Muddy Puddles Nursery

Inspection of Muddy Puddles Nursery First Rayners Lane Scout Group, Trescoe Gardens, Harrow HA2 9TB

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Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

Staff build positive relationships with the children and their families. Children are welcomed by managers and arrive happily. Staff are on hand to gently reassure and comfort new children not yet familiar with the routine into the nursery.

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The provision requires improvement

Since the previous inspection, the newly appointed manager has worked hard to tackle the necessary improvements. She has introduced many positive changes, such as to the curriculum. However, some of these improvements are too recent to ensure all children receive consistently good levels of support in their learning. Staff are keen for all children to achieve well. In the main, they become involved in children's play to help them progress. For example, older children learn important skills such as knowing when to share their ideas and when it is time to listen to their friends. Staff know the children well, including what they enjoy doing and what they need to learn next. However, staff do not consistently make the best use of their knowledge to provide activities to help children gain specific skills identified. This does not ensure that all children make the progress they are capable of.

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The provision requires improvement

The manager has introduced helpful systems to support staff to teach children about expected behaviour. For example, staff plan activities and use picture cards to teach young children about turn-taking and sharing. Generally, children behave well. As children grow they learn how their behaviour can affect others. They show kindness to their friends and engage in positive behaviours, including lining up for outdoor play.

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need to do better?

n The manager has a plan in place to continue to address the weaknesses from the previous inspection. Staff receive regular targeted supervision. They have embraced the ongoing opportunities for professional development and appreciate the dedicated time provided to undertake the necessary training. This has had a positive impact on staff's knowledge of their role, including in safeguarding children and keeping them safe. The manager models good practice and staff take confidence in her direction. However, teaching is variable overall. Staff do not consistently deliver planned opportunities to a good level to ensure children learn as well as they should. n Children enjoy freshly prepared nutritious meals throughout the day. The on-site cook is familiar with the individual dietary needs of the children to keep them safe. Staff use mealtimes to promote children's independence. Older children follow clear instructions well to serve their meal and tidy away after. However,

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need to do better?

the organisation of mealtime routines for younger children is less well considered. Younger children become impatient while waiting for their turn. They

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need to do better?

22 July 2024 receive less clear and consistent direction to understand what is expected from them to sustain positive attitudes to learning and achieve well. n Staff develop secure relationships with babies. They engage them in soothing conversation while providing intimate care to help them feel secure and content. Babies benefit from a range of new toys and equipment that interest them. They explore their senses and delight in watching bubbles 'pop'. They benefit from daily opportunities for fresh air in their garden. However, staff have not considered the layout of toys and resources well enough in both the indoor and outdoor environments. This does not ensure young children can practise their physical skills consistently, for example when pushing their favourite car. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive effective support. They benefit from the skills and knowledge of a specifically

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need to do better?

trained member of staff to monitor and support their progress. Staff work closely with other professionals and parents to ensure children make the best possible progress. n Older children strengthen their concentration and coordination as they carefully manipulate dough and use glue sticks with precision to create their pictures. They listen and follow staff's guidance as they share information important to them during group times. They listen to stories with enthusiasm, successfully predicting what the 'flap' may reveal about the dentist. n Parents value the friendly staff and the nursery highly. They particularly appreciate the regular information they receive about their children's learning and care. Parents are aware of the nursery's polices and procedures and report how their children enjoy coming to the nursery.

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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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Due date

help staff to provide consistently good teaching that takes account of children's next steps in learning to ensure all children achieve good outcomes 30/08/2024

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Due date

22 July 2024 support staff to ensure the layout of toys and resources enables the youngest children the space they need to consistently practise and gain important physical skills. 30/08/2024

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2599984 Local authority Harrow Inspection number 10334268 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 38 Number of children on roll 33 Name of registered person SS Ram LTD

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reference number

Telephone number 0208 866 2046 Date of previous inspection 30 January 2024

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Information about this early years setting

Muddy Puddles Nursery registered in 2021. It operates from a Scout hut in the London Borough of Harrow. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays. There are currently seven members of staff, of whom five have relevant qualifications at level 2 or above. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector carried out joint observations of activities with the manager. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

22 July 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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