Ragamuffins Nursery School

Inspection of Ragamuffins Nursery School 70 Rectory Road, REDDITCH, Worcestershire B97 4LL

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Staff create a friendly and warm environment in this child-orientated setting. Staff plan a varied play environment that meets children's needs well. Children are motivated to take part in the wide range of learning experiences on offer.

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The provision is good

Children behave very well and enjoy the company of their friends. Staff are consistent in explaining their expectations to the children and praise them for their efforts and contributions. Staff show that they respect the children, and are wonderful role models. This supports children in understanding acceptable behaviour and mutual respect. Children build strong relationships with staff. Staff help children to understand different emotions and explore these together. For example, in the toddler and pre-school rooms, children stick a picture of themselves on an emotions board to show how they are feeling. Staff discuss these emotions with the children. As a result, children are very confident and at ease to express themselves.

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The provision is good

Children benefit from regular outdoor experiences. They have access to well-lit 'barns' to support outdoor play during poor weather and shorter days. Children ride wheeled toys, enjoy exploring water, and build large constructions. Children laugh with excitement when they find worms in the garden. Staff talk to children about the worms. Children are fascinated as the worms wriggle into the grass. This helps children to build their experience and knowledge of nature while they play outdoors.

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need to do better?

n The manager and staff plan a curriculum that helps children to make choices for themselves as they play. For example, children independently access the resources and lead their own learning. Staff understand the children's targets well, and skilfully join them in their play and support their learning. Therefore, children develop independence and decision-making skills. n Parent partnerships are excellent. Parents are very happy with the progress their children make and attribute this directly to the setting. Staff share information daily via an app, which keeps parents updated with their child's experiences and progress. Parents are often invited to engage in children's learning experiences. For example, parents talk to the children about the jobs they do that help other people. This supports parents to build on children's learning further. n The manager and staff support children's understanding of diversity well. They

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need to do better?

invite parents to the setting to share their culture and traditions, and celebrate festivals. Children learn about different members of the community. For example, they participate in Black History Month, and staff take children to join older members of the community at a local residential home. This helps children to

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need to do better?

21 May 2024 respect each other and gain an understanding of society. n Leaders are reflective about their setting and keen to continue to improve. They know what they do well and set targets for development. Staff supervisions are conducted regularly. Staff comment that their well-being is always taken into consideration, and work with the manager to set goals. Training and professional development are offered to all staff to ensure that their practice continuously develops. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are very well supported by staff. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals, such as physiotherapists and speech and language therapists. They take advice and implement activities that meet the children's needs. As a result, children with SEND make good progress. n Staff promote communication and language as key features of the setting. Children enjoy sharing books with staff and reading alone. They enjoy singing

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need to do better?

songs together, which helps them to develop their understanding of language patterns. Staff reinforce vocabulary and allow children opportunities to practise new words. For example, when children pretend to be a doctor, staff talk to them about taking their temperature and using a thermometer. n Staff support children's learning and development well. They promote mathematical language with babies. For example, they use words such as 'big' and 'small' when children choose instruments for a song. However, for older children, planning does not allow as many opportunities for children to practise their mathematical skills in order to strengthen their understanding of mathematical concepts. n Staff demonstrate a good range of teaching skills as they interact with the children. For instance, they give clear explanations, demonstrate how to use resources, and ask children plenty of questions. Children confidently answer

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need to do better?

questions and respectfully take turns in the conversation. However, staff do not always challenge children's critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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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 develop staff's understanding of how to support children's critical thinking skills, to further enhance the good quality of learning experiences n support staff to introduce more opportunities for children to deepen their

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should:

21 May 2024 understanding of mathematical concepts.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 205334 Local authority Worcestershire Inspection number 10346940 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 36 Number of children on roll 67 Name of registered person Ragamuffins Day Nurseries Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01527 401869 Date of previous inspection 29 August 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Ragamuffins Nursery School registered in 1994 and is in Redditch. The nursery employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, 10 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above, including one who holds a level 6 qualification. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 5.30pm. 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 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 children to learn. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of 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 inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the

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Inspection activities

suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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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

21 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.

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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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