Ivy Mill Day Nursery

Inspection of Ivy Mill Day Nursery Oak Cottage, 13 The Square, Liphook GU30 7AB

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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 demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the care of the staff. They are confident to explore, play and learn. Children are curious and motivated learners. For example, they are fascinated by the ice they find outdoors. Staff encourage children to explore the ice carefully, looking at different sizes and thickness. They help children to make links to what they already know, such as the snow that fell the day before and cold weather. Children benefit from being in the care of attentive staff who interact with them positively.

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The provision is good

Providers and leaders have planned a broad curriculum, influenced by science and art. They recognise the importance of supporting children to develop skills so they are ready to move on to the next stage in their education. For instance, children learn about stories having a start, middle and end. They learn to experiment and explore through self-directed play. Providers and leaders are very passionate about supporting children to develop positive mental health. Staff effectively support this throughout the rooms, such as with well-being activities. For example, babies are fascinated and highly engaged by calming activities looking at ceiling lights. Staff are positive role models for children and support their emotional development very well.

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need to do better?

n Staff know the children they care for well. They understand what children like to do and use this to plan themes that support children's learning. For instance, young children construct with blocks, exploring different types of building. Staff read engaging stories to children to build on their interests. They help to keep children motivated in their learning. n Staff have high expectations for children. Children show that they respect staff, such as by listening to what they say and following instructions. For instance, babies help to return books to the basket when they have finished looking at them. Staff offer children plenty of warm praise and encouragement, supporting their self-esteem well. n Children hear and learn many new words as they play. For instance, staff talk to babies about their reflection in the mirror, and older children learn what the word 'illustrator' means. Children are interested in what staff say. With good

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need to do better?

support from staff, they develop into confident communicators. n Storytelling by staff is a real strength. Staff plan a focus book of the month to enable children to get to know stories well. Staff are very engaging as they read stories to children. They encourage children to be active listeners. For example, they stand up to stretch like the characters in the book do. Staff help to keep children interested and attentive when they share books. They encourage children to develop a love and respect for books very effectively.

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need to do better?

22 November 2024 n Children benefit from a highly stimulating learning environment. Staff offer children the opportunity to make choices about what they play with and where to play. They actively support all children to be independent. For example, babies know where to find tissues when needed. However, occasionally, staff organise daily routines that do not offer the highest support for children's learning. Some aspects of staff teaching are not matched precisely to the needs of all the children. For instance, activities are sometimes interrupted for routine tasks, such as handwashing. Therefore, children do not always fully benefit from the intended learning at these times. n Staff are positive role models for children. For instance, they show children when and where to use good manners. Staff use positive interactions with children to support their learning. For example, they use questioning with children to check

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need to do better?

their understanding and to build on what they already know. However, at times, staff do not consistently allow children time to think of their own ideas or answers. This does not fully support children to build on their learning. n Staff build effective partnerships with parents and other settings that children attend. Parents comment positively on the good ideas they have from staff to support their children's learning at home. Staff provide good support for continuity for children's care and learning. n Providers and leaders offer good support for staff. They encourage staff to develop professionally, such as by attending training. Staff report how they are valued by leaders and have effective support for their mental well-being.

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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 daily routines to more precisely reflect the needs of the children to maximise learning throughout the day n support staff to consistently allow children sufficient time to think and respond to questions to help develop their own ideas and problem-solving skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2699802 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10368324 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 56 Number of children on roll 55 Name of registered person Ivy Mill Day Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01483962829 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Ivy Mill Day Nursery registered in 2022. It is situated in Liphook, Hampshire. The nursery is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, throughout the year. There are 14 staff who work directly with the children, of whom nine staff hold childcare qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery receives funding for early education for children.

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Inspection activities

n The provider and manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they intend for the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the provider and manager. n The inspector talked to the staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n A meeting was held between the inspector, provider, director and manager. The inspector looked at relevant documentation and saw evidence of the suitability of staff. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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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

22 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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