The Old Barn Day Nursery and Preschool

Inspection of The Old Barn Day Nursery and Preschool The Old Barn, 5 Copt Oak Court, Leicester, Leicestershire LE19 3WY

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are supported by staff to feel emotionally secure. For example, when children attend settling-in sessions, staff spend time getting to know them, follow their interests in play and provide them with comfort and reassurance. When younger children play outdoors, they can see and interact with older children and staff over a small fence that divides the garden. This helps younger children to get to know other children and staff that will be caring for them when they move rooms.

p.2

The provision is good

Children have plenty of opportunities to take and manage age-appropriate risks in a safe environment to help build on their physical skills. For example, children who have just started walking are encouraged to climb steps and go down a small slide. They receive praise from staff when they reach the bottom, helping to raise their self-esteem. Children in the pre-school room develop their core strength, balance and coordination when they hold onto a higher rope as they walk across rope at a lower level. Staff remind children to take turns to use the apparatus, one at a time, to promote their safety. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported by staff to help close gaps in their learning. For example, they offer children opportunities to join small-group times to help develop their speaking and social skills when they are asked to join in playing a memory game with their peers.

p.2

need to do better?

n The new manager has made changes to the nursery since the last inspection to help improve learning outcomes for children and their safety. For example, she ensures that bathrooms that children use are hygienic. Staff regularly check that these areas are clean and tidy. The manager supports staff to implement a curriculum that helps children to progress in their learning. n The manager and staff place a strong focus on supporting children's communication and language skills. For example, in the under-twos' room, staff introduce sounds that animals make. Children copy these sounds, helping to develop their early speaking skills. In the pre-school room, staff ask children questions to encourage their thinking skills and to share their views. For instance, when staff ask how they think it would feel to sleep on a cloud, children reply, 'relaxing'. n Staff and the cook offer children a range of healthy meals and drinks to promote

p.2

need to do better?

a nutritious diet. However, staff do not support children to understand the importance of oral hygiene and how this can contribute to good health. n The manager and staff extend their professional development. For instance, information obtained from training courses contributes to staff developing their knowledge of how to support children with SEND. This includes developing

p.2

need to do better?

13 May 2024 individual targeted plans to help staff know how to support children's individual needs. n Staff support children in an age-appropriate way to manage their behaviour. For example, when children in the under-twos' room show an interest in climbing on equipment where toys and resources are kept, staff divert their attention to climb on soft foam shapes instead. When pre-school children walk up and down stairs, staff remind them to walk calmly and to hold onto the banister. Children listen, follow instructions and learn how they can keep themselves safe when they access stairs. n Staff share information about children's development with teachers when children move on to school. However, they do not share or gather information about children's care and learning with staff at other early years settings children also attend. This will help staff to provide more consistency for children. n Parents appreciate the photos and information they receive about activities their

p.2

need to do better?

children enjoy. However, staff do not offer all parents guidance about how they can continue to support their children's learning at home. This will help to provide a more united approach to helping children develop. n Staff help children in the pre-school room to understand what makes them unique and the similarities and differences between themselves and their peers. For example, staff talk to them about their ages and the ages of their family members. Children hold discussions with staff about some of them moving on to school and some staying at nursery.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

should:

n support staff to help children understand the importance of oral hygiene n support staff to share and gather information from staff at other early years settings children also attend, to help provide consistency in their care and learning n help staff to support all parents to understand how they can continue to support their children's learning at home.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2637839 Local authority Leicestershire Inspection number 10298619 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 45 Number of children on roll 88 Name of registered person The Childcare Corporation Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 0116 286 1992 Date of previous inspection 26 May 2023

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The Old Barn Day Nursery and Preschool registered in 2021 and is situated in Narborough, Leicester. The nursery employs 12 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and one with level 2. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, except for one week at Christmas and bank holidays. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed how the manager implements the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Children spoke to and interacted with the inspector throughout the inspection. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the management team. She reviewed relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n Parents shared their views on the nursery with the inspector.

p.5

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.5

Inspection activities

13 May 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.5

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6