Clever Clogs Day Nursery

Inspection of Clever Clogs Day Nursery New Ferens Park, Belmont Industrial Estate, DURHAM DH1 1GG

p.1

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Staff put the needs of children at the heart of everything they do. They are professional and knowledgeable, and support all children to make exceptional progress. This is because of the skilful way they plan the ambitious and well- sequenced curriculum. For instance, staff support babies to develop their walking skills quickly as they cruise from one piece of well-placed furniture to another. They encourage toddlers to balance on wooden beams and step through tyres as they practise their balancing skills.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Staff foster excellent relationships with children. They have created a highly enabling environment, which presents a rich variety of experiences for children. As a result, children have an excellent attitude to their learning and are adventurous and curious in their play. For example, staff provide foam for babies to explore. Babies squeal with delight as they clap their hands while handling the foam. They then watch in awe and wonder as the foam splats over staff and themselves.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Staff provide a tray of soil for toddlers to eagerly explore. Toddlers are delighted to find plastic insects and wiggly 'worms'. They giggle as they try on spectacles and look at themselves in the mirror. Older children develop their imaginative and social skills, such as they independently play together in the home corner. They delight in making pretend 'breakfast soup' to share with their friends, inspired by the real food items which staff provide.

p.2

need to do better?

n The passion and commitment of leaders influences all aspects of the nursery. The whole team is highly committed to providing the best possible care for children. They share a clear vision to support children to become ready for their next stage of learning. The curriculum is extremely well planned and delivered across the nursery. This ensures that children are well supported in all aspects of their learning and development. n The curriculum is nurturing and celebrates children's individuality. The learning environment is calm and restful, and offers freedom for children to make choices in their play. Staff develop superb relationships with families and build on children's motivations and passions. n Staff immerse children in a language-rich environment. They speak clearly and give children time to formulate answers to questions, helping children to practise and develop their growing vocabularies. Older children communicate clearly in

p.2

need to do better?

full sentences, which means they are prepared well for the transition on to school. n Children develop superb literacy skills and a genuine love of books. For example, toddlers choose books for their own pleasure. They turn each page, 'reading'

p.2

need to do better?

11 June 2024 with great animation and babbling as they point at the pictures in the book. This shows that even though children are too young to read and even talk in words, they are extremely excited by books. Staff support older children to independently practise their early writing skills. Children make use of the writing tools available to 'write' their own shopping lists and are excited to explain what they have written. n Staff are genuinely respectful and caring with children. They listen to them and provide considerate care. For example, before any care routines, such as wiping children's noses or changing their nappies, staff ask children and tell them what will happen. This shows how staff value children, their rights and their sense of safety and security. n Parents speak extremely highly of the nursery. They praise the the clear lines of communication, including regular information about their children's development

p.2

need to do better?

and progress. Parents appreciate that practitioners know their children as individuals and tailor learning to their specific needs. n Staff report their morale is high and they are proud to be part of a team that puts children at the heart of what they do. They benefit from the excellent training and support they receive through coaching and mentoring. As a result, staff flourish in this nursery. n The consistent and well-embedded routines in the nursery help children to understand what to expect throughout the day. This contributes to the calm and purposeful atmosphere and the excellent behaviours demonstrated by all children. n The provision in place for children with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is very strong. Staff know their key children very well and make effective use of assessments to ensure that children continue to make excellent progress.

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

Setting details

Unique reference number EY347008 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10344969 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 122 Number of children on roll 182 Name of registered person Clever Clogs Day Nurseries Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 0191 3843610 Date of previous inspection 27 November 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Clever Clogs Day Nursery registered in 2007 and is located in Durham. The nursery employs 27 members of childcare staff. Of these, 26 staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level three or above, including two members of staff with qualified teacher status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, except for a week at Christmas. 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 This was the first routine inspection the nursery received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspectors discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the nursery. n The deputy manager, manager and inspectors completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children communicated with the inspectors during the inspection. n The inspectors talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The leadership team spoke to the inspectors about how they support children with SEND. n The inspectors observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n An inspector carried out a joint observations with the manager. n The inspectors spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspectors looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspectors spoke with the leadership team about the leadership and management of the nursery.

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

11 June 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