Explorers Kirkby

Inspection of Explorers Kirkby Broad Lane, Kirkby, Liverpool L32 6QG

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Staff place children's needs at the centre of this provision. They identify areas of learning that children find challenging and adapt the curriculum to have a positive impact on children's development. They are particularly skilled at helping new children to settle. For example, babies smile with joy as their key person talks to them softly and maintains eye contact. Older children seek out staff for reassurance and invite them into their play. Staff are positive role models and have high expectations for all children. They offer consistent praise and encourage children to keep trying as they master new skills. In turn, children are excited as their friends achieve something. For example, children in the toddler room congratulate each other by saying 'great job' as they manage to pick items up using tweezers. Children are proud of their achievements and have high levels of self-esteem. Children's behaviour is good.

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The provision is good

The curriculum is sequenced to help children build on their skills. For example, babies are encouraged to stand and gain confidence in their balance before walking. Children in the toddler room drink from cups without lids and start to self- serve their food. Children in the pre-school room are confident in holding and using tools to write or make models using recycled boxes. Staff encourage children to be resilient, express their needs and be confident communicators. As a result, all children make good progress and are well prepared for their move to school.

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need to do better?

n Staff plan a range of creative learning opportunities. Children are engaged and immersed in learning. Younger children enjoy using musical instruments and explore using tools in the sand tray. Older children enjoy investigating if eggs in a tray are raw or boiled by cracking them into a bowl. Staff provide a running commentary and ask some questions. However, these do not always support children to think through problems themselves or develop their critical thinking skills. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported very well. Staff work hard to identify children's needs and use a range of strategies to help children develop in their own individual way. For example, staff use visual symbols as they talk with children to help develop their understanding. Any funding that children receive is spent well and has a positive impact on outcomes for children. As a result, all children make good progress.

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need to do better?

n Staff promote children's well-being. Children access the outdoors everyday and enjoy a range of freshly prepared snacks and meals. Children have lots of physical play, such as riding scooters and climbing steps on a slide. Children have the opportunity to learn about the importance of brushing your teeth and good oral hygiene. Children develop an awareness of leading a healthy lifestyle.

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need to do better?

2 April 2025 n Overall, partnerships with parents are good. Parents are very complimentary about the care their children receive. Staff share a variety of information through daily discussions, the online app and social media. However, strategies to consistently engage parents in home learning are not embedded. This limits the continuity in children's learning between the setting and home. n Partnerships with other professionals are meaningful. Staff work closely with other professionals to support children's individual needs. For example, they liaise with advisory teachers and health professionals to support the needs of children with SEND. Teachers are invited into the nursery to learn about children's needs as they transition to school. This supports a consistency of care for children. n Leaders are very reflective and identify areas that they would like to develop for the benefit of children. Staff are supported through inductions, staff meetings

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need to do better?

and supervision. Staff attend training that develops their skills. For example, staff have recently attended training in supporting children's communication and language and adopted strategies across the nursery to support children's communication.

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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 provide opportunities for children to solve problems and develop their critical thinking skills n strengthen parent partnerships further in order to promote consistent ways of supporting children's learning at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2748336 Local authority Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Inspection number 10382224 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 82 Number of children on roll 100 Name of registered person Explorers Nurseries Liverpool Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01515489333 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Explorers Kirkby registered in 2023 and is in Kirkby, Liverpool. It is open each weekday, from 8am to 6pm, for 51 weeks of the year. The nursery employs 19 members of staff. Of these, one member of staff holds qualified teacher status, 13 members of staff hold qualifications at level 3 and above, three staff hold qualifications at level 2 and two staff are unqualified. The nursery offers government funded places.

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Inspection activities

n Leaders joined the inspector on a learning walk and spoke to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with leaders about the leadership and management of the setting. n The inspector carried out two joint observations with the acting manager. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed 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

2 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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