Lily Pad Day Nursery

Inspection of Lily Pad Day Nursery 77 Halse Road, Brackley NN13 6EQ

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 are happy and settled at this welcoming and inclusive nursery. They demonstrate that they enjoy their time as they play and learn. Children enter excitedly, ready to get started. They form attachments with the kind staff, especially their key person. Staff interact positively with all children in their care. They support children to form firm friendships and learn new skills as they join in a range of fun activities. Children take turns to match numbers with pictures of objects and guess whether numbers will be higher or lower on the cards. These activities help children to cooperate, share and take turns while developing early mathematical knowledge.

p.2

The provision is good

Children learn to behave well and know what staff expect of them. They follow clear routines and grow in independence and confidence. For instance, older children are encouraged to practise self-care skills, such as finding and putting on their coats and shoes. Younger children learn to feed themselves using cutlery, while older children serve their own meals. Staff implement a clear curriculum based on children achieving the life skills needed for future learning. They focus on promoting children's physical and emotional well-being. Children benefit from daily fresh air and exercise. There are quiet areas indoors with subdued lighting where children can relax and regulate their emotions, with staff support.

p.2

need to do better?

n The nursery supports parent partnerships through a wide range of strategies. For instance, parents are encouraged to borrow 'learning bags' to share with their children at home. Staff exchange information and offer regular updates about children's progress, including sharing the next steps in learning. Parents state children are 'loved and looked after'. Staff help families to feel part of the nursery community. For example, they invite parents to special events or to visit their children's playrooms. The nursery has developed effective links with other professionals and the local schools that children will attend in the future. n Staff plan activities to support children's understanding of the world around them, such as visits to local residential homes, outings to the local market and other places of interest. Children benefit from regular walks where they learn about nature and meet members of the local community.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff support children to develop their different senses using a wide range of materials and resources. For example, babies and young children learn to paint using frozen flavoured yoghurt and ice lollies. They explore edible sand made from baby rice and biscuits and investigate food items such as fresh vegetables and fruit. n Parents and staff are involved in decision-making, such as when making changes to the curriculum. Staff assess children's development, identify gaps in their

p.2

need to do better?

9 January 2025 learning and use targeted interventions to help children make progress. Staff skilfully support children's transitions between rooms and on to schools. These actions positively impact children's development and ensure they make good progress, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). n Staff are supported to develop their professional skills. They share knowledge gained from attending training with the wider staff team. Peer-on-peer observations, buddy systems, staff meetings and supervision help to ensure a supportive learning environment. This has a positive impact on the quality of teaching and learning. Staff say they feel valued and enjoy their work. n The staff know the children well and positively engage them in learning. Children choose from a variety of resources that stimulate their curiosity. They show positive attitudes to 'having a go', with plenty of praise and encouragement from

p.2

need to do better?

staff. Children demonstrate pride in what they know and can do. For example, they clap their efforts and those of their friends. However, some children are not as fully involved in adult-led group activities as these are not always as well planned to meet their needs and hold their interest. n Throughout the nursery, staff sing songs and rhymes spontaneously and read children's favourite books to them. Children are encouraged to create stories, which develop their imaginations and help them understand how stories work. Staff give children plenty of time to think and answer questions. Staff promote the development of children's early literacy and language skills. n Staff talk to children about healthy food choices during sociable mealtimes. They help children learn about oral health. They plan activities that develop children's physical skills, including balancing, climbing, jumping, twisting and turning

p.3

need to do better?

outdoors. Inside, children dance to familiar songs alongside the enthusiastic staff.

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 support staff to strengthen the organisation of group activities to engage all children consistently in their learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2691452 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10367299 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 115 Number of children on roll 164 Name of registered person Lily Pad Group Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01280 495 095 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Lily Pad Day Nursery registered in 2022 and is located in Brackley, Northamptonshire. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm. It closes earlier on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. The nursery is closed on all bank holidays. There are 38 members of childcare staff. Of these, 25 staff hold relevant early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The nursery provides funded early education for children of all ages.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager and deputy 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 Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. 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 Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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

9 January 2025 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