Footprints Day Care

Inspection of Footprints Day Care 2A Britannia Lane, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN23 3SU

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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

Children are happy and confident at this home-from-home nursery. They separate from their parents with ease and are keen to seek out their friends. They approach the kind and caring staff for support when needed. Children have developed secure friendships. For instance, they enjoy engaging in role play, talking about the characters they are going to be and listening to their friends' ideas and suggestions. Children show determination to do things for themselves and to learn new skills. For example, when outside, children persevere with the exercise hoops, trying to balance them on their hips to swing them around. Staff provide children with encouragement and praise. This further promotes children's determination to master a new skill.

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The provision is good

The curriculum is well planned and embedded across the nursery. Staff understand what they are teaching children and why. The staff and managers regularly meet to discuss the opportunities provided for children, and the impact this is having on their learning. They frequently revisit learning to check the children's knowledge and understanding. The curriculum currently has a focus on children's communication, independence and confidence to see to their own care needs. This is in preparation for their transition to school. Staff know the children well.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. They know the rules, which are well embedded. Staff are consistent with their messages regarding the expected behaviour. This supports children in making the right choices. For example, children remind their friends of the rules, such as walking when indoors. Staff are positive role models for children. The environment is busy but calm, and children show a positive attitude towards their learning.

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need to do better?

n The managers inspire staff with their passion and drive for all to achieve. They maintain a clear oversight of the activities throughout the nursery and the quality of teaching. This helps to provide consistency for staff, children and their families. Managers regularly spend one-on-one time with each member of staff, to discuss their skills and areas for improvement. They provide ongoing support and offer training to further staff's professional development. n Staff consider how the environment supports children's early writing skills. The environment is equipped with materials, and staff regularly support children in making marks and recognising their meaning. For example, when children are painting they select pencils to write their name on their work. Staff speak to the children about the letters they have formed and the initial sounds in words. Furthermore, when outside, children use clipboards and pencils to draw what

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need to do better?

they are seeing in the environment. This teaches children about the usefulness

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need to do better?

23 April 2024 of mark making and writing. n Staff prioritise supporting children's communication and language skills. They consistently talk and interact with children. They use key words relating to the topic they are exploring or children's current interests. Furthermore, books, songs and rhymes are used to support language development throughout the day. For example, children have favourite books, which they sit and enjoy with staff in calm, cosy areas. They confidently repeat key words from books. Staff use skilful questioning to assess children's understanding, encouraging them to express their opinions and ideas. n Routines of the day are well embedded. For example, all children come together for a group snack time. They understand what is expected of them and follow these routines with ease. However, group times often require children to sit and pay attention for extended periods of time. Most children lose concentration, or

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need to do better?

are called away for care routines such as handwashing, which also distracts others. As a result, some children do not benefit from the intended learning during these times. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. The knowledgeable special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) and her team work well together. They devise plans and next steps in conjunction with outside professionals. This ensures children are provided with the level of support they need to progress. The SEND team closely monitors children. They provide regular support to their key person and parents. Referrals are made in a timely manner to ensure children get the support they need. Staff who work specifically with children with SEND are skilled at implementing plans and proudly speak about the progress children are making. n Parents receive regular information from their child's key person regarding their

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need to do better?

child's development and next steps in learning and the curriculum. They are warmly welcomed into the nursery and are provided with ample opportunities to speak to staff. Furthermore, parent questionnaires provide opportunities for parents to share their thoughts and ideas on improvements, which are actioned by the management team.

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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 review and improve the arrangements for group times to more effectively support children's engagement and learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY305659 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10337908 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 104 Number of children on roll 152 Name of registered person Ashford Play Centre Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01233 652645 Date of previous inspection 10 January 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Footprints Day Care registered in 2005. It is located in Ashford, Kent. The setting is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm, all year round. It receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The setting employs 23 members of staff, all of whom hold relevant early years qualifications at level 2 or above. This includes one member of staff who holds a level 6 qualification.

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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 manager 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 at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The SENCo spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. 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 spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

23 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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