Apple Tree Day Care Nursery

Inspection of Apple Tree Day Care Nursery Apple Tree Nursery, 304 Cressing Road, Braintree CM7 3PG

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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure as they confidently move around the nursery. They happily arrive and leave their parents with ease as they are warmly welcomed by the thoughtful, attentive and nurturing staff, who are genuinely pleased to see them. Children settle quickly as they eagerly explore the activities provided. Staff provide children with a very homely, calm and happy environment in which to play. Children demonstrate a positive attitude to learning and are curious to try new things. For example, they show concentration and perseverance as they make good attempts to complete new puzzles. The ambitious curriculum is planned to support children's interests and builds on what they already know and can do. This ensures that they are offered sufficient challenge and accurately informs their next steps in learning. Seasonal themes and storybooks that interest children also contribute to the planning of the curriculum.

p.2

The provision is good

For example, children's fascinations of space and dinosaurs influence the activities provided.

p.2

The provision is good

Skills for independent learning are promoted as children are encouraged to take care of their personal needs. For example, in preparation to play outdoors, they make good attempts at putting coats and shoes on. Children receive praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements. Staff speak kindly and respectfully to the children and are good role models. Children form friendships with others attending. They have established close, trusting bonds with their key person. They understand the routines and expectations in place, behave well and are polite.

p.2

need to do better?

n The quality of teaching is good and all children make good progress. Staff carefully observe their development and plan appropriate next steps to help children succeed, including those in receipt of additional funding and those who require additional support. They understand the importance of working closely with other professionals to provide a consistent approach to support children's learning. n Partnerships with parents are strong and form a major part of the ethos for the nursery. There is a constant two-way flow of communication, and management take time each day to greet and welcome children and families. Therefore, parents feel fully included in their child's development, progress and achievements. n Staff are skilful in their interactions and at supporting in-the-moment planning. For example, young children delight in finding ladybirds. They tell staff all about their find and how they need to look after the bugs. Staff suggest they build a

p.2

need to do better?

bug hotel, and they work together to find sticks and leaves.

p.2

need to do better?

29 October 2024 n Parents speak highly of the nursery and caring staff. They say staff have a genuine interest in their children, are supportive of the whole family and are friendly and approachable. They comment that their children are very happy to attend and settle quickly. Many comment on how 'amazing' the team are. n The management team has secure systems in place to observe staff practice. There is a culture of evaluating the provision of care and education provided to ensure the best outcomes for children. Staff receive support for their ongoing professional development, including through an online training provider and regular supervisions. This helps support their practice and children's learning needs. Staff are confident in approaching the management team and they feel that their well-being is valued. n Children have ample opportunity to play outdoors in the fresh air. They flow freely from indoors to the inviting garden as they are positively encouraged to

p.2

need to do better?

choose where they want to play. They relish time in the garden and develop large-muscle skills as they climb and run. Children have fun as they enthusiastically clean the cars and bicycles with sponges and soapy water. They make potions and mixtures using the mud kitchen or sit quietly among the mature trees enjoying stories. n The curriculum is well planned and offers children a variety of experiences to challenge their learning. However, there are fewer opportunities routinely planned to support children's learning and understanding of the wider world and the community in which they live. n Children are confident speakers. For example, they confidently tell visitors to the nursery about their vegetable patch and how they grow tomatoes and pumpkins. Staff engage children in conversation and have a clear comprehension of how children develop their conversation skills. However, on some occasions, some

p.3

need to do better?

staff do not give children time to respond to questions and to think critically and solve problems for themselves.

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 plan more opportunities in the curriculum to enhance children's experiences and learning of the wider community in which they live n strengthen the use of effective questioning skills to give children more time to think and respond to questions and enable them to share their thoughts and ideas.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2695271 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10363616 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 51 Number of children on roll 46 Name of registered person Kalestead Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01376321858 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Apple Tree Day Care Nursery registered in 2022. The nursery employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, seven hold appropriate early years qualification at level 2 or above. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7.45am to 6pm. The nursery provides government funded places for childcare and education for children aged between nine months and four years.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager showed the inspector around the areas that children access. They discussed how staff organise the environment and plan the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector and manager carried out a joint observation. n The inspector held discussions with staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of the pre-school documents, which included evidence about staff's suitability and training. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.

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

29 October 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