Thingwall Buddies

Inspection of Thingwall Buddies Thingwall Primary School, 559 Pensby Road, Thingwall, Wirral CH61 7UG

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

The setting provides a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment in which children make good progress in all aspects of their learning. Children happily rush into the setting. They eagerly greet staff and friends and are soon absorbed in their play and learning. Staff take the time to get to know the children, which helps them to settle. They gather information from parents about the children's interests and have activities set up for when new children arrive. This successfully smooths their transition into the setting. Children like to spend time with their friends. They enjoy collaborating with one another. For example, children work together to move and reposition logs to support their activities in the forest area.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They are kind to their friends and learn to take turns and share their resources. Children have a strong voice and make their wishes and feelings known. For example, children are confident to ask staff for help or to refuse offers of support, as they call out 'I can do it!' This exuberance and confidence provides a firm foundation for future learning. The setting provides an inclusive environment where each child's uniqueness is acknowledged and celebrated. For example, children learn about each other's cultures and beliefs as they celebrate special events throughout the year.

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The provision is good

Staff place great emphasis in helping children to be independent. For example, children learn to see to their own toileting needs, and to put on their coats and shoes. They capably serve themselves at mealtimes and pour their own drinks. These self-care skills help all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to prepare for the next stage in their learning.

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need to do better?

n Support for children with SEND is a key strength. The setting works in partnership with families and professionals to ensure children get the right support. Leaders are confident to challenge others when they feel this falls short. They sensitively support parents in making decisions about their children's future learning. This approach means that children make steady and sustained progress, and builds strong foundations for lifelong learning. n The setting places a strong focus on staff training, development and support. Staff attend a wide range of training opportunities that enhance their knowledge and skills. Consequently, they have a secure understanding of their roles and responsibilities, which contributes to the good quality provision. n There is a balanced curriculum that is based on the children's interests. A range of activities are provided which support children's learning. For example, children

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need to do better?

thoroughly enjoy searching for objects hidden in the sand and happily show staff what they have found. However, on some occasions the activities are not pitched

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need to do better?

19 September 2024 at just the right level for all children. This means that some children do not always get the most from the planned learning. n Most staff engage in meaningful conversations with children. They use spontaneous events, such as a horse and cart arriving at the setting, to introduce words such as 'reins', 'bridle' and 'harness'. When children exclaim that the horse is wearing headphones, staff explain they are called 'blinkers' and that these help to keep the horse safe. These high-quality interactions, help children to learn new words and expand their vocabulary. n While most staff communicate with children skilfully, on a small number of occasions, informal words such as 'horsey' and 'doggie', creep into conversations. Staff do not consistently build on these informal words to continuously enhance children's speaking. n Mathematics is embedded into the daily routine. Younger children are introduced

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need to do better?

to numbers through songs. Older children confidently sort and count the logs using words, such as 'longest' and 'shortest.' This helps children develop an awareness of early mathematical concepts. n Children benefit from lots of opportunities to stay fit and well. They learn the importance of good hand hygiene. In addition, staff help children to understand what foods they can and cannot have due to allergies. As a result, children develop the confidence to take responsibility for their own well-being. n The setting plans ways for children to continually develop their small- and large- muscle movements. Children learn to clamber over climbing frames and use wheeled resources with control as they whiz around the chalk road. They use a range of resources to mould and roll dough. As a result, children develop confidence in their physical abilities. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The setting provides lots of information to

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need to do better?

parents about their children's learning and development. Staff provide a range of activities for parents to do at home with children, for example, reading books from the lending library. This is helping children gain a love of early literacy.

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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 help staff to pitch activities at just the right level, so that all children get the most from the intended learning n support staff to consistently model the correct pronunciation of words to further extend children's vocabulary and speaking.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2693217 Local authority Wirral Inspection number 10356759 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 50 Number of children on roll 127 Name of registered person Barnston Buddies Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 0151 648 2930 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Thingwall Buddies registered in 2022. It is operated by an independent provider and situated within the grounds of Thingwall Primary school in Thingwall, Wirral. The setting employs ten members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications level 3 and three at level 6. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays. Sessions are from 7.45am to 6pm. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked with the inspector about their curriculum and what they want children to learn. n Children spoke and interacted with the inspector during the inspection. n The manager and inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity in the pre-school room. n The inspector spoke with some parents who gladly shared their views on the setting. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n Staff and the special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The nominated individual and manager spoke to the inspector about the leadership and management of the setting.

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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

19 September 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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