Clarence House Northampton

Inspection of Clarence House Northampton 110 St. Georges Avenue, Northampton NN2 6JF

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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 come in happily to the nursery and are keen to explore and play. They have warm relationships with staff, eagerly chattering to them and turning to them for comfort and reassurance. Children make independent choices about their play. They reflect staff's positive attitudes and join in confidently with activities, frequently concentrating for long periods. For instance, children in the toddler room choose paint colours and squeeze these into trays. They laugh as they make marks with paintbrushes and their hands, becoming engrossed as they examine the different paint effects on silver foil.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. They listen carefully to instructions and competently take turns. Children persevere at tasks, for instance, when completing a simple card game. They show empathy and kindly offer to help other children. Practical daily routines support children in becoming increasingly independent. At mealtimes, babies sit at low tables and staff encourage them to feed themselves. Older children gain skills for school as they serve themselves their food and carefully carry it back to their table. Staff understand the possible effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns. They offer additional support to children in developing their speech and their skills in interacting with others.

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need to do better?

n The manager is clear about the stronger practice in the nursery and the areas that can be further supported and developed. She offers pertinent support and is a good role model. This enables staff to develop their practice and support all children to make good progress. Staff state that they are well supported and feel that managers promote their well-being. n Staff observe children well and understand what they are learning and what they need to learn next. They offer children interesting activities linked to their interests. Practical monitoring means that any weaker areas in children's learning are quickly addressed. Staff's good understanding of each child means that additional funding is used effectively to promote children's development. Staff work well with other professionals and ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive pertinent support. n Staff interact well with children and promote their development. For example,

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need to do better?

older children playing a shopping game concentrate as they remember the position of the cards depicting shopping items. They develop skills in mathematics as they count the number of items and determine which trolley holds the most. n Children of all ages enjoy looking at the 'my family' displays in each room. They feel comforted when they see photographs of their family. Additionally, these displays spark conversations, for example, about different family compositions

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need to do better?

3 July 2023 and traditions, helping children to gain a practical awareness of diversity. n Staff make good use of opportunities to build on children's language and communication skills. This particularly supports children who speak English as an additional language. Staff frequently sing to children, and toddlers particularly enjoy this, smiling and singing their response. Babies exploring dry cereal giggle as staff encourage them to listen to the 'crunch'. Older children use their good language skills to describe their play. For example, they develop a scenario involving role-play figures, stating that these are fairies that can 'make themselves invisible'. n With good staff support, children develop an enjoyment of books and reading. They talk about their favourite books and frequently act out these stories and make their own illustrations of the characters. n Children enjoy the time they spend outside. They develop physical skills and an

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need to do better?

understanding of safety as they climb up to the slide, taking turns and allowing each other sufficient space. However, children do not have consistent opportunities to fully explore and develop their play and learning outside, particularly children who prefer to be outdoors. n Parents hold the nursery in high regard and are pleased with the good progress their children make. They praise staff and report that they communicate well so that parents know what their children have been doing. However, staff do not offer as much support as possible to aid parents in building on 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 are fully aware of their responsibility to promote children's welfare. They complete regular safeguarding training so that they maintain a good knowledge of this area. Staff understand how to recognise possible concerns and know how to report these to the correct professional without delay. Additionally, they are aware of wider safeguarding concerns, such as female genital mutilation and the potential risks associated with use of the internet. Staff are clear about what action to take if an allegation is made or if they have any concerns about a colleague's actions.

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should:

n support staff in making greater use of outdoor areas to offer children further play and learning opportunities, particularly for children who prefer to be outside n increase the support to parents to aid them in building on their children's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2646436 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10295787 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 56 Number of children on roll 62 Name of registered person Clarence House Day Nurseries Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 03330904460 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Clarence House Northampton registered in 2021 and is one of several nurseries owned by Clarence House Day Nurseries Ltd. The nursery employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The nursery opens from 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 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. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked about their curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed staff interaction with children during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager. n Meetings were held between the inspector, the manager and the operations manager. The inspector looked at relevant documentation and saw evidence of the suitability of staff. n The inspector held discussions with staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

3 July 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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