Holly Bank

Inspection of Holly Bank 10 Queens Rd, Huddersfield HD2 2AE

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive and make exceptional progress in this highly stimulating and language-rich environment. From the moment children arrive, they become immersed in a range of challenging and exciting experiences. For example, children manipulate dough mixed with daffodils. They learn about different textures and talk about scents and aromas. Children delight in the wonder of nature as they take part in forest-school sessions. For example, they carefully make wooden bird boxes using hammers and nails. Children create bird nests using small tree branches, and they make bird feeders using fresh oranges and seeds. Children have wonderful opportunities to develop their knowledge. For instance, they use binoculars to spot birds and nests in the nearby trees. The inspirational staff plan science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities to add to the already exceptional activities on offer. For example, children contribute ideas to make a moving robot.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour across the nursery is exemplary. Staff support them to develop positive attitudes and to develop secure friendships. During their play, children work together with their friends to achieve what they set out to do. They show high levels of concentration, perseverance and resilience. For example, toddlers work seamlessly together as they play with guttering and water to create waterfalls. Staff know the children exceptionally well and have a detailed knowledge of what children are interested in and what they need to achieve next. For instance, staff use stories and books to increase children's concentration and to expand their knowledge of different topics. Staff model clear pronunciation, which enhances children's speech and language. Staff are highly professional and knowledgeable.

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need to do better?

n Staff are highly motivated and have high expectations for children. They provide children with a highly ambitious curriculum. Staff ensure that their quality of teaching is pitched at the highest level to engage children and support their learning. Older children learn to sit well in groups. For example, they listen attentively during a Spanish lesson and take part in singing Spanish songs. Younger children enthusiastically go 'walking in the jungle', thinking about the animals that they might see. n Children develop excellent independence skills from an early age. They put on outdoor wet suits, boots and coats independently in preparation for outdoor play. Older children help to set up for lunch and take part in weekly cooking classes. n Staff skilfully support children's physical development. They help younger children to learn to safely climb steps in the outdoor play area. Older children learn to climb the steps on climbing frames. Staff use discussions, activities and

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need to do better?

20 February 2024 visual aids to help children to learn about good oral hygiene and healthy eating. They talk to children about how milk contributes towards developing strong bones and teeth. n Staff exchange a wealth of information with parents on entry, and thereafter. Staff share information about activities, offer parents a lending library for books and send home activity bags. Children and their parents take part in special events, such as a 'space' themed stay-and-play session. Babies' parents are invited to sensory sessions. Support for the most disadvantaged children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, is incredibly well targeted. n Managers continually strive for excellence. They lead the team extremely well, coaching them to reflect on their practice and develop their excellent knowledge even further. Staff supervision and appraisal meetings precisely identify their

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need to do better?

training needs, which are promptly sourced. For instance, baby room staff benefit from additional training to further enhance their knowledge. Staff attend annual company training days which are meticulously planned to close any gaps in staff's knowledge. n An annual team event for all staff contributes towards them feeling highly valued. Staff say that they are extremely well supported. They enjoy working at the nursery and say that their well-being is a high priority. Staff receive awards for demonstrating their enthusiasm in certain areas of interest, for example the desire to promote outdoor learning and passion in supporting children's well- being. n Staff teach children about differences and similarities. For instance, children learn about celebrations such as Eid and Diwali. Children and staff visit places in the local area to help children to learn about their community. For instance, they visit a local care home and the library. Children benefit greatly from the

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need to do better?

outstanding focus placed on supporting their emotional needs and well-being.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY428579 Local authority Kirklees Inspection number 10305440 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 59 Number of children on roll 63 Name of registered person Portland Nurseries Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01484429464 Date of previous inspection 21 February 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Holly Bank registered in 2001 and is situated in Huddersfield. The nursery employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, seven hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3 or above. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, except for bank holidays and one week at Christmas. 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 nursery received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with staff and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the nursery. n The inspector held discussions with the provider, management and staff about the design of the curriculum and how it is being implemented. n The inspector observed staff practice and their engagement with children throughout the inspection. She spoke with staff and children during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education. She carried out a joint observation with the setting manager to assess the impact of staff's teaching on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their verbal and written 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

20 February 2024 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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