Keren’s Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

The nursery is a 'home from home' for children who attend. The environment is described by parents as 'warm and nurturing'. Children are spoken to in their home language, as well as in English, to help them settle and develop strong relationships with their key person.

Children have access to a wide and varied curriculum that promotes all areas of learning. Activities include yoga, cooking, forest school sessions and music and movement. Children are inquisitive and curious to explore the environment around them, inside and outdoors.

Teachers have high expectations of all children, including those with special education...al needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children play cooperatively with each other and learn how to negotiate and resolve any conflict. They understand the rules of play and are confident to share their ideas with others.

Teachers enable children to develop their independence skills by giving them choices throughout the day. For example, different music choices include Hebrew, English and Spanish. Partnerships with parents are strong, and the nursery has a community feel.

For example, parents bring in cakes when it is their child's birthday to celebrate with the other children. Teachers continue to consider ways to help children to build on their growing awareness of hygiene practices. They miss some opportunities to fully enhance children's vocabulary, particularly during free play.

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

Teachers know children well. They understand their starting points and check the progress they make. As well as promoting English, teachers understand that some of the children respond better to instructions in their home language, and incorporate this into their learning.

Children can count to 10 in Hebrew and English. Children who speak other additional languages are supported to count in, for example, Spanish and French.Teachers use focused learning activities well to model language to children and expand their knowledge of different concepts.

For example, children were asked leading questions such as 'What do you think would happen?' This gives them the opportunity to reflect and problem-solve. However, opportunities to extend language outside of focused activities are often missed.The setting has a strong focus on children's physical development and has been part of a pilot scheme to focus on the importance of movement in learning.

Teachers use their knowledge of this framework to develop children's physical abilities, and are alert to early signs that may signal additional intervention is needed.The needs of children with SEND are catered for exceptionally well. Teachers adapt the environment to meet the needs of all children.

The nursery works effectively with parents and other agencies to ensure children make progress from their starting points.Children learn about a diverse range of festivals and occasions that are special to families that attend. Children learn what makes them unique as individuals.

They learn that families are diverse, and come in different forms.Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and cooking. Staff use a rhyme to teach the children the correct way to wash their hands.

Children are encouraged to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze. There are times, however, when opportunities are missed during cooking activities to educate children about how germs spread by licking items that are included in a recipe.Communication with parents is extremely effective.

Parents are updated throughout the day, as well as receiving a verbal handover on collection. An active parent and teacher association ensures parents have a voice within the nursery. The setting has a regular survey that parents can fill in anonymously, if they would prefer, as well as a suggestion box.

Leaders and managers have a robust induction period for new staff. Monthly training events ensure all staff develop the skills and knowledge needed in their roles. Managers spend a minimum of three hours each in rooms weekly, leading activities and observing practice to ensure quality.

Leaders and managers have a comprehensive development plan for the nursery which is regularly reviewed.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Security guards are situated at the front of the setting to ensure the safety of staff and children.

A security guard also accompanies children on any outings they attend. Staff have a broad knowledge of safeguarding. They can recognise possible signs of abuse and know what to do if they have a concern.

Leaders and managers can explain how they would proceed with any allegations received. The setting has robust procedures in place for dealing with an accident or incident, and are familiar with risk assessments.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: seek opportunities to extend children's vocabulary and understanding during free play broaden children's understanding of how to keep themselves and others healthy and safe during activities that involve food.