are from 7.45am until 6pm. The nursery also operates a holiday club during school holidays. 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 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 The deputy 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 The inspector spoke to children to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. 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 a joint observation with the deputy manager. n Parents and carers shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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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

31 May 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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