Carter's Sunflowers

Inspection of Carter's Sunflowers Ludwick Family Club, Hall Grove, Welwyn Garden City AL7 4PH

p.1

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this exceptional setting. The dedicated staff team show an outstanding commitment to providing a warm and nurturing environment. They have a clear drive and ambition for every child to receive the early support and intervention they deserve in the best possible way.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children access a broad and rich curriculum which focuses on personal development and communication. They benefit from highly skilled staff interactions, which help them to become deeply engaged in their learning. Children enthuse as they watch a lemonade fountain fizz into the air. Staff use props during sensory stories to support children with their understanding of words. Children giggle as they feel rain from a spray bottle as staff recall the rain 'falling down' in a favourite spider story.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children behave exceptionally well. They are kind to each other and make sure their peers have resources and all line up together. Staff support children to move around the setting safely and calmly. Children are familiar with routines, which helps them through transitions during the day. Staff break into vibrant song to prepare children as they move from one activity to another. This helps children to feel safe and secure in their environment and understand what is happening next.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff are highly skilled at creating a unique curriculum to suit the needs of children in this setting. They consider ways to make sure the curriculum is accessible for all children, regardless of their ability. Key workers know their children exceptionally well, and they meticulously plan next steps to support children's progress. Children make clear progression as they move through the groups in the setting, continuously building on their knowledge and abilities. n Partnerships with parents are exceptional. Parents give the highest praise to staff for their dedicated support for the whole family. They receive focused workshops to support them to manage their children's needs. Staff provide a wealth of resources and strategies for families to use at home, which fully supports consistency for children between home and the setting. Parents state that they can see the enormous progress their children make at the setting.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are well supported to develop their communication and language skills throughout all aspects of staff practice. Staff use a wide range of techniques to support children, such as signing, visual cues, sensory activities and song. They narrate as they play alongside children, introducing words such as 'pour' and 'scoop'. This fully supports children to develop these skills and, as a result, they make excellent progress in their ability to communicate. n Children make good progress in their physical development. They confidently

p.2

need to do better?

15 June 2023 explore the outside environment with curiosity and excitement. They lift logs and search for bugs, using magnifying glasses. They use music and movement sessions to march their legs up and down and coordinate shaking instruments at the same time. Staff are highly tuned to children's needs and use the well- equipped sensory room for children to regulate their behaviour. Soothing lights and sensory resources help children to reset their emotions. n Staff work extremely closely with a wide range of external professionals to help coordinate children's complex health and educational needs. They work on specific targets and action plans to ensure that children have the best possible outcomes. Children are well prepared for school. Staff work tirelessly to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible. Visits to schools, sharing information with teachers and preparing children and parents in what to expect

p.2

need to do better?

helps children to be fully prepared as they move to the next stage of their education. n Staff are extremely well supported. They receive regular supervision and training is sharply focused to ensure that they can consistently build on and deliver teaching to the highest quality. Staff well-being is an absolute priority. Leaders take time to consider staff workload and make adaptations in the setting to support staff. Team-building days help build morale within the team. Staff comment they are proud to be part of such an inspiring setting.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Leaders and staff demonstrate excellent knowledge of how to keep children safe. They have all attended specific training in how to protect children with disabilities and are fully aware of the vulnerabilities this specific group of children have. There are effective procedures in place should a staff member need to report a concern about the welfare of a child. Staff show an excellent understanding of local safeguarding trends, such as county lines. Leaders and staff are clear about how to manage and report any allegations made against staff. Staff communicate exceptionally well. The highly effective deployment of staff provides each child with one-to-one support. This ensures that children are kept safe at all times.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2627072 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10285735 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 19 Name of registered person Carter's Sunflowers CIC

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07832960470 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Carter's Sunflowers registered in 2021 and operates from the Ludwick Family Club in Welwyn Garden City. It supports children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. The setting employs 13 members of staff, of whom eight hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above, including three at level 6. The setting operates term time only, from 9.15am until 3pm, Monday to Friday. It provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting 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 setting. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk. She talked to the inspector about the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors. She discussed children's progress with staff. n The manager and inspector carried out a joint observation. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation. This included evidence of staff suitability, staff records and safeguarding documents. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of written feedback provided.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

15 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6