Seesaws Merridale

Inspection of Seesaws Day Nursery 53 Merridale Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV3 9SE

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children attending this setting experience a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where they are supported to flourish in all areas of their development. They are greeted warmly by the friendly staff and supported to separate from their parents with ease. Staff help children to recognise and talk about their emotions. As a result, children develop emotional awareness and grow in confidence when expressing themselves. Gentle reminders, praise and encouragement are used by staff to promote positive behaviour.

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The provision is good

Staff join in with children's play, extending conversations by asking open-ended questions and introducing new vocabulary, which helps to support children's communication and language skills. Children are encouraged to develop a love of singing, stories and books. They enjoy snuggling up with staff and sharing stories in calm, cosy spaces. Babies explore musical instruments with curiosity and enthusiasm, joining in with familiar nursery rhymes, copying actions and repeated phrases. They clap and cheer with delight, clearly showing their enjoyment and engagement.

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The provision is good

Children have daily opportunities to explore the outdoor area, which offers a rich and stimulating environment. They enthusiastically use spades to dig in the large sandpit and ride on trikes, helping to develop their core strength and coordination. Children take part in lively music and dance sessions. They move their bodies freely and express themselves through movement. Babies are supported to crawl, pull themselves to stand and cruise along furniture, which helps them build their strength, balance and coordination.

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need to do better?

n The management team is strong, proactive and committed to providing high- quality care and education for all children. Staff's well-being and professional development are prioritised, contributing to a positive and supportive team culture. n Parent partnerships are a strength of the setting. Parents are kept well informed about their child's progress through daily updates. They are actively encouraged to contribute to their child's learning through initiatives, such as home learning activity packs, and are invited into the setting for special events. The management and staff team offer thoughtful, personalised support to families, going beyond daily communication to help with their individual needs. n The setting delivers an inclusive, child-centred curriculum that is shaped around children's interests and what they need to learn next. As a result, all children make good progress. Wider topics, such as cultural celebrations, are embedded

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need to do better?

into the curriculum to help children learn about diversity and develop a

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need to do better?

1 April 2025 respectful understanding of different communities. n Pre-school children enjoy taking part in craft activities to celebrate Eid. They show enthusiasm as they carefully glue pieces of coloured paper onto lantern templates and create their own Mehndi designs. Staff support children's engagement and turn-taking. However, there are times when activities do not fully meet their learning goals or offer enough challenge to extend children's learning further. n Children are supported in developing independence skills, such as tidying away toys and washing their hands before eating. Babies are gently encouraged to feed themselves in a calm and relaxed environment, promoting early self-help skills. However, the lunchtime routine for toddlers and pre-school children is not as well organised as it could be, leading to delays. As a result, some children become restless and display signs of frustration while waiting.

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need to do better?

n Children have opportunities to explore ideas and make sense of real-life experiences through role play. For example, in the playhouse, one child enthusiastically pretends to serve ice cream through the window, saying, 'Here you go' and 'Thank you,' as they hand over a pretend ice-cream. n Children enjoy gardening activities, such as planting and harvesting vegetables, which help them learn about nature and where food comes from. They take part in regular visits to a local care home, engaging in shared activities with the residents. These valuable experiences support children's understanding of the world and strengthen their sense of community and belonging. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well through a thoughtful, individualised approach. Additional funding is used effectively to enhance their learning experiences, including targeted resources and support. Children also benefit from access to a sensory room, which

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need to do better?

provides a peaceful space to regulate their emotions, particularly when they are feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated.

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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 review the planning of activities for pre-school children to ensure that they reflect the intended learning goals and offer sufficient challenge to extend their thinking, creativity and engagement n improve the organisation of lunchtime routines to reduce waiting times and minimise frustration, helping to maintain a calm and positive atmosphere.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY289872 Local authority Wolverhampton Inspection number 10394885 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 69 Number of children on roll 85 Name of registered person Seesaws Day Nurseries Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01902 656 185 Date of previous inspection 30 September 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Seesaws Day Nursery registered in 2004. It is one of five nurseries run by Seesaws Day Nurseries Limited. The setting employs 15 members of childcare staff. Of whom, 13 hold early years qualifications at level 2 or 3 and one holds level 6. The setting opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, except for one week at Christmas. Sessions are from 7am to 6pm. The setting offers government funded places for childcare.

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Inspection activities

n Leaders joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. 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 activities with the manager. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection and their views were taken account of. n The manager provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

1 April 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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