Kids Planet Shortwood Lodge

Inspection of Kids Planet Shortwood Lodge Kids Planet Day Nursery, Carsons Road, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9LW

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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

Staff form strong bonds with children. They create a calm and welcoming space, where children feel safe and secure. Staff work closely with parents and carers to provide consistency and emotional support. From the first settling-in session, staff respond gently to children's needs. Babies receive hugs, soft reassurance and close contact from their key persons. Staff use singing, eye contact and soothing routines to help children to settle and feel secure. Staff provide children with choices and celebrate their achievements. This helps children to develop their confidence and self-esteem.

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The provision is good

Staff have clear expectations for children's learning. They focus on strengthening children's communication and language. Staff create spaces rich in language and filled with stories and conversations. Babies name objects and enjoy familiar rhymes. Older children clap syllables and play sound-matching games. Staff model speech and introduce new words during children's play. Children with speech delays receive repetition, prompts and gentle encouragement. These approaches help children to speak clearly and listen with confidence.

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The provision is good

Mathematics weaves through everyday interactions and the wider curriculum. Staff introduce counting and mathematical words to children from an early age. Toddlers explore size and quantity while filling containers in water play. During construction, older children count bricks, then experiment with adding their group together. Staff encourage children to make predictions, test theories and explain their thinking. These experiences build and support children's numeracy and problem-solving skills.

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need to do better?

n The staff team works hard to create a sense of community. Parents describe the nursery as warm, responsive and emotionally supportive. Staff guide families through key transitions and offer home learning packs, lending resources and practical help. They welcome feedback through a question board in the foyer, and share actions transparently. Staff use information boards to offer guidance on common concerns. This helps families to feel informed and empowered. Parents say staff know their children well and communicate clearly. n The knowledgeable staff team has created a well-sequenced curriculum that reflects children's interests and developmental needs. Staff adapt activities to promote purposeful learning. However, while staff respond well to children's individual needs during adult-led activities, they do not always encourage quieter children to interact with their peers. Some children stand on the sidelines during

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need to do better?

free-flow play, finding it difficult to join in or build new friendships. Therefore, staff do not consistently encourage children to interact with their peers and

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need to do better?

27 August 2025 support their social confidence. n Children benefit from regular outdoor play, nature walks and enrichment activities, such as gardening and sports coaching. They go on walks to fields and take part in physical sessions designed to raise their heart rates and build stamina. Staff introduce climbing, obstacle courses and movement games to support children's coordination and strength. Babies squeeze sponges and pull themselves up on equipment. Young children explore play dough and make marks with spice-infused paint. Staff use these experiences to support children's physical confidence, sensory exploration and early writing skills. n The management team prioritises staff's well-being and fosters a culture of care. Staff feel valued, appreciated and supported in their roles. They receive access to a wide range of training and development. This helps them to grow professionally and respond to children's needs with confidence. Regular staff

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need to do better?

meetings provide space to share ideas and suggest changes. Leaders check in with staff, respond to concerns and celebrate achievements across the team. This creates a positive working environment, where staff feel respected and motivated. n Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks. Staff encourage children to self-serve and take part in mealtime routines. However, at times, staff rush through routines and transitions. They do not always take the time to encourage children to tidy away their things or dress themselves independently. This limits children's ability to take ownership and develop valuable life skills. n Staff use stories and everyday interactions to help children to talk about and understand their emotions. They model respectful behaviour and show kindness towards each other and children. Staff encourage manners and reinforce the rules in the setting consistently and gently. Children learn to share, take turns

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need to do better?

and resolve minor conflicts with support. Staff actively model how to manage disagreements effectively. These approaches help children to understand and manage their emotions.

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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 recognise children who are quieter, to help these children to enhance their confidence and social skills n provide increased opportunities for children to further develop their emerging independence skills, such as during daily routines.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2832598 Local authority South Gloucestershire Inspection number 10391183 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 118 Number of children on roll 118 Name of registered person Kids Planet Day Nurseries Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01179572657 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Kids Planet Shortwood Lodge registered in 2025. It operates from the former Shortwood Golf Club in Mangotsfield, South Gloucestershire. The setting operates from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, for 51 weeks of the year. It provides government funded childcare. The setting employs 31 members of staff. Of these, two staff hold early years qualifications at level 6, eighteen staff hold qualifications at level 3 and two staff hold qualifications at level 2.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector and the leaders completed a learning walk, where they discussed the provision and the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education during indoor and outdoor play and assessed the impact on children's learning. n During the inspection, the inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times and completed a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the management team to discuss how it self- evaluates the provision. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working in the setting. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of written testimonials. n Children spoke and engaged with the inspector during the inspection.

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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

27 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.

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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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