New Mind Nursery LTD

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision requires improvement Children arrive happy, and staff support them to settle in quickly.

Children confidently talk about the things they make. For instance, children share the creations they have made with each other, and help others to replicate the models they have made. Children give each other a thumbs up to show their appreciation.

Staff start the day with circle time and encourage children to think about what day of the week it is. They encourage children to take part in singing songs, and children listen well. Staff read stories to children and ask them questions about their play.

However, staff do not understand how to promot...e children's language development fully. In addition, there are weaknesses in the support and training that staff receive. Children have access to a secure outdoor area.

Staff encourage children to practise their physical skills. For example, children confidently ride on tricycles and staff support them to take turns. Children engage in imaginative play together.

For example, they pretend to mix porridge by adding water to sand. Staff organise small-group activities to help promote children's mathematical development. For example, they provide children with objects for counting and number cards.

Staff ask children simple mathematical questions, such as 'how many more will you have if you add two?'. Children engage well with each other and know how to share resources independently.

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

The provider recognises the difficulties in recruiting new staff, and has procedures in place for when she is not at the setting.

However, staff are not fully aware of the roles and responsibilities of all staff members. They are not confident about who the most senior staff member is, or who would take overall responsibility in the absence of the provider.Staff receive supervision sessions.

However, these are not implemented effectively. For example, staff do not have sufficient support and coaching to improve their skills. At times, they lack confidence in meeting children's needs effectively.

Children bring in their own packed lunch and staff promote their independence. For example, staff encourage children to open their own packets and containers and offer them support if they need it. However, not all staff who are involved in food preparation have completed training in food hygiene in order to implement current food safety guidelines.

At the time of the inspection, not all documentation was accessible. The provider has robust recruitment processes in place and was able to demonstrate how she ensures staff suitability. However, necessary records relating to staff qualifications and first-aid training were not available at the time of the inspection.

This is a breach of requirements.The provider oversees the progress that children make and identifies any gaps in their development. She liaises with the local authority and receives information and support on how best to target children's individual needs.

The provider is aware of how to make referrals to external agencies.Generally, parents are happy with the care that their children receive. They report that their children are happy and confident, and feel that they are making progress.

Most parents know what skills the staff are helping their children to learn. Parents know who their child's key person is and receive regular updates on the activities that their children take part in.Staff promote children's independence well.

They give children chopping boards and knives and allow them to help prepare fruit for snack time. Children serve themselves fruit into bowls and pour their own milk to drink. Staff provide children with praise when they share the resources.

Children are confident at communicating with each other and adults. For example, they talk to others about their families and who is picking them up. Children talk about the noises they hear in the environment, such as a lawnmower cutting the grass.

However, staff are not confident about how they can support children's communication and language development, particularly children with delayed speech and language. For example, at times, they do not interact effectively with children to help to develop these skills further.

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 and Childcare Register the provider must: Due date ensure that staff understand the roles and responsibilities of others, including senior and cover staff, in the absence of the provider 04/07/2024 ensure that supervision is effective and provides support, coaching and training for all staff, to help them to understand how to fully support children's learning 04/07/2024 ensure that staff who are involved in food preparation receive food safety training 04/07/2024 ensure that the required records are accessible, including evidence of staff qualifications and first-aid training.04/07/2024 To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: support staff to understand how to promote children's language development.