Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries - Academy Gardens

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children and parents are greeted warmly by the friendly and professional staff. Children arrive happily and settle quickly into the routines of the nursery. Staff provide a stimulating learning environment, both indoors and outdoors.

Children select from a wide range of age-appropriate resources. They are confident in choosing the direction of their play. Staff provide fun and exciting activities to capture children's attention.

All children make good progress from their starting points. Children are supported well to manage their own feelings. Staff give clear instructions and children know what is expected from them....

Staff consistently praise children for their efforts, achievements and positive behaviours. Children's behaviour is good. All children enjoy regular access to the nursery's outside area.

They have fun exploring a range of interesting activities and practise their physical skills. All children develop secure and trusting bonds with their key person and all staff. Babies and toddlers are relaxed and smile when they see a familiar face.

They look to staff for reassurance and cuddles, which they receive in abundance. Children seek staff out to show their accomplishments and share their ideas. Children are confident and supported well to develop independence skills in preparation for the next stage in their learning.

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

The leadership team and staff have adapted well to the challenges faced due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. They ensure that all children are supported and continue to make good progress. Parents say that staff have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and always have a smile on their faces.

They say their children love being at the nursery and could not be happier.Children are supported well to develop a love of books. Staff provide cosy and inviting reading areas where children handle books with care.

Older children listen intently as staff read stories in an expressive way.Staff help children to gain a wide range of physical skills. They ensure babies have plenty of room to crawl and begin to walk.

They sensitively help children to grow increasingly independent in meeting their own toileting needs.Children's mathematical and literacy skills are supported and developed well. Staff help children learn how to count as they build a tower with construction blocks.

Children access a vast array of mark-making resources in the outdoor classroom. Additionally, staff help children to learn the letters in their names and practise letter formation. This helps to support children to be prepared for school.

The manager and staff carry out termly assessments on children to swiftly identify any gaps in learning. Staff are effective in supporting children's communication and language development, including those who speak English as an additional language. The routine includes plenty of opportunities for children to talk, listen, sing and enjoy stories.

All children, including those in receipt of funding and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are fully included during activities.Children have many opportunities for creative and imaginary play. They enjoy mixing water and cornflour and experimenting with the different textures.

Staff encourage good care practices. Children wash their hands prior to snack and after using the bathroom. This contributes to good health and hygiene.

Children have good opportunities to learn about the wider world. For example, they learn how to grow vegetables and celebrate different cultures and countries. Older children consider the concept of objects that float and sink.

Regular evaluation of the service provided takes account of the views of children, of parents and of staff. Leaders have high expectations for the staff and children. Staff have access to in-house training portals, and they receive regular appraisals.

However, these are not yet sharply focused to ensure that their teaching practice is highly effective and that their understanding of the curriculum is deeply embedded. Furthermore, some staff are less clear on what they intend children to learn. Therefore, some activities for those children are not always as well matched to their individual learning needs.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Managers and staff complete regular safeguarding training. This helps them to understand their responsibilities.

Staff know how to report concerns about a child's welfare or any inappropriate actions of adults working with children. They are aware of wider safeguarding concerns, such as the 'Prevent' duty. The manager and staff use risk assessment effectively to make sure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment.

This includes robust recruitment, selection, and induction procedures for new staff. Effective staff deployment means that children are well supervised and cared for.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: provide staff with more robust supervision and training that supports them to develop their individual practice and support children's learning to the highest levels.