Windmill Hill Day Nursery

Inspection of Windmill Hill Day Nursery Windmill Hill Business Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 6NX

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Staff deliver engaging, purposeful experiences that ignite children's curiosity and inspire a love for learning. They create stimulating environments, where children remain happy, focused and involved in exploration. By responding thoughtfully to children's interests, such as setting up fossil digs, clay mark making with dinosaur feet and related book-based discovery, staff motivate children to investigate, imagine and learn.

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The provision is good

Leaders have designed a well-sequenced curriculum that carefully plans learning experiences to build on each child's existing knowledge and skills. Practitioners regularly assess children to identify their starting points and design activities that meet their individual learning needs. This structured and responsive approach helps every child make consistent progress and prepares them confidently for the next stage of their education.

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The provision is good

Staff working with younger children prioritise secure attachments and create nurturing environments that support emotional well-being. They manage transitions sensitively, ensuring children feel confident and prepared for their next stage of learning. By recognising the challenges these changes can bring, staff provide individualised support and respond promptly to emotional needs, ensuring a smooth and reassuring experience for every child. Carefully planned resources, such as books and sensory spaces, promote emotional literacy, helping children understand boundaries, express emotions and seek support appropriately.

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need to do better?

n Staff support communication and literacy through small-group storytelling, songs and well-known rhymes. They introduce new vocabulary with clear, simple explanations, for instance, describing binoculars as tools that 'make things look bigger'. However, teaching does not always align with intended communication goals for younger children. Staff occasionally miss opportunities to model single words or extend to two-word phrases where appropriate. n Children thrive in a rich environment that promotes physical play and exploration, supporting overall development. A well-planned curriculum fosters gross and fine motor skills through creative, hands-on experiences, like potion- making and weighing ingredients for mud soup. The outdoor area is exceptionally designed for open-ended, active play, enabling free movement and sustained focus. n Staff interactions are positive and responsive, fostering a calm environment with

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need to do better?

clear expectations through consistent praise and gentle guidance. However, on occasions, some interactions are not as strong. Therefore, children do not benefit from consistently high-quality teaching to support their learning.

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need to do better?

5 September 2025 Targeted coaching and mentoring would support staff in the delivery of the curriculum and further raise outcomes for children to the highest level. n Care routines are handled with sensitivity and respect, maintaining children's dignity and comfort. Children demonstrate a strong awareness of healthy habits, supported by calm, organised mealtimes that promote independence. Staff consistently reinforce nutrition messages, while leaders engage parents through clear guidance and share practical, healthy recipes. n The setting shows strong community engagement through initiatives like charity fundraising and water-saving activities, linking children to sustainability. Acts such as gifting flowers and delivering decorated boxes to a local hospital foster empathy, gratitude and a sense of belonging. n Staff maintain high standards for children's behaviour and recently completed targeted behaviour management training. Staff use well-planned strategies to

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need to do better?

help children identify emotions and develop self-regulation skills. For example, they select books that prompt meaningful discussions about feelings. n Comprehensive staff inductions and ongoing training contribute to a nurturing work environment, supported by a strong focus on staff well-being. Staff benefit from a variety of opportunities that supports their continual professional development. Staff express positive views about the support they receive. n Staff adapt teaching to meet each child's needs, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They collaborate closely with parents and specialists to develop and deliver personalised support, ensuring every child receives the care they need within an inclusive environment. n The setting maintains a strong partnership with parents, supporting children's development. Leaders respond to survey feedback, using training to improve

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need to do better?

communication and engagement. Parents value the caring, nurturing approach and its positive impact. Families are kept informed through daily photo updates, stay-and-play sessions and termly reports.

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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 consistently model language for younger children to support early communication and vocabulary development n develop coaching and mentoring support for staff to strengthen their interactions, to ensure all children benefit from consistently high-quality teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY290845 Local authority Swindon Inspection number 10414859 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 121 Number of children on roll 162 Name of registered person Childbase Partnership Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01793 877 646 Date of previous inspection 11 November 2022

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Information about this early years setting

Windmill Hill Day Nursery registered in 2004 under its current ownership, Childbase Partnership Limited. It is located in a purpose-built nursery in Swindon, Wiltshire. The nursery is open each weekday throughout the year from 7.30am until 6.30pm. The nursery employs 56 staff. Of these, six hold a level 6 qualification, one a level 5, thirty-three a level 3 and two a level 2 appropriate early years qualification, thirteen are unqualified. The manager holds a relevant level 3 in early years. The setting offers government funded places.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and deputy manager completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity in the baby room with the manager. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in 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

5 September 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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