Tots And Scholars

Inspection of Tots And Scholars Church Of The Good Shepherd, Shenleybury, Shenley, Radlett, Hertfordshire WD7 9DH

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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 thrive at this exceptional nursery and make the best progress possible. Children become deeply engaged from a young age. Staff instinctively follow children's leads, allowing plenty of time for children to explore the resources on offer. Links between children's different experiences are paired seamlessly with the intentions of each room. For instance, babies look at photographs of their visit to the supermarket and identify the friends they see in the pictures. This is alongside them exploring the vegetables they selected on their outing. Older children work collaboratively as they grind and explore coffee beans. Staff encourage them to explain their understanding of the challenging vocabulary being used, and they respond without hesitation. For instance, they confidently share examples to illustrate their understanding of dehydration.

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The provision is outstanding

Children engage in deep discussions with visiting adults, talking about their favourite things to do at nursery. Behaviour is exemplary and children freely share their deep understanding of the rules in place. Children are involved in the general running of the nursery, giving them a strong sense of purpose and belonging. They take outings to the nearby pharmacy to ensure that the first aid kit is fully stocked. They complete daily risk assessments of different areas of their learning environment, and this helps them to take a lead role in the safety of themselves and their friends.

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need to do better?

n Children's learning is expertly sequenced and becomes thoroughly embedded through the rich and varied curriculum on offer. Children build a deep knowledge and understanding of the things they learn about. Opportunities for them to extend their learning independently and through rich adult-led interactions are expertly delivered and supported by the whole staff team. n Children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive highly focused and exceptional support. All staff understand how to communicate with them effectively and recognise their interests and individual needs. Staff engage fully with other professionals and strive to provide the best support possible. Targets for children with SEND are realistic, but still ambitious. Staff celebrate together when children achieve these targets. n The wider community and environment are a crucial part of the curriculum on offer. Children benefit from new experiences that provide a broad range of

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need to do better?

opportunities, tailored to children's interests and own needs. For instance, children explore a nearby corn field on a walk and staff then bring corn into the nursery for them to explore in more depth. Children become engrossed in peeling the corn and staff talk to them about the different parts of the corn, embedding new and relevant language instinctively as part of the discussion.

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need to do better?

27 May 2025 n Leaders are highly reflective and provide the best possible opportunities for the children who attend. They gather and use information about upcoming experiences for children to implement opportunities ahead of time. This enables children to make the most of their future life experiences. Leaders complete audits to ensure that opportunities are as focused and purposeful as possible. Staff wellbeing is intrinsic to the nursery leaders. They expertly use regular discussions with staff to tailor roles and responsibilities to match each staff member and help them grow their skills and experience further. n Parents are highly complimentary about the passionate staff and leaders. They feel extremely well informed and speak about the expert support and advice they receive. Parents contribute to the tracking and monitoring of children's progress alongside staff. They are encouraged to complete and share

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need to do better?

observations of children's learning at home. Regular discussions between parents and staff help track children's progress and identify any areas where children may need more support. Thanks to this collaborative approach, children make exceptional progress in all areas. n Preparing children to transition on to the next stage of their learning is a key part of the curriculum. This is the case for children moving between rooms, as well as preparing to move on to school. Through the highly relevant experiences staff provide, children learn to focus and concentrate for extended periods of time from a young age. They sit together, listening to stories and engaging in adult led small group tasks that challenge and extend their concentration and learning fully.

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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 2501830 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10393720 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 90 Number of children on roll 85 Name of registered person Tots And Scholars Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01923855290 Date of previous inspection 26 October 2021

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Information about this early years setting

Tots and Scholars registered in 2018. The nursery employs 25 members of childcare staff. Of these, 15 hold early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The nursery opens from 7:30am until 6.30pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and one week at Christmas. The nursery provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector gathered feedback from parents and considered their views. n Children and staff spoke to the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection and shared their thoughts. n The inspector joined leaders in observing staff practice. They discussed staff interactions with children, and considered the impact of these on children's learning and development. 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

27 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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