Cotton Tails Nursery at Hagley

Inspection of Cotton Tails Nursery at Hagley 69-71 Kidderminster Road, Hagley, STOURBRIDGE, West Midlands DY9 0QN

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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 provide an inclusive environment where children flourish, particularly in the school room where the quality of teaching is excellent. Staff working in the school room have a deep knowledge of their children's next steps in learning and use this information extremely well to help them make exceptional progress. These staff have the highest expectations of children and design a wealth of experiences to integrate new knowledge and learning. For example, children show a comprehensive understanding of plants and growth as they competently talk about the function of the roots, stem and petals of a flower. Other staff across the nursery creatively plan activities with a clear learning intention in response to children's interests, to help children make good progress over time. Staff working in the nursery room use children's favourite activities, for example paint and water play, to incorporate mathematical concepts such as heavy, light, big and small.

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The provision is good

Most children across the nursery show high levels of engagement and enjoy their play.

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The provision is good

Staff prioritise children's social and emotional development and all children, including babies, are safe, happy and settled. Staff help children to identify how they are feeling and help them to talk about their emotions. Children learn to behave well and show kindness and respect for one another. Staff caring for children with speech and language delay provide high-quality interventions to help close gaps in their learning.

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need to do better?

n A flexible and adaptable curriculum is implemented to suit the learning needs of children. Staff creatively incorporate the changing seasons, cultural festivals and popular books. Staff focus on preparing children with the skills and knowledge they need for their next stage of learning. Staff in the school room benefit from an external teacher who guides their excellent practice in preparing children for school. For example, children show high levels of interest and engagement as they take part in the various, fun literacy activities and many excel in this area. n Staff swiftly identify any children who may need additional intervention, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff working in the school and nursery rooms work exceptionally well in supporting children with speech and language delay. Their early interventions help close gaps rapidly for children who are waiting for external support, such as speech and language

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need to do better?

therapy. Any additional funding received for children, such as the early years pupil premium, is used wisely to benefit children in their care and education. n Staff sensitively observe and assess children to find out what they enjoy and can do and use this information to plan a variety of activities. For example, staff know many children are fond of animals and sensory play and use these as a

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need to do better?

11 April 2024 stimulus in activities to help them engage and progress. However, on occasions, staff working with toddlers do not adapt activities for the youngest children in the group to help further entice them during activities and increase their involvement. n Staff form strong partnerships with parents to help them understand the needs of children. They use an effective range of strategies to share and update information about children's needs and family circumstances. Each week, a child is made the focus on the 'special person board' to help staff and children recognise the uniqueness of each family. Parents report that they are highly satisfied with the service they receive. For example, they say they are impressed with the quality of the information they receive on how to support their children's learning at home and the numerous workshops and events they can attend. n Promoting children's physical health is a clear priority. Parents make good use of

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need to do better?

the termly activity ideas sent home by staff to help promote children's good health. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals, which are prepared on site. Staff help children to learn about the benefits of fresh produce as they plant and care for their own vegetables and herbs. Staff in the school room teach children about the importance of caring for their environment. For example, children learn how to reuse, reduce and recycle waste. n The enthusiastic and dedicated leadership team constantly reviews the care and education provided and regularly consults with parents to further enhance the provision. Staff benefit from regular monitoring, supervision sessions and training and talk positively about the support they receive. However, not all staff consistently benefit from highly effective professional development opportunities to enhance the quality of all staff's teaching practice to the highest level.

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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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should:

n support staff working with toddlers to plan more effectively for the youngest children in the group to help increase their involvement during activities and extend their learning potential n extend the opportunities for all staff to benefit from highly effective professional development opportunities to further enhance the quality of teaching across the nursery.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY499859 Local authority Worcestershire Inspection number 10335043 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 80 Number of children on roll 110 Name of registered person Cotton Securities Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01562 228349 Date of previous inspection 1 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Cotton Tails Nursery at Hagley registered in 2016. It is one of four nurseries operated by the same provider. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. The nursery receives funding to provide free early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The nursery employs 20 members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an early years qualification at level 6, 14 hold a qualification at level 3 and five hold a qualification at level 2.

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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 the manager and deputy and has taken that into account in the evaluation of the nursery. n The inspector and the manager and deputy completed a learning walk together to gather information about the experiences provided. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector carried out two joint observations, one with the manager and one with the deputy. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager, deputy and nominated individual. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke to staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector took into account the views of parents.

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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 April 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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