Loddon Nursery School

Inspection of Loddon Nursery School Loddon Nursery School, The Hollies Classroom, High Street, Loddon, Norfolk NR14 6AH

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in the exceptionally nurturing and stimulating environment. They demonstrate high levels of curiosity and enthusiasm as they explore the carefully planned indoor and outdoor spaces. These environments are expertly designed to ignite children's interests and inspire their learning. Children confidently make independent choices from a wealth of rich, varied and imaginative resources that are thoughtfully and attractively presented. As a result, they become deeply engaged in their play and show genuine excitement in their discoveries. For example, children eagerly point out and talk about the 'rainbow' they can see as the sunlight reflects on a mirror outside.

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The provision is outstanding

Children respond exceptionally well to the staff's consistently high expectations and clear guidance. They fully understand what is expected of them, for example, as they engage in risky play. Staff sensitively monitor what children are doing, offering timely support when needed, encouraging independence with phrases such as, 'if it is tricky'. Staff are fantastic role models. Their calm, respectful approach fosters an environment in which children thrive, developing remarkable levels of resilience, self-assurance and confidence in their abilities.

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The provision is outstanding

Children exhibit high levels of well-being and a strong sense of security. Across all age groups, children engage in warm, respectful interactions with the highly attentive staff. These trusting relationships enable children to display high levels of confidence in social situations. Babies and toddlers beam with delight as visitors enter their room, and older children are eager to talk about recent experiences. For example, they share that 'a real dinosaur' has visited the nursery and proudly point out the stickers they are wearing.

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need to do better?

n Leaders demonstrate a clear passion and commitment to improving outcomes for children. They set high expectations for staff, which is evident in everyday practice. Staff are highly motivated and consistently implement an ambitious, inspiring curriculum to give every child the best possible start to their education. n Children listen attentively and respond enthusiastically to staff as they sing songs and read stories. Staff's support to develop children's listening and attention is excellent. Adult-led activities create anticipation, hold children's engagement and fill them with amazement. Children benefit from a language- rich environment and develop into confident, competent communicators. For example, children comment, 'he shocked me' in response to an 'alien' jumping up in the air during a group session. n Partnerships with parents are exceptionally well established. Parents feel extremely well-informed about their children's daily experiences and ongoing

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need to do better?

18 March 2025 progress. They express how the nursery has had 'a profound impact' on their child and commend the 'enthusiasm, energy and kindness of staff'. Parents share that staff provide valuable guidance on practical matters and encourage them to support children's learning at home. n Children have many opportunities to learn about, and experience, the natural world. For instance, they show excitement in observing the Giant African land snail and keenly point out pictures of 'Sheldon the snail' in a non-fiction book. n Leaders and staff meticulously reflect on all aspects of provision to continuously drive improvement. Staff, who have an excellent breadth of qualifications, experience and skills, show a genuine enthusiasm in their roles. They receive ongoing coaching, mentoring and support to continually enhance their teaching practice. Leaders prioritise staff well-being. Staff comment that they feel

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need to do better?

extremely well supported and valued, stating they 'love coming to work'. n Staff promote children's understanding of good health practices effectively. Children confidently follow hygiene routines, including regular handwashing and the use of hand sanitiser. They demonstrate a secure understanding of oral health and confidently recall knowledge that they have learned to the visiting dental nurses. n Leaders and staff provide a highly inclusive environment where all children are individually valued. They work extremely closely with parents and other agencies, such as health professionals, to make sure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, receive the support they need to help them be successful learners. n Staff provide babies with warm, consistent care and respond sensitively to their individual needs, offering comfort and reassurance. Staff expertly support children in recognising and managing their feelings and emotions. They are

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need to do better?

quick to offer praise to children for their efforts and congratulate them on their achievements, which boosts children's self-esteem and well-being. As a result, children develop a strong sense of self-belief in their own abilities.

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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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Setting details

Unique reference number EY542073 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10372530 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 49 Number of children on roll 94 Name of registered person Loddon Nursery School Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01508 520286 Date of previous inspection 24 April 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Loddon Nursery School registered in 2017 and is located in Loddon, Norfolk. The nursery employs 19 members of staff. All of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including four staff with early years professional status, early years teacher status or qualified teacher status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 8am to 6pm. The nursery offers government funded places for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The early years lead/deputy manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed their early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this has on children's learning. n Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at nursery. n The early years lead and the inspector jointly observed and evaluated a small- group activity. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Parents shared their views of the nursery. Some parents spoke with the inspector during the inspection and others provided written feedback, all of which the inspector took into account. n The provider, manager, deputy manager and the inspector held a meeting together. The inspector looked at a sample of documents, including evidence of

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Inspection activities

staff's qualifications, training and suitability.

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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

18 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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