Squirrels of St Marys

Inspection of Squirrels of St Marys St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Anns Hill Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 3NB

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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

Staff have a strong, inclusive ethos for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children of all abilities eagerly engage in physical activity. They stretch and jump, bend and hop. They move with confidence across crates, planks and tyres. Children have access to quiet areas that are carefully arranged with cushions, curtains and lights. This helps children with sensory processing difficulties or who struggle to regulate their emotions. As a result, children with SEND make good progress and are able to access learning alongside their peers.

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The provision is good

Compassionate staff help children to be calm and content in this relaxed setting. They play, talk and eat together with smiles and laughter. Children's behaviour is good. They help each other in group tasks that are ably supported by adults, for instance building a sand volcano with hands and spades. Children share resources sensibly, such as taking turns on balance bicycles and obstacles courses.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate a love of the outdoors. They run and chase each other outside, undeterred by cold, wind or rain. They independently fetch blankets or coats to stay warm, showing good self-help skills. The energetic staff have very good relationships with the children. This helps children to feel safe and secure and allows them to take risks in their play. For instance, children answer an adult's challenge to jump off a ramp in different ways.

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need to do better?

n Staff have identified the social and emotional impact of lockdowns on babies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, additional care is taken when young children first start at the nursery. Parents are invited to stay for extended settling-in periods. Photo books and illustrated stories that depict social situations are used to familiarise young children with new adults and routines. Parents of new starters report that their children have settled quickly and look forward to coming to the nursery. n Staff use a range of effective techniques to support children to understand. For example, they make consistent use of Makaton, visual cards and visual timetables. These allow children to see how tasks are broken down, such as instructions for using the toilet, and to know what is happening next. In addition, staff use single words or short phrases to make instructions clear. However, at times, language is over-simplified and does not extend the

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need to do better?

language development of the older or most able children. n Children with SEND follow individual education plans under the guidance of the enthusiastic special educational needs coordinator (SENCo). She seeks feedback from staff and parents to plan interventions that focus on specific areas of need,

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need to do better?

19 September 2023 for instance language groups to support children's social communication. The SENCo's work is underpinned by staff who are sensitive to the needs of children with SEND and have built trusting relationships with them. As a result of this support, children with SEND are improving their language and emotional regulation. n The positive and engaging manager is continually evaluating ways to enhance the provision for the children. She has increased access to painting materials in all areas of the nursery, which further develops children's creativity and spontaneity. There has also been a redevelopment of the small-world area and a sensory exploration area for babies. In addition, the provision of more age- appropriate gym equipment outside has provided children of all ages with safe and engaging spaces in which to play and learn. n Staff feel well supported by management. They have regular supervision

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need to do better?

sessions to discuss their individual progress. Staff help each other as a team, for instance making sure resources are available in different rooms when needed and ensuring that children receive appropriate adult support at all times. This means that children learn in a happy and supportive environment. n Children are encouraged to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world. They explore the colours and shapes of plants and inspect insects. When one child recoils at a 'disgusting' slug, staff support them to look closer and investigate. Soon, children decide to 'rescue' the animal and want to become involved in its care. Children are helped to look beyond their assumptions and open their minds to new ideas.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff know the role of the local authority designated officer and what to do if they have any concerns about the conduct of a colleague. They know the procedures to follow to record and report any concerns they have about a child. Staff understand their responsibilities to keep children safe from radicalisation, extremism and female genital mutilation. The manager reviews accident logs to find any patterns, and changes are quickly made to equipment that poses any newly identified risk. Staff are aware of any allergies and intolerances that children might have and check with parents for any changes to children's diets.

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should:

n support staff to provide more consistent opportunities for children to experience language that is appropriate to their level of language development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2646626 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10295790 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 36 Number of children on roll 32 Name of registered person Squirrels Nursery Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07745541328 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Squirrels of St. Mary's is located on the same site as St. Mary's Catholic Primary School in Gosport. It registered at its current location in 2021 and shares toileting facilities with the primary school. The nursery is part of the Squirrels Nursery Ltd family-run chain of nurseries. It is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education to children aged two, three and four years. The nursery is open each weekday, during school term times only, from 8am until 4pm. There are four staff, three of whom hold appropriate qualifications at level 3.

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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 The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities. He assessed the impact this had on the children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The manager provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the manager.

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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

19 September 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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