Clarendon Nursery

Inspection of Clarendon Nursery 128 Whitehedge Road, Liverpool L19 1RZ

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

Staff welcome children warmly into the nurturing and engaging nursery. Staff create an environment that is well considered. They plan indoor and outdoor spaces to encourage children to explore, be active and learn through play. Children understand staff's expectations and are motivated to learn. Staff demonstrate that they know children very well. Children quickly form trusting relationships with kind, attentive staff who support their emotional well-being and confidence. For example, older children engage in conversations with staff about their weekly yoga class as they demonstrate the different poses they have learned. Children are happy, secure and have a real sense of belonging.

p.2

The provision is good

Leaders and staff have designed a curriculum that supports all children to make progress from their starting points. Staff swiftly identify when children need further support with their learning or development. They work in close partnership with parents and other professionals, developing strategies to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff use additional funding effectively. For example, staff provide sensory resources or individual support for children where this is required. This helps children with SEND to continue to achieve well and work towards their milestones. All children are prepared for the next stage of their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children's behaviour is very good, reflecting the high expectations set by staff who consistently model positive attitudes. Staff gently support babies to use 'kind hands' during play, helping them to develop early social skills and positive interactions with their peers. Older children show growing independence by tidying away their toys once they have finished, demonstrating responsibility and respect for the learning environment. n The curriculum for communication and language is a strength. Staff make the most of everyday opportunities to build children's vocabulary and understanding. For example, as staff support children to think about prior learning, children confidently demonstrate their understanding of the difference between a human spine and the spine of a book. Staff implement strategies such as using objects of reference and simple signs to support children's emerging communication skills. Children become confident and capable communicators.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff skilfully embed mathematics throughout children's play. For example, babies enthusiastically count their fingers while singing songs such as 'Five Little Ducks'. Older children remain focused and engaged during group times, confidently exploring patterns such as the sequence of the days of the week. These experiences help children develop positive attitudes towards early mathematical concepts. This helps to prepare them well for their eventual move

p.2

need to do better?

18 August 2025 on to school. n Leaders are reflective and committed to delivering high standards. Staff receive targeted training and ongoing coaching. Leaders regularly observe practice to ensure that staff's knowledge is embedded. Staff's well-being is a priority, contributing to high morale and a positive learning environment for children. n Partnerships with parents are strong. They comment that regular events to celebrate different cultures help their children to learn about diversity. Staff communicate with parents in their home languages, ensuring that they receive messages and updates about their children's progress. This helps all parents to feel involved in supporting their children's learning. Furthermore, staff encourage parents to use the lending library and to read with their children at home. This supports the continuity of children's learning and helps them learn to love books and stories.

p.2

need to do better?

n In the main, staff support children to build on their existing skills. However, at times, staff do not consistently support children to build on their learning in an age-appropriate way. For example, while younger children are encouraged to put on their own shoes, staff occasionally intervene too quickly and complete simple tasks for them. This hinders opportunities for independence and does not fully support sequenced learning. n Staff provide a broad range of learning experiences that promote children's development during outdoor play. Babies benefit from a well-resourced, age- appropriate area where staff can support their early physical development. Older children engage in more physically challenging activities as they work together to navigate the overhead climbing frame. However, staff deployment during outdoor play is sometimes less effective than in other areas. This means that, at times, not all children consistently benefit from high-quality interactions to

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 support staff to have a clear understanding of the sequencing and priorities for the learning of younger children n review the deployment of staff to consistently provide purposeful interactions for children to build on their existing skills and knowledge.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY435216 Local authority Liverpool Inspection number 10398931 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 41 Number of children on roll 38 Name of registered person Clarendon College Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 0151 345 9445 Date of previous inspection 14 November 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Clarendon Nursery registered in 2011 and is situated in Liverpool, Merseyside. The nursery employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, nine hold appropriate qualifications at level 3 or above, including one with qualified teacher status and three who hold qualifications at level 6. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round, except for one week at Christmas. Sessions are from 7am to 6pm. The nursery provides government-funded early years education.

p.4

Inspection activities

n Leaders joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector gathered information through parents' feedback to gain their views of the setting. n The inspector spoke to staff and the children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this has on the children's learning. n The inspector and deputy manager carried out joint observations of group activities. n Leaders showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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

18 August 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