Seasons

Inspection of Seasons The Aldingbourne Trust, Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester PO18 0JP

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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

Children arrive excited and ready to explore nature in this engaging nursery. Staff know children well and form strong relationships with them from the start. This helps children to feel safe and secure. Staff support children to have a deep connection with the world around them. For example, the curriculum provides excellent experiences for children to spend lots of time outside. Staff plan many wonderful opportunities for children to visit the on-site farm and woodland. Children regularly feed the farm animals and learn new skills. Staff teach children to love and respect the forest. For instance, children check for any hazards that may endanger animals when forest school sessions are over.

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The provision is good

Children's imagination is ignited during their time in the forest. For example, children excitedly run around with their friends, trying to find the 'Gruffalo'. Staff capture their interests by enthusiastically joining in. They successfully motivate children to find other characters from the book. Children behave well. Staff are wonderful role models. They teach children about sharing and taking turns. As a result, children are considerate and kind. For example, children patiently wait their turn to discuss what they have done during the day.

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need to do better?

n The curriculum is ambitious and well planned. There is a strong focus on enhancing children's understanding of the world. Staff plan a rich set of experiences to support this. They build on what children already know through their observations and assessments. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to meet children's individual needs, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This supports all children to make the progress of which they are capable. n Staff provide exciting challenges to support children's determination and resilience. For example, children concentrate as they use real tools, such as hammers and saws, under close supervision. Children thoroughly enjoy making a variety of creations and become deeply engaged. Staff encourage children to showcase their achievements and praise them for their efforts. For example, children beam in delight when they hold up their 'unicorn' and 'tyrannosaurs rex'

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need to do better?

that they have made from wood. This helps children to develop perseverance and raises their self-esteem. n Staff support children's physical development very well. Children have a wealth of opportunities to be physically active. They develop their large muscles as they skilfully balance on beams and run up mounds of earth. Staff provide activities for children to develop their small muscles in their hands. For example, they use charcoal from the campfire to draw pictures and hammer nails into wood. This helps to develop the coordination and muscle control they need for early writing.

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need to do better?

11 December 2023 n Children have good routines that develop their independence skills. Staff support and encourage children to learn these skills through everyday activities. For instance, they learn to get themselves dressed and undressed in all-weather clothes. Children set up tables ready for snack time and prepare their own food. They clear away when they have finished eating. This helps to prepare children with the skills they need for their next stage in learning. n Safety is of high importance at this nursery. Staff are highly vigilant and ensure that children are always supervised effectively. Children know the safety rules and speak about these with clarity. For example, they know why they cannot enter the firepit circle. Additionally, children learn how to cut their grapes safely in half at snack time, while supervised by staff. This helps children to learn how to keep themselves safe. n The provider and the manager are aware of the strengths of the setting and the

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need to do better?

areas for development. They create swift action plans to make continual improvements to policy and procedures. Managers encourage staff to explore subjects of interest, such as forest school training and creative arts. Staff report that they are well supported through regular training and supervisions. However, some staff need further support to address minor inconsistencies in newer policies, such as recent changes to sleep routines. n The provider did not follow the required process to notify Ofsted of a significant event. However, she did follow all other correct procedures regarding this event. There is no impact on children's safety. Therefore, Ofsted does not intend to take any action on this occasion.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff, including the designated safeguarding lead, have a good understanding of their role in protecting children. They have good knowledge of how to identify potential signs of abuse. Staff understand how to make a prompt referral to the correct professionals if they have any concerns about a child or adult. There are robust procedures in place to keep children safe, such as thorough risk assessments and teaching children safety rules. Staff supervise children effectively throughout the day. Managers ensure that recruitment and induction procedures are robust.

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should:

n strengthen support for staff, to address minor inconsistencies in policy and practice.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2680407 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10319544 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 21 Number of children on roll 23 Name of registered person Seasons Nurseries Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07875660119 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The setting registered in September 2022 and is based within the grounds of Aldingbourne Country Centre, Chichester, West Sussex. It provides outdoor provision for children aged two to four years, 8.30am to 4.30pm, 48 weeks of the year. The setting receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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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 Managers joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector talked to staff, parents and children 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 inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual and the manager about the

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Inspection activities

leadership and management of the setting.

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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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