The Ark Centre

Inspection of The Ark Centre The Ark Centre, 36 Main Road, Harwich, Essex CO12 3LU

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are extremely happy learners and echoes of their laughter are heard throughout the nursery. Children show that they feel secure and confident in the surroundings when they politely welcome visitors with, 'hello, how are you?' The emotional well-being of individual children and their families is prioritised from the start, with tailored settling-in processes. Babies and children settle seamlessly with this effective approach. A robust key-person system ensures they make trusting bonds with the friendly and nurturing staff.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are keen to take part in group activities. These are often targeted to help bridge gaps identified in individual children's learning. For example, children learn about prepositions, such as 'behind' and 'under', through fun and interactive games and stories. This helps them to be able to communicate their own ideas with accuracy and flair.

p.2

The provision is good

A well-planned curriculum provides children with opportunities to explore the local community and learn about their place within it. They take trips to the beach and regular outings where children find out about the people and places close by. Children develop empathy and kindness through excellent modelling from staff. When children hug and comfort peers when they have hurt themselves, staff give specific praise which reinforces these positive behaviours.

p.2

need to do better?

n Indoor and outdoor environments are inclusive, stimulating and inviting. They are planned carefully to ensure resources are easily accessible and age appropriate. This means children are inquisitive and motivated learners who are making independent choices in their preferred play. n Staff are knowledgeable about what and how they want children to learn at different ages and stages of development. However, at times staff do not always consider their interactions deep enough to ensure opportunities that arise naturally in play are utilised and extended to further children's learning. n Physical development is promoted for all children. They are adventurous as they love freedom to run and climb on the outdoor play equipment. They know if they hold their arms out to the side this helps them balance. Children enjoy trips to the local soft-play facility where they can safely extend and test their physical

p.2

need to do better?

limits and learned skills, such as jumping. n Children become increasing independence over time, ready for when they progress to school. They learn to pour their own drinks at mealtimes and learn about good oral health and personal hygiene routines. n Overall, teaching is meaningful and very good quality. Staff know the children's individual next steps in learning, and they plan for these carefully. For example,

p.2

need to do better?

24 June 2025 staff skilfully places objects for babies to reach out for and explore during 'tummy time'. As a result, babies develop the muscles needed for important milestones such as rolling over, crawling, and eventually walking. They smile and beam gleefully when they achieve something new. n The management team and staff liaise effectively with outside agencies, such as speech and language therapists, to ensure children receive support that meets their individual needs. As a result, all children including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are thriving. They make excellent progress in their learning and development, particularly in their speech and language development. n Staff praise children for their good behaviour. This helps them to understand positive attitudes towards others. For example, when children offer a popular toy to a peer, they are proud when staff thank them for this kind gesture.

p.2

need to do better?

Sometimes, there are inconsistencies in how staff respond to unwanted behaviours, which hinders younger children's growing ability to understand the importance of following fair rules and expected behaviours. n The management team is dedicated and shows passion and commitment to giving children the best start to their early education. Staff report excellent well- being and appreciate training opportunities that raise the quality of their teaching. n Parents are overwhelmingly complimentary about the nursery. They praise staff for going above and beyond to support them if they have a concern about their child's development. The management team gathers feedback from parents regularly to ensure that each family has a voice and can influence their children's support plans.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n strengthen the monitoring of staff interactions with children to help raise the quality of teaching to an even higher level n implement effective teaching strategies consistently to support children's deeper understanding of positive behaviours and the impact their behaviour has on others.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY312761 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10394608 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 68 Name of registered person The Ark Family Resource Centre

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01255 502063 Date of previous inspection 16 September 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The Ark Centre registered in 2005. The nursery employs 15 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 9am to 3pm. The nursery provides funded early education for all eligible children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The management team and the inspector completed a tour of the nursery, both indoors and outdoors to understand how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. Additionally, the management team showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact that this had on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of group activities with the manager and also discussed self-evaluation. n The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The inspector held a meeting with the management team. The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of the staff working in the nursery and a selection of other records.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

24 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6