Apple Blossom Kindergarten

Inspection of Apple Blossom Kindergarten The Beehive, Cringle Park, Errwood Road, Manchester M19 2PF

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 Good

p.1

The provision is good

Staff skilfully plan rich sensory experiences that immerse children in hands-on activities, such as preparing food. Children chop vegetables and mix yeast, water and flour to make bread to accompany their home-made soup. They explore textures and build hand strength through kneading the dough. Children are deeply engaged as they gain a greater understanding of real-world processes. They assist adults with practical tasks, such as folding blankets 'corner to corner' and setting the table, working out how many bowls and pieces of cutlery are needed. Children enhance their problem-solving skills while fostering independence and a sense of responsibility.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff prioritise physical activity both indoors and outdoors. Children manipulate apparatus to enable them to spin, stretch and climb. They use small brushes to help adults sweep up leaves. Children carefully observe spiders and worms as they engage with the natural world. One child tells the inspector, 'I hope the worm has friends as it may be lonely when everybody has gone home and it's all alone.' Children show compassion and emotional awareness as they connect with living things.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff seamlessly structure the day through transition songs. Children demonstrate remembered learning as they eagerly anticipate the actions of the songs and laugh as they get more complicated. Children develop memory, predictability and a sense of belonging.

p.2

need to do better?

n Most children have a positive attitude to learning, and they follow the rules of the setting with ease. However, staff do not always explain rules and boundaries of the kindergarten. This can result in children not receiving the guidance needed to reflect on their actions. Children do not always gain the skills to deeply understand and self-regulate their behaviour to better prepare them for their next steps in learning. n Parents value the kindergarten for its nurturing, child-led and nature-based approach. Staff are described as compassionate, and the environment is noted for being calm and safe. The kindergarten team communicates with parents effectively through weekly parent and child groups, progress reports and daily updates. Parents appreciate the outdoor focus and structured rhythm of the day. n Children demonstrate that they feel confident to express their thoughts, preferences and experiences openly. They share their friendships, recall lessons

p.2

need to do better?

and engage courteously with visitors. Children demonstrate secure attachments with all staff as they seek cuddles and reassurance. Children feel safe, heard and respected.

p.2

need to do better?

26 November 2024 n Story time is a calm and highly valued part of the day. Staff skilfully use puppets to tell stories in a meaningful way. Children learn what it means to be kind and generous. n Leaders and staff are well-qualified and know the children well. Additional funding is thoughtfully allocated to enrich high-quality resources and address potential barriers to children's learning and development. Weekly staff meetings ensure that all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress from their starting points. n Regular singing ensures that transition processes are smooth, and children know what is expected of them. Children change into indoor slippers as they enter the kindergarten. They dress themselves in appropriate clothing before they play outdoors. Care routines are conducted with respect. Children develop independence and a sense of responsibility.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children, staff and families participate in learning events, such as an evening lantern walk, to celebrate seasonal change and a sense of community. Children develop a sense of togetherness through meaningful community engagement. n Mealtimes and communal activities are sociable and encourage deep conversations and a language-rich environment. Children offer to share their food with visitors. They build strong social connections, emotional understanding and enriched language skills. n Staff teach children about inclusion and diversity. Children freely access a wide range of books that represent different people and communities. Staff thoughtfully craft individual figures that are representative of everyone in the kindergarten. Children develop respect for cultural similarities and differences among people in the world around them.

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 build consistent strategies to help children develop a deeper understanding of their actions and behaviour in preparation for their next steps in learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY541201 Local authority Manchester Inspection number 10364181 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 12 Name of registered person Manchester Steiner Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07708151058 Date of previous inspection 29 January 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Apple Blossom Kindergarten registered in 2016. The setting promotes the Steiner approach and employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, four members of staff hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 6 or above. The setting opens from Monday to Thursday, term time only, from 8.30am until 4pm.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector talked to children to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. 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 carried out a joint observations of group activities with the manager. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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

26 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.

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