Riverview Community Kindergarten C.I.C

Inspection of Riverview Community Kindergarten C.I.C St John's Primary School, Teindland Close, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE4 8HE

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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 arrive happily each morning, eager to play. Staff plan familiar group times on arrival that help to prepare children for their learning. They describe the activities that children can join that day, which supports focus in their play. The curriculum is organised around themes that interest children. Staff plan activities within these themes to help children to build progressively on what they know and can do. Overall, this helps to ensure that all children are supported to make good progress in their learning. There is a strong focus on supporting the most- vulnerable children. Partnerships with other professionals are a strength and help to ensure that children's experiences and the support they receive are consistent. Children who need extra support quickly learn to manage or overcome difficulties and challenges.

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The provision is good

Staff clearly enjoy their role and morale is high. This contributes to the positive atmosphere, which is filled with fun and laughter. Children benefit from warm, supportive interactions with staff, which put them at ease. They show a strong sense of belonging, developing confidence and high self-esteem. Staff provide plenty of praise and encouragement. They provide clear guidance for children around behaviour, such as the rules for 'sharing hands' and 'listening ears'. Children are polite and kind to others.

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need to do better?

n Staff think carefully about what they want children to learn when planning activities. For example, they provide large-scale painting to help children to develop their large-muscle skills. They interact skilfully with children to extend their learning during play. For instance, they introduce language about volume and capacity while children play in the water tray, strengthening children's mathematical understanding. n Regular, accurate assessments help staff to check what children have learned and to plan effectively to support their ongoing progress. Overall, this helps to ensure that teaching is appropriate and meets the differing needs of the children attending. However, occasionally, staff do not share enough information about children's learning needs to support them consistently well, for example, when a child's key person is not present. n Children are enthusiastic learners. They eagerly take on challenges, such as

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need to do better?

hunting out items in the nursery to share with 'Sammy', a puppet. They listen intently when staff read to them, using their voice and actions to ignite children's interest. Children develop an increasing attention span and build on their language skills. Staff take time to say words clearly and explain their meaning, which helps children to develop a wider vocabulary. n There is a reflective culture in this setting. Leaders have very high expectations

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need to do better?

9 May 2025 for staff. They observe practice and provide feedback that celebrates their strengths and supports them to build further on their skills. This contributes to ongoing improvements to the quality of education. The environment is reviewed and adapted to meet the needs of the children attending. For example, staff have changed some resources to better meet the needs of younger children in the group. n Parents share their trust in the staff. They discuss how reassured they are that their children are safe and cared for. Staff provide plenty of information about what children are learning. For example, they send regular newsletters and daily photographs and updates on an electronic app. They help parents to support their children's learning further at home. For example, they lend books to support children's developing literacy skills. n Staff have a very good understanding of how to support children's behaviour.

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need to do better?

They model positive interactions and respect, and teach children to understand and manage their emotions. Minor conflicts between children are handled in a calm and supportive manner. Children learn to consider the needs of others and, as their understanding increases, to manage their own conflicts. They develop friendships and welcome others into their play. n Mealtimes are relaxed, social occasions where staff take the opportunity to teach children about the benefits of nutritious foods. For example, they learn that milk makes your teeth 'strong and shiny'. However, occasionally, they overlook further ways to teach children about ways to stay healthy and safe, such as by wearing their hat during hot weather.

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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 share information more effectively to ensure a clear and consistent focus on children's learning needs n teach children more consistently about ways to keep themselves safe and healthy, for example, during hot weather.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY471594 Local authority Newcastle upon Tyne Inspection number 10392912 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 25 Number of children on roll 25

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Name of registered person

Riverview Community Kindergarten Community Interest Company

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reference number

Telephone number 0191 2727440 Date of previous inspection 15 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Riverview Community Kindergarten C.I.C registered in 2013. It is located in the grounds of St John's Primary School in Newcastle upon Tyne. The kindergarten is open from 8.30am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time only. There are nine members of staff who work with the children, of whom eight hold early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The kindergarten offers government funded early education sessions and receives additional funding for disadvantaged children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and deputy manager showed the inspector around the premises and explained how the provision is organised. They talked about the aims for their early years curriculum. 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 manager joined the inspector in observing and evaluating an activity to support children's communication skills. n The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The manager, deputy manager and a member of staff with lead responsibility for the curriculum met with the inspector to discuss leadership and management of the provision. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability checks carried out on staff. n Parents spoke to the inspector and shared their views about the provision.

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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

9 May 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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