Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

The nursery provides a caring and homely environment for children.

The provider has made significant improvements since the last inspection and appointed a new leadership team. This has made a vast difference to the quality of care and learning experiences children have. Although the new nursery manager and two new team leaders have only been in post for a short time, they have already made many positive changes.

Babies and children have quickly formed very strong relationships with the new staff. The quality of care given to all children is consistently good. Staff are kind, caring and attentive.

Any child wh...o needs comfort is quickly reassured and settled. Children approach staff happily and engage them in their play.New leaders have trained staff effectively in delivering the nursery's curriculum.

Staff now have a much clearer understanding of why they are planning activities. They know what they want children to learn from them. Children's learning experiences are consistently of good quality.

The individual needs of every child, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are planned for well. Leaders make sure children receive the help they need quickly. Children's attitudes towards learning have greatly improved.

The redesigned nursery rooms, increased range of resources and better trained staff contribute fully towards the many improvements now being seen.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

Senior leaders and the new nursery manager have a precise and accurate view of the quality of provision. Staff morale has greatly improved.

Staff confirm how much better supported they are. They say they now feel listened to and valued, and have access to extensive additional training. The nursery manager works tirelessly with senior staff and head office staff to make the necessary improvements.

She demonstrates a relentless approach towards continually improving every area of practice. All early years foundation stage requirements are now met.Teaching is good.

Children benefit from a fully embedded, structured curriculum. This takes account of what they can already do and what they need to learn next. Babies thoroughly enjoy playing inside and outside.

They show interest and curiosity as they look at picture books. They explore different textures and play creatively with role-play resources. Older children thoroughly enjoy taking part in many exciting activities outdoors.

They delight in looking for nature and carefully place food for the birds to eat on the bird table. They step back in anticipation and wait excitedly to see which birds will take their food.Children develop very positive attitudes towards learning.

Staff working with younger children gently help them to become resilient and to develop a 'can-do' approach. For instance, toddlers thoroughly enjoy balancing on a low-level beam in the garden, and delight in jumping off when staff count, 'One, two, three, go!' Staff have shown the children how to manage this safely. Toddlers smile with delight when they successfully achieve this.

Staff clap hands enthusiastically. They offer plenty of praise, encouraging children to excitedly run round and have another turn.Children behave well.

Children of mixed ages play happily together. Younger children quickly learn to share, take turns and be kind to one another. Older children are especially respectful of others.

They clearly understand the need to be careful around their younger friends. Children work together well. For example, three older children spontaneously say, 'Guys, let's do the teamwork', as they carry the small stepladder together and take it to their friends to use.

Staff work hard to develop the partnership arrangements with parents. Meetings have been held to introduce the leadership team. Parents are kept fully informed about the changes being made and the ongoing planned improvements.

Home-learning packs are being introduced, such as 'chatter boxes'. However, other strategies to help parents understand how to extend children's learning at home are still at an early stage.Children's health needs are met well.

All areas of the nursery are exceptionally clean and well-maintained. Babies learn how to wipe their noses and dispose of tissues safely. Older children fully understand the importance of handwashing routines and oral health.

Staff promote these well throughout the nursery day. Children spend large amounts of time outside and benefit from many activities enabling them to be physically active. Mealtimes are a popular part of the day and children enjoy healthy, nourishing home-cooked food.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Children's safety is given the highest priority. Staff deployment is good throughout the nursery and children are consistently supervised closely, inside and outside.

Staff know exactly what to do if they are worried about a child or the conduct of a colleague, and report these concerns quickly. The nursery provides a spacious and safe environment. All areas have been checked thoroughly and the garden area is secure.

Children learn how to manage their safety as part of play, for example as they climb on equipment. Staff supervise this well and help children understand possible dangers.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: develop further ways to help parents become more closely involved in their children's learning.

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