Heathcote House Nursery

Inspection of Heathcote House Nursery Heathcote House Nursery & Pre School, Southbroom Road, Devizes SN10 5AB

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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

Children arrive happy and ready to start at this caring nursery. Staff build good relationships with children, ensuring they feel safe and supported in their learning and play. They foster a nurturing environment where children settle quickly. Staff support children's communication and language development effectively. For instance, during sand play, staff use simple words and phrases to encourage babies to respond verbally. They model language and engage young children in conversations, helping them to gain confidence in speaking. Children enjoy a variety of engaging activities that support their development and learning. Staff plan adult-led teaching based on children's interests and needs. For example, when children practise their pencil grip, staff encourage them by creating drawing activities such as tracing shapes and lines.

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The provision is good

Children feel secure and happy in the setting and are ready to learn. Babies, for instance, focus well and enjoy practising their physical skills, such as balancing on soft play equipment and climbing cushioned blocks. Staff interact warmly with them, encouraging them to explore and develop their abilities. Children benefit from regular access to fresh air and physical activity. They challenge themselves with climbing equipment and enjoy playing games that promote teamwork and focus. Staff remain attentive, ensuring children are confident and safe as they play.

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need to do better?

n The provider has designed a curriculum aimed at equipping children with the knowledge and skills needed to develop as confident and independent learners. They plan and sequence it coherently to ensure children build on their understanding over time. Staff have selected a range of carefully chosen children's books, texts, and songs and integrate them into the curriculum at each stage of children's development, supporting their learning. These materials become familiar to children and encourages them to engage with vocabulary through regular practice and repetition, both within the setting and at home. Staff effectively extend this learning by introducing more complex ideas and texts as children progress through different stages. n Staff identify children's needs effectively and work closely with parents to address concerns and implement targeted plans that support children's development. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)

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need to do better?

receive tailored support and care. Staff work closely with external agencies to ensure children receive the targeted support they need to make progress. n Children show a keen interest in storytelling sessions and actively engage with books. Staff hold up storybooks to ensure children can see the pictures as they read aloud. Staff effectively capture children's attention through animated expressions and engaging narration. Children respond with delight to familiar

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need to do better?

11 June 2025 characters and enjoy pointing out details in the illustrations while showing enthusiasm for repeated readings. n Children demonstrate good behaviour throughout the setting. They remain calm, follow instructions, and respond promptly when encouraged to prepare for activities. Staff actively engage children in structured games, such as hide-and- seek, supporting them in maintaining focus and following the game's rules. Children display confidence and consistently practise sharing and turn-taking with their peers. Staff manage occasional challenging behaviours calmly and consistently, guiding children to play cooperatively. However, there are times when staff do not organise some routines of the day well. When this happens, children do not fully benefit from the learning that staff have prepared for them. n The setting implements an effective key worker system that fosters good relationships between staff and children. Children settle quickly and demonstrate

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need to do better?

confidence in their environment, showing they feel secure and happy. Staff interact positively with children, providing them with consistent emotional support and encouragement. This approach helps children develop a sense of belonging and builds their self-esteem, enabling them to engage in learning. n The setting effectively engages parents to share key information about their children. Staff collect insights about children's development both within the setting and at home, ensuring that these details inform targeted planning and learning. The setting provides clear communication to parents, supporting smooth transitions for children as they settle in. Staff proactively gather and use information about children's interests and needs.

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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 consistently organise daily routines more effectively so that all children benefit from whole-group learning activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2745910 Local authority Wiltshire Inspection number 10405046 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 131 Name of registered person Wishford Nurseries Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01380 725080 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Heathcote House Nursery re-registered under new ownership in September 2023. It operates from 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays. The setting employs 28 members of childcare staff. Of these, 17 hold appropriate early years qualifications. The setting offers government funded places.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the 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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at nursery. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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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

11 June 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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