Pound Lane Daycare

Inspection of Pound Lane Daycare Unit 1a, Swifts Units, Pound Lane, Exmouth EX8 4NP

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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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Staff know their children well and adapt the curriculum effectively to entice a positive attitude to learning. For example, staff recognise possible triggers that can spark unwanted behaviours. They are quick to distract and redirect play, knowing when children need a calm space, to share a book or when they need physical activity. This helps children to self-regulate and to become more accustomed to behavioural expectations.

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The provision is good

Older children gain good numerical knowledge. For example, during group times they help each other to count how many children there are and confidently clap the corresponding amount. They work out what number would come next. Children are consistently praised, knowing what they have done well, and develop high levels of self-esteem.

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The provision is good

Younger children love their time in the soft-play area, developing their physical skills. They learn to climb safely, supervised well by attentive staff. Children are proud of their achievements, saying 'Look at me' with a big smile, as they climb to the top of the ladder. Children form strong bonds with their familiar adult and confidently explore the different shapes, checking in regularly.

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The provision is good

Children love books. Older children listen well to the 'Worrysaurus' and explore different feelings and emotions. Children respond well to questions as they talk about going to school and what will make them happy.

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need to do better?

n The provider has designed a well-thought-out curriculum, which provides a balance across all areas of children's learning. The curriculum builds on children's knowledge and interests with specific goals for the children to achieve as they move on to their new room and eventually on to school. Staff assess children's progress effectively and provide additional support when they identify gaps in learning. Staff use any additional funding successfully, for example, to resource intervention groups, to build children's focus and attention. n Generally, staff use their recent training well to support children's communication and language skills. For example, staff provide children with choices so that they know children have understood their responses and not mimicked what has been said. However, practice is not always consistent and staff do not always extend and challenge children's thinking more precisely.

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need to do better?

n Older children enjoy opportunities to be physically active. They keenly participate in songs and rhymes, such as 'Head, shoulders, knees and toes', following actions well. They are enthusiastic in their cardio session, moving in different ways. They listen well to instructions, such as forming the plank and balancing

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need to do better?

27 August 2025 on one leg. Children concentrate and persevere well to achieve. n Staff meet children's care needs well. Staff are respectful, for example, they ask permission before checking nappies and before lifting children's tops to apply a cold compress after an accident. There are good arrangements in place to ensure staff meet children's dietary requirements successfully. Children are closely supervised as they eat and enjoy sharing what they have learned today with staff. n Children gain good independence. Older children find their shoes and put them on, persevering to succeed. They know they need to wear sun hats and to have drinks regularly on a hot day. Children quickly make decisions about their play. Staff support children well to negotiate turn-taking with the balance bikes. Children understand expectations and keep within their zone so that their friends can play happily and safely with the water.

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need to do better?

n There is a lack of consistency in how staff share information about children's learning and their next steps with parents. Staff do not always provide parents with ideas on how they can support children's learning at home. n The provider has a good overview of what works well and what needs to improve to enable children to reach their full potential. She has supported staff well to improve their understanding of the curriculum and to implement it with more consistency, overall.

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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 develop further partnerships with parents, to share information on children's learning, next steps and ideas for home learning, for further continuity in supporting children's learning and development n continue to embed training, providing support and guidance so that there is consistently high-quality interactions throughout the nursery.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2765759 Local authority Devon Inspection number 10377267 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 58 Number of children on roll 42 Name of registered person Pound Lane Daycare LTD

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reference number

Telephone number 01395911358 Date of previous inspection 26 November 2024

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Information about this early years setting

Pound Lane Daycare is privately owned and registered in 2023. It is located in Exmouth, Devon. It is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and a week at Christmas. The setting receives funding to provide early education for children. The provider also manages the setting and has a level 3 early years qualification. She employs eight members of staff to work directly with children, four hold early years qualifications at level 3 and three at level 2.

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Inspection activities

n The manager took the inspector on a learning walk and they discussed the curriculum intent. n The inspector spoke with parents and children during the inspection, read parent testimonials and considered their views. n The inspector observed staff interactions with children, discussed children's learning and how staff support children to develop their skills. n The manager and inspector conducted a joint observation in the pre-school room. n The inspector conducted professional discussions with the management team. n A sample of documentation was discussed and observed.

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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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