Muddy Puddles Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision requires improvement Staff build positive relationships with the children and their families. Children are welcomed by managers and arrive happily.

Staff are on hand to gently reassure and comfort new children not yet familiar with the routine into the nursery. Since the previous inspection, the newly appointed manager has worked hard to tackle the necessary improvements. She has introduced many positive changes, such as to the curriculum.

However, some of these improvements are too recent to ensure all children receive consistently good levels of support in their learning. Staff are keen for all children to achieve well. In the main, they be...come involved in children's play to help them progress.

For example, older children learn important skills such as knowing when to share their ideas and when it is time to listen to their friends. Staff know the children well, including what they enjoy doing and what they need to learn next. However, staff do not consistently make the best use of their knowledge to provide activities to help children gain specific skills identified.

This does not ensure that all children make the progress they are capable of. The manager has introduced helpful systems to support staff to teach children about expected behaviour. For example, staff plan activities and use picture cards to teach young children about turn-taking and sharing.

Generally, children behave well. As children grow they learn how their behaviour can affect others. They show kindness to their friends and engage in positive behaviours, including lining up for outdoor play.

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

The manager has a plan in place to continue to address the weaknesses from the previous inspection. Staff receive regular targeted supervision. They have embraced the ongoing opportunities for professional development and appreciate the dedicated time provided to undertake the necessary training.

This has had a positive impact on staff's knowledge of their role, including in safeguarding children and keeping them safe. The manager models good practice and staff take confidence in her direction. However, teaching is variable overall.

Staff do not consistently deliver planned opportunities to a good level to ensure children learn as well as they should.Children enjoy freshly prepared nutritious meals throughout the day. The on-site cook is familiar with the individual dietary needs of the children to keep them safe.

Staff use mealtimes to promote children's independence. Older children follow clear instructions well to serve their meal and tidy away after. However, the organisation of mealtime routines for younger children is less well considered.

Younger children become impatient while waiting for their turn. They receive less clear and consistent direction to understand what is expected from them to sustain positive attitudes to learning and achieve well.Staff develop secure relationships with babies.

They engage them in soothing conversation while providing intimate care to help them feel secure and content. Babies benefit from a range of new toys and equipment that interest them. They explore their senses and delight in watching bubbles 'pop'.

They benefit from daily opportunities for fresh air in their garden. However, staff have not considered the layout of toys and resources well enough in both the indoor and outdoor environments. This does not ensure young children can practise their physical skills consistently, for example when pushing their favourite car.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive effective support. They benefit from the skills and knowledge of a specifically trained member of staff to monitor and support their progress. Staff work closely with other professionals and parents to ensure children make the best possible progress.

Older children strengthen their concentration and coordination as they carefully manipulate dough and use glue sticks with precision to create their pictures. They listen and follow staff's guidance as they share information important to them during group times. They listen to stories with enthusiasm, successfully predicting what the 'flap' may reveal about the dentist.

Parents value the friendly staff and the nursery highly. They particularly appreciate the regular information they receive about their children's learning and care. Parents are aware of the nursery's polices and procedures and report how their children enjoy coming to the nursery.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage, the provider must: Due date help staff to provide consistently good teaching that takes account of children's next steps in learning to ensure all children achieve good outcomes 30/08/2024 support staff to ensure the layout of toys and resources enables the youngest children the space they need to consistently practise and gain important physical skills.

30/08/2024