Acorn Day Nursery Brafield On The Green

Inspection of Acorn Day Nursery Brafield On The Green Church Lane, Northampton NN7 1BA

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

Children are happy and settled in this nurturing setting. Staff get to know children well. They use the information gathered from parents to plan for children's individual interests and motivations. Care routines are respectful and maintain children's dignity. Staff maximise opportunities for joyful interaction as they change babies' nappies. Older children are keen to carry out tasks for themselves. For example, they notice when the jugs are empty at lunchtime and fill them up so their friends can pour themselves a drink. Children skilfully serve their food and clear away after lunch. They develop strong friendships with their peers. Children demonstrate high levels of well-being as they chat happily during play. They develop a sense of connection and belonging during their time in the setting through caring interactions from staff.

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The provision is good

Leaders promote learning in the outdoors. Children spend a huge amount of time in the exceptional outdoor learning space and enthusiastically engage with the interesting opportunities on offer. Children use wheeled toys with confidence and skill as they navigate the large area. This helps to develop the strength of their large muscles, their sense of direction and understanding of speed. Children delight in using the tyre swings and engaging in adventurous play. Staff offer just the right amount of encouragement to support children to challenge themselves physically.

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need to do better?

n Leaders have developed a strong and well-sequenced curriculum. This is effectively communicated to staff. As a result of this, staff have high expectations for children. They use children's interests and fascinations to plan effectively for their learning. This helps children to make strong progress across all seven areas of learning. n Staff report high levels of well-being. They appreciate the support that is available to them from leaders. Staff are clear about their role and responsibilities. They access regular training, which contributes to the development of their professional knowledge and understanding. Communication across the provision is effective and helps to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the setting. n The support available for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is strong. Leaders work in close partnership with parents to ensure that children receive the targeted support that they need. Leaders work tirelessly

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need to do better?

with external agencies and other professionals to secure the services that help children reach their potential. n Children develop as inquisitive and curious learners. Staff create sensory experiences that offer children the opportunity to investigate and explore a range of resources and materials. Children make choices in their play and staff

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need to do better?

5 March 2025 take a lead from their interests and fascinations. For example, children grate chalk to colour their dough, and then create birthday cakes, which they are excited to decorate with natural resources. Children demonstrate extremely high levels of engagement and focus in their play. n Children's behaviour is exceptional. Staff are excellent role models and ensure every interaction with children is respectful. Staff listen and respond sensitively to children's verbal and non-verbal communication. This supports children to understand the expectations of them. They demonstrate kindness and compassion to their peers and respond extremely positively to staff. n Staff plan the day to ensure children access long, uninterrupted periods of play. This means children have time to experience and re-visit learning opportunities, which helps to extend children's attention. Overall, teaching is strong. Staff

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need to do better?

deliver learning experiences well, but some do not have the underlying skills to extend children's learning further. n Leaders and staff encourage a love of reading. Staff create regular opportunities throughout the day for babies and children to share books and stories. For example, younger children snuggle into staff members as they look at picture books together. Staff encourage older children to recall and retell familiar tales through skilful use of questioning as a teaching strategy. n Parents are delighted with the progress that children make across all seven areas of learning. Parents report that they feel involved and well informed about their children's care, learning and development. They appreciate the nurturing relationships that staff develop with their children. Parents state that children are happy and settled in the setting.

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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 focus even more sharply on how their interaction supports children's learning to enhance and extend children's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY542270 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10368534 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 44 Number of children on roll 60 Name of registered person Acorn Early Years Foundation

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reference number

Telephone number 01604 891788 Date of previous inspection 25 March 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Acorn Day Nursery Brafield On The Green located in Northampton, re-registered in 2017. The nursery employs 16 members of childcare staff, 12 of whom hold an early years qualification at level 3 and one at level 2. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays. Opening hours are from 7.30am to 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for children aged nine months to four years.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at nursery. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. 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 joint observations of group activities with the manager. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the

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Inspection activities

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

5 March 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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