Mini Willows Day Nursery

Inspection of Mini Willows Day Nursery 93 Whitehorse Lane, London, Surrey SE25 6RA

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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 Inadequate

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The provision is good

Children arrive happy and settle quickly into this vibrant, fun nursery. Staff greet them warmly and give them lots of hugs and smiles, which helps children build good relationships with them. Children play well alongside each other and learn to share toys. They are curious to explore the range of resources available to them. Older babies are interested in using their fingers to discover the texture of sand, while toddlers enjoy squishing dough, which develops their small finger muscles. Older children develop these skills even further as they learn to control a pencil to make marks.

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The provision is good

Pre-school children investigate nature in the garden. They enjoy taking part in a bug hunt. Staff teach them to use a magnifying glass to notice the features of the various creatures they find. Children are very interested to know more and confidently ask questions such as 'Where is its mouth?' All children confidently join in with songs and rhymes.

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The provision is good

The manager implements a well-sequenced curriculum that helps children build on what they can already do. Staff use children's interests to help them deeply engage in their learning. The manager is ambitious for children to develop the skills they will need for the next stage in their learning, such as using the toilet, recognising their name and making choices.

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need to do better?

n The manager and staff team have taken positive steps to improve the quality of education. They worked closely together with the local early years team to address the actions set at the last inspection. Staff have completed training to improve their knowledge of safeguarding and the implementation of the curriculum. The manager evaluates staff practice well and has identified further training to extend staff knowledge even more. n All children have an allocated key person, who knows them well. They gather information from parents when children start, to meet their personal care needs, such as sleep routines and preferred or favoured play activities. This helps children to settle into the new environment and build secure relationships with staff. Children feel safe and secure at the nursery. n Staff engage with children in their play and use observations to identify children's developmental stage and interests. They use this information to plan

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need to do better?

learning opportunities that support children's development. This means all children make good progress. n The care needs of the youngest children are met well. Staff follow their individual routines; they coo and smile with them during mealtimes. However, staff do not focus enough on supporting babies' overall development, such as

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need to do better?

24 October 2023 providing opportunities for them to develop their physical skills. n Staff teach children good personal skills to help them become independent and keep healthy. For example, they learn to meet their own hygiene needs, such as wiping their noses and washing their hands. Young children enjoy helping to sweep up spilt sand, and older children are encouraged to serve their own lunches. This helps them to acquire skills for life. n Staff do not always provide children with positive models that teach them to be a good listener. At times, this impacts on how children learn to follow instructions and respect others. However, despite this, children generally behave well and learn to share and take turns. n All children communicate confidently with staff, who support them well using verbal and non-verbal communication. Staff gather key words in children's home language to help them communicate their needs. They also plan sessions for

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need to do better?

storytelling, where they support children's language skills. They talk about the pictures in the book and introduce new words to extend children's vocabulary. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well. Staff help them to manage their behaviour and use picture cards to support their communication. There are suitable strategies in place that support information sharing between parents and other professionals, which means there is consistency in their care. n Parents speak highly of the nursery, in particular the caring staff. They say they feel well supported, particularly in managing their children's behaviour. Parents love the family app, which keeps them up to date with their children's progress.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a good knowledge of child protection and the steps to take if they have concerns. The manager ensures that all staff undertake enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks so only suitable staff are employed. Most staff hold paediatric first-aid qualifications. They are knowledgeable about the treatment for children who are unwell, including those with a high temperature, and know how respond to any minor accidents children have. Risk assessments are effective. Staff take steps throughout the day to maintain a safe environment and keep children safe.

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should:

n provide even greater support for the youngest children, to fully support their learning and development n strengthen strategies to support children to fully develop their listening skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2498915 Local authority Croydon Inspection number 10293327 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 59 Number of children on roll 43 Name of registered person BK Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07940290029 Date of previous inspection 25 April 2023

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Information about this early years setting

Mini Willows Day Nursery in South Norwood registered in 2019. It is located in the London Borough of Croydon. There are 13 staff members, eight of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications from levels 2 to 5. The nursery is open from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while at the setting. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. 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 manager carried out a joint observation of group activities with the inspector. n The inspector spoke to several parents 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

24 October 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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