Learning Tree Nursery

Inspection of Learning Tree Nursery 200 Kirkby Road, SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD, Nottinghamshire NG17 1GP

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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 thrive in an environment that successfully supports them to become confident learners. They excitedly arrive at the nursery, ready to begin their day. Children's love of sensory play is actively encouraged in the nursery. For example, young babies play with dollies in the water tray. They use sponges, creams and soap to clean the dollies, taking care of them. Staff effectively model ways in which children can use the sponges to soak up water. They encourage them to explore and try different techniques.

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The provision is good

Staff develop close relationships with children, helping them to feel safe and secure. Children's individual needs and views are always taken into consideration, such as when settling into the nursery or transitioning between rooms. Children who require extra time or show preference between staff are actively encouraged to express this, and their needs are met.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is exemplary. Children understand behaviour expectations across the nursery. In the baby room, staff talk to children about how to sit on chairs safely to avoid climbing. In the pre-school room children safely climb down the stairs using the handrail. This supports the nursery to be a safe environment for children, where they can explore independently.

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need to do better?

n All children make good progress in their learning and development, including those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The manager and her team are passionate about giving children the best possible start in their education. Staff observe children as they play and interact with them well. However, at times, staff are too quick to solve problems for children. This sometimes prevents them from fully extending their critical thinking skills. n The nursery staff teach children about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. As part of a local initiative, staff have created an allotment within the garden. The nursery cook uses the produce the children grow in their meals. Children pick pea pods. They learn how to open the pods and empty the peas out into a bowl for lunch. Staff encourage children to guess the number of peas in each pod, before they try them and talk about how they taste.

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need to do better?

n Children access the garden area daily, developing their physical skills. They enjoy climbing on the frames and balancing on the raised stumps. Children use chalk to make large shapes and patterns on the ground, developing their shoulder muscles. Children enjoy exploring the bubble wands, making new mixtures and working out different ways to create bubbles. They delight as they chase the bubbles round the garden with their friends. n A successful school readiness programme is in place in the pre-school to support

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need to do better?

12 July 2023 children's transitions. Children carry out tasks independently. For example, they get themselves ready to go outside and serve themselves dinner. Teachers from the local school visit the nursery. This helps children to make relationships with their new teachers. n Children's language development is prioritised by staff. They model the correct pronunciation of words and repeat sentences back to children. Staff narrate the day to the youngest children exposing them to a range of words and phrases. n Parents partnerships are an integral part of the nursery and staff and parents work closely together. Staff create unique ideas for parents to complete at home, building on what they have already learned. Parents speak very highly of the nursery and the experiences their children gain. They are given regular updates of their children's progress and comment on how well staff know and support their children's development.

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need to do better?

n The manager recognises that she has a relatively new staff team and is supporting them well. They have regular meetings to discuss progress and training opportunities. The manager uses formal and informal observations to provide practical support, using staff's strengths to support each other. Staff talk of the positive support they receive from the manager.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff understand their roles and responsibilities to safeguard children, and are confident to report any concerns they may have. Staff understand issues, such as county lines. They understand their responsibilities under the 'Prevent' duty guidance. Staff are alert to the different signs and symptoms that could indicate that a child is at risk of harm. They talk regularly with managers to share information and monitor children. Staff complete regular safeguarding training to ensure that their knowledge is up to date, and they are updated on local issues. Robust procedures are in place for monitoring children's attendance and staying in contact with families.

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should:

n allow children more time to work out things for themselves to help further develop their critical thinking skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 258584 Local authority Nottinghamshire County Council Inspection number 10295300 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 46 Number of children on roll 72 Name of registered person Nursery Care UK Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01623 552144 Date of previous inspection 19 December 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Learning Tree Nursery registered in 2000. The nursery employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, six hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3 or above. The nursery opens 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 nursery has 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 provision. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n Staff 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 carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n Parents shared their views of the nursery with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working within 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

12 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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