Castle nurseries at Montagu

Inspection of Castle nurseries at Montagu Houghton Avenue, Cowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 3UT

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children arrive excitedly and leave their parents with ease. They enjoy their time at the nursery and are confident, happy and have fun. Staff are very caring and responsive in their interactions with children. This contributes to children's well- being, helping them to feel settled and safe in the nursery.

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The provision is good

Children are curious learners who are keen to explore the stimulating environment. For example, babies crawl, toddle and climb small indoor apparatus. Toddlers ably climb and slide down the ramp. The supportive staff encourage children to take turns to use the slide, which helps build on their emotional resilience. Older children learn how to use scissors to practise their cutting skills. This helps to increase the muscle strength in their fingers and hands.

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The provision is good

Staff help children to understand the routines of the day. They provide timely reminders to children when it is nearly time to move to the next activity. As a result, children behave well. Staff act as strong role models for sharing and taking turns with others. Children start to learn early recognition of emotions and how to self-regulate their behaviour. Staff recognise children's achievements and continuously praise them for their efforts, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.

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need to do better?

n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language are well supported by the staff team. The staff are highly proactive in recognising concerns and supporting children. Where formal plans are needed, these are completed in time for children to move on to the next stage in their learning with the correct level of support. They also work with families and other professionals to build targets and support. As a result, children make good progress across all areas of learning. n Children enjoy singing their favourite nursery rhymes. Older children choose what they would like to sing next, successfully completing the associated actions. Younger children smile with content when staff sing to them, bobbing up and down to the rhythm of the song. This supports children to express themselves creatively and strengthen their social interactions.

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need to do better?

n Staff support children to develop a love of literature. Children have access to a range of books and stories that link to their current interests or experiences. Staff have developed a 'lending library' where parents and children can choose books to continue their learning at home. n Staff weave some additional learning into children's play and conversations, such as colour and shape. As children build with blocks, they use language such as 'on top' and compare the different heights. However, less emphasis is placed on

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need to do better?

3 December 2024 supporting children to develop their counting skills. n Children enjoy being creative. For example, older children stick cotton wool and glitter onto paper to create a snowman. They discuss the process, saying, 'I am mixing the glue' and 'I am making a fat one', describing their intentions. However, sometimes, staff overlook opportunities to encourage children's independence skills further. For example, children have to ask and then wait for staff to provide additional resources. n Children have regular opportunities to play outdoors and engage in robust physical movement. Older children competently manoeuvre around the space on scooters and trikes. Staff support children to play together as they invite them to participate in simple ring games. Children show great enjoyment and repeatedly ask to play again. n Staff complete regular risk assessments, such as daily checks of the premises, to

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need to do better?

identify and minimise hazards to children. Appropriate security systems are in place, which helps to ensure the environment is safe and secure. n Leaders have a clear vision for the setting. They reflect on their practice and strive to deliver high-quality care and education. Leaders have created a positive and supportive culture to motivate and inspire all staff. They organise regular meetings and supervision meetings while providing tailored training opportunities. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents praise the setting for how the staff support children to settle each day. They highlight particular progress for children in terms of speech and language and personal confidence. Parents appreciate the regular updates on what children have been learning and enjoying.

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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 increase opportunities for older children to become more independent, so they can make choices and complete creative tasks themselves n support staff to make the most of opportunities for helping children to count.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY284370 Local authority Newcastle upon Tyne Inspection number 10375710 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 49 Number of children on roll 117 Name of registered person Newcastle City Council

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reference number

Telephone number 0191 2771783 Date of previous inspection 10 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Castle Nurseries at Montagu registered in 2004 and is situated in Newcastle upon Tyne. The nursery employs 14 members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. The nursery offers government funded places for childcare and receives specific funding for disadvantaged children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector carried out a learning walk with the manager and discussed how the curriculum is delivered. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. She spoke with staff and children during the inspection. n The inspector and manager completed a joint observation. n The inspector held a meeting with the senior leadership team. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke with 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

3 December 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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