Small Wonders Day Nursery

Inspection of Small Wonders Day Nursery Tavistock Road, Springfield, CHELMSFORD CM1 6JN

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Overall effectiveness Inadequate

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Inadequate Leadership and management Inadequate Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is inadequate

Children's safety and well-being are not assured. This is because the provider and senior staff do not have sufficient oversight and knowledge of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the early years foundation stage. The current fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures are poorly thought through, in particular, the means of escape for staff and younger children. This does not maintain children's safety at all times. The provider does not have the required systems in place to ensure the safe and effective running of the setting in the absence of a manager.

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The provision is inadequate

Children are happy and eager to join with their friends as they arrive at the nursery. They readily leave their parents and are greeted by an excited group of friends who are delighted to see them. Children form strong bonds with staff. Young children snuggle into their arms for cuddles, demonstrating their close bonds. Children show their confidence and skills to visitors. For example, very young children demonstrate to visitors how moving toys work, beaming with delight each time they make the parts spin round.

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The provision is inadequate

Children enjoy being physically active outdoors. Young children enjoy playing in the sand, filling their buckets using spades. Older children spend time in the sand tent. They enjoy exploring the sand with their hands while discussing their recent visits to the beach with staff. Other children use their imaginations as they imitate their favourite superheroes by running up and down the garden.

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need to do better?

n There have been significant changes in the nursery over the last few months. The nursery currently has no manager in place and the deputy manager works during term time only. The provider has not ensured that the third in charge has the skills or knowledge to ensure the safe and effective running of the nursery. Despite guidance from the Essex County fire and rescue service last year, the provider has not taken steps to improve the fire evacuation procedures. n The provider has not given effective induction to ensure that the third person in charge has a firm understanding of her roles and responsibilities. As a result, there are gaps in her knowledge which have a potential impact on the well-being of children. For example, she is unaware of the correct steps to take, in line with the nursery's own safeguarding policy, if there is an allegation against a member of staff. n Staff know the children and their families well. They gather detailed information

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need to do better?

when children start at the setting and when children move rooms within the nursery. Staff provide activities which support children's development. For example, children skilfully turn the handles on the whisks to make bubbles in the

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need to do better?

23 August 2023 water. This helps to build strength in children's wrists and develop their hand- eye coordination in preparation for future learning. n Children behave well. They understand the rules of the nursery and follow instructions from staff. Staff offer clear reminders about the importance of sharing. When children occasionally struggle to share, staff are particularly skilled at de-escalating situations sensitively and engaging children back into play. This helps children to regulate their behaviour and understand what is expected of them. Staff offer children plenty of praise and encouragement throughout the day. This helps to boost their self-esteem and confidence. n Children show that they are developing a love of books. For example, children look through books with their friends. They turn the pages together, look at the illustrations and discuss what they think is happening in the story. They giggle

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need to do better?

together when they see a giraffe riding a car in the book. This supports children's early literacy skills. n Staff talk to children throughout the day. They introduce action words to toddlers, associated with their play. For example, when they are teaching them to blow bubbles they repeat 'dip, dip, dip' as they put their wand back into the bottle. However, on occasions, such as mealtimes, interactions between staff and children are limited and do not give children opportunities to express their ideas and thoughts. This limits the opportunities for children to develop good speaking skills during these times. n Staff share children's progress with parents. Parents value the 'love and kindness' that staff show their children. Parents report that their children are happy to attend and have formed strong friendships.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The provider has failed to recognise and act when there have been allegations against adults who work with children. Those left in daily charge of the day-to-day running of the setting do not have enough knowledge to take appropriate action in the event of an allegation against a member of staff. Staff do have appropriate knowledge to recognise the signs and indicators of abuse and are aware of who to report concerns to. The provider has robust recruitment and selection procedures in place, to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children.

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Due date

23 August 2023 take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children, staff and others on the premises in the case of fire or any other emergency, and that emergency evacuation procedures are effective in all areas of the nursery 22/09/2023

p.3

Due date

ensure that there is a clear management structure, which includes a manager and a named deputy who is capable of taking charge in the manager's absence 22/09/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure that staff receive effective induction training so that they have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities 22/09/2023

p.4

Due date

take action to ensure that all staff understand the correct procedures to follow should an allegation be made against a member of staff, including notifying relevant external agencies and Ofsted of the action taken, within the prescribed timescale. 22/09/2023

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should:

n coach staff to take advantage of opportunities throughout the daily routines to engage children in meaningful discussions to further extend their communication skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY453646 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10307391 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 108 Name of registered person Small Wonders Day Nurseries Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01245493437 Date of previous inspection 13 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Small Wonders Day Nursery registered in 2012. It is one of two nurseries which are privately owned and managed by Small Wonders Day Nurseries Ltd. The nursery employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, six hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3 or above, including one member of staff with qualified teacher status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, except for one week at Christmas. Sessions are from 7.30am to 6.30pm. In addition, there is a before- and after-school club and holiday club. The nursery is in receipt of funding for 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 We carried out this inspection as a result of a risk assessment, following information we received about the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The third in charge and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. 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.

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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

23 August 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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