Springfield Nursery Ltd

Inspection of Springfield Nursery Ltd Springfield Farm, Marwood, BARNSTAPLE, Devon EX31 4DU

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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

The provider has created a curriculum which has a strong focus on exploring nature and the outdoors. Children are supported in learning about how farmers care for animals through regular visits to the farm next door. Children watch animals like cows and pigs grazing and eating in the nearby fields. Through child-height windows in the perimeter fences, children observe farm workers driving tractors or other vehicles. Pre-school children know the names of the various machines. Children of all ages learn about sheep, their diet, the shearing process and what wool is used for. Staff support younger children effectively to learn how to put on their waterproof clothing and boots, while older children dress themselves for outdoors, building independence skills. Pre-school children push wheelbarrows of sand to a sandpit, replenishing it for future games. They develop their core skills, coordination and strength. Staff encourage children to work together as a team.

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The provision is good

Overall, children form strong relationships with their peers, often spontaneously cuddling each other during the morning.

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The provision is good

Children are curious and eager to participate in activities. The curriculum prepares children for the next stage of learning. Staff form warm relationships with children, offering reassurance and cuddles, when needed. They understand the positive impact strong relationships have on children's learning and development. Children of all ages make good progress and are confident. Babies and toddlers feel safe and secure in the nursery. Transitions between rooms are well planned and give children time to become confident in their new environment. Staff ensure that children with specific dietary needs are well supported, meeting their individual needs.

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need to do better?

n Babies are guided to develop their independence skills. Staff support babies as they pour, weigh and mix ingredients like butter and flour, then use cookie cutters to make home-made 'Valentine's' jam biscuits. As they mix the dough with a wooden spoon, babies smile and laugh, developing their arm and hand strength. During group times, staff guide babies to dance and sing, moving to music and developing their creative and physical skills. n The provider has a clear and ambitious vision for the nursery. Staff in the baby and toddler room implement the curriculum successfully. Babies and toddlers make good progress from their individual starting points. Sometimes, staff working with three-year-old and pre-school children are not as clear about what they want the children to learn, so the activities and support they provide do not challenge and stimulate children consistently well. n Staff morale is high and staff say they enjoy working at the nursery. Providers

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need to do better?

support staff in being reflective in their practice and arrange regular peer-on-

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need to do better?

11 February 2025 peer observations to support teaching and learning standards. The provider has a robust system in place to review children's progress and to keep staff up to date with the latest educational updates. However, the providers oversight of the curriculum does not support all staff to understand the curriculum securely and to know what they want children to learn, so children are consistently challenged and stimulated. n Children are kind to others and helpful. Older children listen to instructions and respond quickly. However, when some children struggle with sharing or taking turns, staff do not consistently explain the reasons for the rules or guide children to understand the impact of their behaviour on others and how to manage their emotions. n Parents feedback that they are happy with the care their children receive. Communication is effective and they enjoy seeing photos of the activities

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need to do better?

children have done. They report that staff are supportive, providing advice on making healthy packed lunches or with children's personal care matters. Parents recommend the nursery to others. n Children in the baby and toddler rooms are happy and secure. There is a strong key-person system in place and staff know the children in their care well. At times, there are some weaknesses in staff deployment in the three-year-old and pre-school rooms, which impacts on some children's engagement. Staff support the more confident children during busier parts of the session, while new children watch others contentedly but do not play or take part in activities. At mealtimes, as staff move between rooms, there are less staff to support the children. Without attention and interaction from staff during these short times, children become unfocused and overexcited and they leave the table before they have finished their meal.

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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 support staff to be clear about what they want children to learn, so the activities and support they provide challenges and stimulates children consistently well n ensure staff consistently guide children to understand the impact of their behaviour on others and how to manage their emotions n improve staff deployment to support all children's engagement to higher levels.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY444473 Local authority Devon Inspection number 10383646 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 120 Number of children on roll 260 Name of registered person Springfield Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01271 329 028 Date of previous inspection 23 March 2022

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Information about this early years setting

Springfield Nursery Ltd opened in 2002. It is privately owned and re-registered in 2012 on becoming a limited company. It operates from Springfield Farm in Marwood, near Barnstaple, Devon. It is open each weekday, from 7.45am to 6pm, all year round. There are 46 members of staff working with children. Of these, 26 hold level 3 qualifications, 7 hold level 2 relevant qualifications and 13 are unqualified. The nursery offers government funded spaces for childcare. They also offer before- and after-school care and a holiday club.

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Inspection activities

n The inspectors observed the quality of the curriculum during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspectors spoke with the staff and children during the inspection. n The inspectors spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspectors carried out two joint observations with the manager. n The manager led the inspectors on a learning walk and discussed how she delivers the curriculum. n The inspectors looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the 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

11 February 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.

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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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