Caring Kindergartens

Inspection of Caring Kindergartens Owl Close, Moulton Park, Northampton, Northamptonshire NN3 6HZ

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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 very friendly and have good bonds with staff. Staff give cuddles to children who are upset or tired, calming them quickly. Children learn about how they are different and unique. For example, staff encourage pre-school children to discuss how they look to see if they have similarities or not. Children comment that some of them wear glasses and that their hair is different colours. Staff use children's home languages such as saying 'ola' to them as they interact with them. This allows children to hear their home language, celebrating where they are from. Staff teach children how to safely climb down stairs as they access a playroom, encouraging them to hold the banister to keep safe.

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The provision is good

Children show a positive attitude towards their learning. Staff support children's communication and language development well. Stories are read by staff throughout the day, and children enjoy taking part in planned and spontaneous singing sessions. Staff teach babies Makaton sign language when they look at images in books with them. Babies intently watch staff and copy the Makaton sign back to them as staff say the animal words to match. There are many opportunities for children to develop their small- and large-muscle skills. For example, children enjoy prodding and poking play dough with different tools and confidently race around on balance bicycles outside.

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need to do better?

n The manager and her team are clear about what they want children to learn. Staff confidently discuss key children's next steps in learning and how they follow their interests to engage them in activities. They complete regular observations and assessments to check children are making progress. n The manager and the special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) are knowledgeable in their roles. They work closely with parents and other professionals to help children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Individual target plans are put in place to ensure that gaps in learning are lessened, enabling children to make good progress. Regular meetings are held to review plans and set new targets. n Staff deliver a variety of stimulating activities, extending children's learning well. For example, pre-school children take part in a bug hunt. Staff encourage them to find bugs in the garden by using magnifying glasses, ticking them off on a

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need to do better?

chart as they find them. Staff teach children about cobwebs and ask them questions, giving children a chance to share their knowledge. n Children react positively to staff as they are encouraged to share and use their manners. Children know the daily routines well such as knowing they change their outdoor shoes to slippers when they come inside. However, on occasions, staff put daily routines over the needs and interests of the children. For

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need to do better?

8 June 2023 example, children are taken away from activities they are taking part in to have their nappy changed, disrupting their play and learning. n Children are provided with healthy meals and are taught about the importance of washing their hands. Children say they do this as their hands are dirty. Staff teach children about different foods. For example, staff encourage toddlers to use their senses to investigate how different fruits taste, look and smell. Staff teach them how to safely cut the fruit, in order to look inside it. n Children are starting to learn to become independent. Staff teach babies how to use cutlery as they practise feeding themselves. However, on occasions, some staff do not always provide opportunities for children to develop these skills. For example, at mealtimes, staff serve food to children and pour their drinks for them rather than giving them chance to try themselves.

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need to do better?

n Staff say they are supported in their roles and that the manager is 'amazing'. There is a strong focus on upskilling staff. For example, the nursery gives opportunities for staff to gain childcare qualifications to enhance their knowledge. The manager and head office team reflect on what the nursery offers by completing audits to look at areas of improvement. The manager completes reviews and peer observations on staff, giving them feedback to help them to improve their practice. n Parents report that staff are 'great' and their children enjoy attending. They say communication is good and that they are fully informed on what their children are learning about and their next steps in learning. Staff give guidance to parents on how to support their children, for example, on potty training.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have an excellent understanding of the different types of abuse children can be subjected to, including the signs and symptoms of female genital mutilation. Staff know the process of who to report concerns about children or adults and how to escalate concerns outside of the nursery if needed. Staff have access to a variety of training, with safeguarding training updated regularly. The manager carries out quizzes and asks staff questions to keep their knowledge refreshed. The manager and head office team are aware of their responsibility to check staff suitability to work with children.

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should:

n support staff to ensure that daily routines do not disrupt children's play and learning n ensure that all staff consistently provide opportunities for children to develop their independence.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 220128 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10285963 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 72 Number of children on roll 72 Name of registered person Caring Kindergartens Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01604 499643 Date of previous inspection 26 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Caring Kindergartens registered in 1996 and is situated in the Moulton Park area of Northampton. The nursery employs 17 members of childcare staff. Of these, 12 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above, with the manager holding a level 6 qualification. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am to 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 provider 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 provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what she wants the children to learn. 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 SENCo spoke to the inspector about how she supports children with SEND. n Children spoke to and interacted with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager.

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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

8 June 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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