Munchkin Academy

Inspection of Munchkin Academy Hill Rise, Luton, Bedfordshire LU3 3EE

p.1

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

p.1

The provision is inadequate

There are multiple breaches to the early years foundation stage statutory framework. Children do not receive the care and education they deserve. The provider and staff manage children's behaviour poorly. When children argue over a toy, staff tell children to share with no explanation as to why. Sometimes, staff use a timer to encourage children to take turns. However, staff do not monitor this, and children continue to argue over the toy. Staff do not address all unacceptable behaviour and children do not learn what is expected of them. They are not helped to understand the consequences of their actions, or how they should be treated by others.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Teaching is weak. Staff do not provide children with good-quality interactions to develop their knowledge and skills. Staff do not capture children's interest or attention. For example, during group times, staff spend their time cuddling crying babies and talking to other adults. Older children lose interest and leave the activity. On occasion, when children do listen to staff, questions and activities are too easy for them, which limits their learning. Furthermore, routines are chaotic. Children lack opportunity to develop a level of independence they will need when they start school.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

At times, children play alone without adult support. For example, they purposefully line up bricks, carefully handle books and demonstrate curiosity when they view a snail. However, staff fail to provide interesting comments, questions and language to progress children's communication and thinking skills.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider has poor knowledge of the early years foundation stage statutory framework. He has failed to meet a legal notice that was issued during a recent Ofsted visit. While the provider has responded to some of the requirements, he has not complied with all. The provider acknowledges there are weaknesses and explains he does want to improve. However, plans to date have been ineffective. n The provider does not assure staff suitability. He has not obtained the correct Disclosure and Barring Service check for staff and staff have not undergone a sufficiently thorough level of vetting. The designated safeguarding officer has not attended required and relevant training. This is a breach of requirements. That said, the provider and staff have some knowledge about what might indicate a concern about a child. They are also aware of the relevant agencies to contact to make sure children receive support.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staffing arrangements are unclear and staff have poor understanding of their responsibilities. At times, only one member of staff is present with the small number of children attending. This means they are completing all tasks as well

p.2

need to do better?

20 March 2024 as supervising the children. When there is more than one member of staff, they cannot be left alone because suitability checks have not been completed. Staff try their best to juggle the demands of the day. However, routines and activities become chaotic, teaching opportunities are limited, and children do not make progress in their learning. n The provider fails to support staff effectively. While he holds meetings with staff to develop their practice, these do not support staff to improve. New staff are not clear about their roles and responsibilities as the induction procedures are poor. This adds further pressure to staff to complete tasks and supervise children. n Children's behaviour is managed poorly. The provider and staff do not provide consistent guidance and explanations for children. Subsequently, children receive mixed messages and struggle to learn what is positive behaviour.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities do not receive effective support. Specialist professionals visit to provide guidance to staff on how to support this group of children. However, staff do not have opportunities to execute the plans so that these children can make progress from their starting points in learning. n The provider and staff do not provide opportunities for children to develop their independence. For example, when a visitor rings the doorbell, all children need to accompany the staff to answer it, so they are not left unsupervised. Consequently, children must stop playing and staff end up putting children's coats on for them so the visitor is not waiting long. n Activities are disorganised and do not challenge children's learning. During a cutting activity, older children finish the task easily but there is nothing else for them to do. Younger children wait a long time before they are able to try using

p.3

need to do better?

the scissors. This does not support children's curiosity or critical thinking skills. n Staff do know what children like and are interested in. They offer comfort to children when they are upset. Parents report staff take an interest in their children's home life. However, staff often do not have time to consider this information to include in the educational plans. n Staff have recently started providing snack for children. This includes a range of healthy fruits and vegetables. Children ride tricycles outside and jump on tyres. This means children are gaining some awareness of what contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Due date

improve knowledge of the early years foundation stage statutory framework 17/04/2024

p.4

Due date

obtain an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for all staff working directly with the children and ensure all staff are suitable to work with children 17/04/2024

p.4

Due date

ensure the lead practitioner for safeguarding attends a relevant training course 17/04/2024

p.4

Due date

ensure that all staff have a secure understanding of their roles and responsibilities and what is expected of them to meet children's needs, including new staff 17/04/2024

p.4

Due date

provide supervision for staff that effectively supports their professional development, in particular teaching skills 17/04/2024

p.4

Due date

ensure staff manage children's behaviour in an appropriate way for their age and stage of development so they learn to understand the consequences of their behaviour and the reasons that they need to adjust their behaviour 17/04/2024

p.4

Due date

provide appropriate arrangements to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including acting on professional guidance and implementing support. 17/04/2024

p.4

Due date

20 March 2024 ensure that staff consider the individual needs, interests and stage of development of each child in their care, and use this information to plan challenging and enjoyable experiences for children in all of the areas of learning and development 30/05/2024

p.4

Due date

ensure that staff stimulate children's interests, respond to each child's emerging needs and guide their development through warm, positive interactions 30/05/2024

p.5

Due date

provide established routines for play and learning so that children develop confidence, emotional security and independence. 30/05/2024

p.5

Setting details

Unique reference number 2532413 Local authority Luton Inspection number 10337583 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.6

inspection

Total number of places 36 Number of children on roll 10 Name of registered person Sundon Nursery Ltd

p.6

reference number

Telephone number 01582 562531 Date of previous inspection 9 December 2021

p.6

Information about this early years setting

Munchkin Academy registered in 2019. The nursery employs two members of childcare staff. One holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 2 and one at level 3. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.6

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. n This inspection was carried out as a result of a risk assessment, following information received about the provider. n The acting manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector talked to the provider, staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection and considered 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 provider and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a planned activity. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of

p.7

Inspection activities

their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working at the nursery. n Children talked and played with the inspector during the inspection.

p.7

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.

p.7

Inspection activities

20 March 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.

p.7

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.8

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.8

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.8