Woodlands Nursery

Inspection of Woodlands Nursery Belton Woods Hotel, Belton, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 2LN

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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

Staff know the children and their families well. The genuine greeting staff offer when children arrive helps them to feel welcome in this homely nursery. Staff in the baby room are particularly caring and nurturing. New babies in the room receive one to one cuddles and reassurance. Children are kind to staff and each other. When pre-school children suggest they are sad, their friends comfort them by offering a hug. Children are supported to understand the rules that they must follow when they use larger climbing equipment outdoors. Staff patiently help children understand that only one child can climb at a time and an adult must be present.

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The provision is good

Children are provided with plenty of interesting learning experiences for them to explore and investigate, helping to ignite their curiosity. Following a recent cold spell with frost and snow, staff encouraged children to explore winter landscapes that staff had made with flour as a substitute for snow. This sparked children's sense of inquisitiveness. Staff sit alongside children as they encourage them to use skills they have learned. For example, toddlers develop the small muscles in their hands when they copy staff to manipulate dough to make pretend chocolates. Babies show an early love of books, as staff narrate each page, point to the pictures and help babies to turn the pages.

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need to do better?

n The leadership team is strong. The managers show dedication to providing children with the best possible start in their education. They see parents as the first educators of their children and value this united approach to educating the children. For example, the nursery provides parents with resources, such as books and games to continue children's learning at home. n Staff provide a language-rich environment. They promote children's speaking skills through, for example, interesting and meaningful conversations, many of which centre around what children recall from their home life. Staff know how children develop language, from babbling as a baby to engaging in more complex sentences as they get older. Staff ask questions that support children to think and respond. n The curriculum devised by leaders has a strong priority on developing children's independence. For example, staff encourage babies to use spoons to feed

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need to do better?

themselves from an early age. Toddlers find their coats in preparation for going outside. Pre-school children relish the opportunity to be 'helper for the day', setting the tables for lunchtime. n Staff know the children well and overall interactions with children are good. For example, baby room staff recognise when babies show an interest in making marks. They provide babies with opportunities to help them to develop their

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need to do better?

11 December 2023 hand and eye coordination. Pre-school staff introduce new resources to enhance children's play. However, occasionally, staff do not recognise when some children need help to engage in purposeful play so that they can fully participate in all the rich learning experiences on offer. n Staff have established clear strategies to support children to learn about the expected levels of behaviour. One example of this is when children want the same toy. Staff ask children how they can resolve this situation and children suggest setting the timer on an electronic tablet. n Staff prioritise children's health and well-being. Children thoroughly enjoy freshly cooked meals of, for example, fish pie and vegetables. Staff ensure children follow good hygiene routines and they offer support with self care if children need this. Once a week, the nursery arranges for a teacher to come and support children with a physical activity session.

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need to do better?

n Staff gather information about children's home lives and use this information to celebrate their individuality in the nursery. They plan activities to broaden children's experiences. For instance, the children learn about Diwali and eat delicacies made by parents for a Diwali celebration. Parents comment they are impressed when the nursery celebrates Australia Day to recognise their children's heritage. n The management team value the staff team and have their well-being as a priority. Staff say they feel supported by the managers and appreciate the monthly rewards programme. The staff turnover is low and children receive good continuity of care and learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The managers ensure that staff understand their responsibilities to keep children safe. Staff show a strong knowledge of child protection issues, including the signs and symptoms of potential abuse. Staff are familiar with the guidelines of the local safeguarding partnership. Furthermore, staff are clear about the procedures to follow should they have concerns about the conduct of another staff member. The management team ensure they recruit new staff safely and check the ongoing suitability of existing staff through regular supervision meetings. Staff use risk assessments effectively. This helps to ensure that children's supervision and safety are always paramount.

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should:

n support staff to recognise when children need help to engage in purposeful play so they can fully participate in learning experiences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY293980 Local authority Lincolnshire Inspection number 10308165 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 30 Number of children on roll 41 Name of registered person Positive Attitudes Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01476 514347 Date of previous inspection 5 March 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Woodlands Nursery registered in 2004, it is located in Belton, near Grantham, Lincolnshire. The nursery employs ten members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate years qualifications at level 3 and one at level 6. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am 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 of the provider. n The inspector carried out a learning walk with members of the management team and discussed how the curriculum is delivered. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. She spoke with staff and children during the inspection. n The inspector completed a joint observation with a member of the management team. n The inspector held a meeting with the management team. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke with parents during the inspection and looked at written testimonials provided 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

11 December 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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