Blofield Day Nursery

Inspection of Blofield Day Nursery Fox Lane, Blofield, NORWICH NR13 4LW

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 eagerly enter this home-from-home nursery with a strong enthusiasm to learn and explore. Staff warmly greet children at the door each morning, which creates a positive start to the day. They take time to engage with each parent during arrival to ensure a smooth and reassuring transition from home to nursery. Through these daily interactions, staff have built trusting relationships with children, helping children to feel safe, secure and ready to learn. Children are starting to understand behaviour expectations in the nursery. Staff speak calmly and respectfully and encourage children to be helpful, use their manners and be kind to their peers. For instance, children patiently wait for their turn during group activities and help their peers when they struggle with tasks.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff skilfully thread mathematical concepts into children's play from an early age. For example, babies place rings onto teacup holders while staff count them aloud, introducing number recognition and sequencing. Older children confidently count with their peers while reading, and learn the concept of quantities and measurements during water play. Children are supported to develop their independence through everyday tasks and personal care routines. They confidently dress themselves, pour their own drinks and tidy up after mealtimes. Children are encouraged to express themselves and become curious and confident learners. As a result, they are well prepared for school and the next step of their education.

p.2

need to do better?

n The management team has developed an ambitious curriculum that reflects the ethos of the nursery. Staff work closely with parents to understand children's routines and developmental stages before they start. They plan activities that are tailored to each child's individual learning needs and interests. Staff carry out regular observations and assessments of children's development. They use this information to plan purposeful next steps that support children to make effective progress during their time at the nursery. n Leaders and staff recognise the importance of supporting children's communication and language development throughout all areas of the nursery. Staff engage in meaningful interactions, allowing children time to think and respond, while also introducing new vocabulary during play. They support children in developing a love of literacy and regularly read stories together, where they encourage children to add their thoughts and ideas.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff support children to lead a healthy lifestyle. They ensure children get ample opportunity to play outdoors every day, as well as going on regular outings in the local area. Children are provided with home-cooked, nutritious meals that are healthy and balanced. They are taught the importance of good oral health. For example, children excitedly brush their teeth alongside their peers after

p.2

need to do better?

20 August 2025 breakfast. They use individual timers to monitor the correct time to take, and confidently discuss why it is important to brush their teeth. n Staff act as positive role models and use gentle reminders during children's play. For instance, staff praise children for using good manners and encourage turn- taking. Children's behaviour is generally good, and they are taught from a young age to be kind and considerate to their peers. However, on some occasions, staff do not consistently support children to follow instructions or understand the impact of their behaviour on others. For example, when children struggle to share or do not follow instructions, staff do not always respond promptly to help children regulate their emotions and reinforce the behavioural expectations of the nursery. n Parent partnerships are strong. They speak highly of the support that staff provide for their children and how this helps them feel well informed about what

p.2

need to do better?

children are learning and where they are within their development. Parents discuss that the nursery is a home-from-home environment that involves parents and provides a wealth of information to support continuity of learning at home. n The management team is ambitious and strives to promote the best outcomes for all children by working collaboratively to support staff, children and families. They support staff's professional development effectively and look at various courses that will enhance their skills and knowledge. The management team completes regular supervisions and appraisals of staff. As a result, staff feel valued in their roles and consistently express how much they enjoy working at the nursery.

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 develop effective behaviour management strategies that support staff to be consistent in their approach and build on children's understanding of behaviour expectations in the setting.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY542776 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10398475 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 29 Number of children on roll 63 Name of registered person Hobson Associates Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01603715791 Date of previous inspection 24 October 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Blofield Day Nursery re-registered in 2017. The setting employs 16 members of childcare staff, 14 of whom hold childcare qualifications ranging from level 2 to level 6. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round except for bank holidays and one week at Christmas. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. The nursery provides the government funded places for all eligible children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager 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 talked to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector carried out joint observations of a group activity with the manager. n Parents shared their views of the nursery with the inspector. n The manager 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

20 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