The Old School House Cabot Lane

Inspection of The Old School House Cabot Lane Cabot Lane Day Nursery, Unit 2, Albany Park, Cabot Lane, Poole BH17 7BX

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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

Children are enthusiastic learners. The provider has created a curriculum that empowers them to think independently and apply their knowledge. Motivated children work together to build a house using foam bricks. Staff challenge their thinking, encouraging them to think for themselves to solve problems, for example, by saying, 'I've got a cold breeze coming through here.' Children quickly respond with repairs, making sure their structure is secure. Children take pride in their work, ensuring that the house has a door and a road name. Recalling their previous learning about addresses, they say, 'We need a house number.'

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The provision is good

The provider has established an environment where children engage in lots of communication and language. Their vocabulary grows as they benefit from frequent conversations, discussions and songs. Children love listening to stories, told by staff who love books. Staff skilfully ask children questions about the storyline, which helps children to understand and talk about the plot.

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The provision is good

Children have a positive attitude and want to help. They enjoy using dustpans to help staff keep the floor clean. Staff are attentive and comfort children when needed, taking the time to understand their concerns and worries. Children feel secure and quickly settle, focusing on the learning that staff have prepared for them.

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need to do better?

n The provider has designed an ambitious curriculum for all children. Staff know what they want children to learn and plan purposeful activities. They know what motivates children and cultivate their curiosity by creating engaging learning experiences. For instance, children observe objects to see if they float or sink. Staff build on children's interests by introducing new objects, encouraging them to predict the outcome before placing them in water. Children think carefully, share their predictions and test their ideas. Motivated to initiate their own experiments, children mix glitter with water and make their own observations, recalling previous learning in their play. n The provider understands children well and regularly assesses their individual needs with accuracy. Staff know children's next steps and design learning activities accordingly. By incorporating children's interests, they motivate and

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need to do better?

engage them effectively. However, sometimes, targeted next steps are not precise enough for some children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Because of this, the support provided is not always effective enough to ensure rapid progress for all children. n The children love books. Babies look through books with staff, who discuss the pictures with them and model new vocabulary. Children enjoy listening to staff

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need to do better?

5 November 2024 reading books. Staff read with expression, which captivates children's interests. Children build an understanding of the plot as they anticipate what will happen and recall key parts of the story. n Staff are caring towards children. They develop a good rapport with children, who feel safe and secure. Staff are gentle and respectful, explaining to children what they are doing and why. When babies have paint on their nose, staff hold up a mirror so they can see. Babies share a smile while staff help them wipe their faces clean. n Children are respectful, polite and maintain good social relationships with their friends. They patiently wait for one another while gathering the equipment needed for painting. Staff are friendly and enthusiastic, offering clear instructions and setting high expectations. They reinforce positive behaviours with praise, creating a supportive and engaging environment.

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need to do better?

n Children are confident and independent, making positive contributions to their setting. They take pride in their learning environment, ensuring that it stays tidy by putting away resources after use. Staff support children in serving themselves food, fostering self-belief. Children skilfully use tools to serve their own hot dinners, receiving individual support from staff to ensure their success. n The provider has built good partnerships with parents, keeping them regularly informed about their children's learning and development. They offer books for parents to read with their children at home, which supports the children's development. Parents appreciate the provider's prompt and professional responses to their queries and concerns.

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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 strengthen the use of assessments to plan precise next steps in children's learning, particularly for children with SEND, so that targeted support is even more effective.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2762850 Local authority Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Inspection number 10370736 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 48 Number of children on roll 50 Name of registered person Howard Holdings (poole) Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01202 694020 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The Old Town House Cabot Lane registered in December 2023 and is located in Poole, Dorset. It is open from 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. They employ 10 member of childcare staff. Of these, seven hold appropriate qualifications at level 3, two at level 2 and one is unqualified. The setting offers government funded places.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke with 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 spoke with the nominated individual about the leadership and management of the setting. n Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. 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 and the deputy manager carried out a joint observation during an outdoor learning activity. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. 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

5 November 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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