M.A Nursery Ltd

Inspection of M.A Nursery Ltd Hollingbourne Parish Council, Cardwell Pavilion, Greenway Court Road, Hollingbourne, Maidstone ME17 1QQ

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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 are happy, confident and settled at this nursery. They form secure relationships with the nurturing staff team who know them and their families very well. Babies who are new to the nursery are quickly comforted by calm and caring staff.

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The provision is good

The nursery has a strong focus on creativity and active play. Children enjoy trips, such as to the park and the train station, that help them learn about the world around them. Children are encouraged to try new things and build confidence through play that involves taking safe risks. They learn how to be kind, use good manners and care for their surroundings. These behaviours are shown daily by staff, who are strong role models.

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The provision is good

Staff support children's independence by giving them time and space for child-led play. Children use their senses to explore textures, such as of coloured rice, shredded paper and play dough. Staff sit alongside children to support their play. They introduce language, such as squash, push, squeeze and pull, to describe the movements children make.

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The provision is good

The staff motivate children to try new things and build their knowledge and skills. For example, children show enthusiasm for role playing as builders. They eagerly take part in imaginative play, using tools and boxes to help repair toy cars and outdoor resources. This hands-on experience nurtures their creativity and enhances their coordination and teamwork skills.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and staff are passionate about their roles and ways to continuously develop children's learning. They work well together and share the nursery's ethos and vision. Leaders are reflective and look to continuously develop the nursery, for example by enhancing the environment for sleeping babies. n Staff retention is good. This helps parents and children to get to know staff well and build trusting relationships. Parents describe staff's genuine affection for children and say that the nursery has a very nurturing feel. n Overall, teaching is good. Staff interact well with children. They model play and encourage children to experiment and test theories during activities that are linked well to children's interests. Most staff know what they want children to learn. However, there are times when they do not focus their planning precisely enough on what individual children need to learn next. In addition, sometimes,

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need to do better?

staff do not build on or sequence learning effectively. For example, younger children are given scissors to cut play dough before they have learned the necessary skills to join in with the activity successfully. This does not consistently

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need to do better?

30 July 2025 support all children to make all of the progress they are capable of. n Children benefit from regular activities in the fresh air and enjoy a range of healthy meals and snacks. Staff promote their physical development well. Children manipulate dough with their hands, fingers and tools. They make marks with pencils and paint. Children learn about capacity as they fill and empty containers with rice and cereals. n Staff share information about children's care and learning needs. Staff keep parents informed about their children's progress through an online learning journal. However, systems are not consistently in place for staff to share ideas with parents on how to support children's learning at home. This does not help children experience a fully shared and cohesive approach to their learning and care. n The environment in the rooms for the youngest children is organised to support children to develop their gross motor skills. Children develop their strength as

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need to do better?

they use the climbing equipment and build resilience as they go for walks within the local community. Older children have many opportunities to develop their physical skills, coordination and dexterity. n Behaviour is good. Children show kindness and consideration towards their peers. Staff consistently build children's confidence and self-esteem through the praise and encouragement they give to them. They recognise children's efforts and achievements and encourage children to persevere with tasks until they succeed.

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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 strengthen how information is shared with parents about the skills their children are developing to help parents support and extend their children's learning at home n strengthen staff practice to ensure learning opportunities are well sequenced and focus more precisely on supporting children's individual learning intentions.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2850588 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10412322 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 20 Number of children on roll 30 Name of registered person M.A Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07921851681 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

M.A Nursery Ltd registered in August 2023. The nursery is located in Hollingbourne, Maidstone. The nursery receives funding to provide early education for eligible children. It is open Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7.30am until 6pm. The nursery employs eight members of staff. Of these, four hold early years qualifications at level 2 or above.

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Inspection activities

n Parents provided their feedback about the nursery to the inspector. n The manager and the inspector conducted a learning walk together across all areas of the nursery and discussed the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education offered, both indoors and outdoors, and evaluated its impact on children's learning. n The manager and the inspector conducted a collaborative observation. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector had a discussion with the leadership team regarding the leadership and management of the nursery. n The inspector reviewed relevant documentation and assessed evidence regarding the suitability of staff working at 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

30 July 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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