Sandhills Day Nursery Heath Mill

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision requires improvement On the day of the inspection, several safety issues were identified in the garden.

A wooden frame in the garden has splintered and worn away. In addition, a plastic liner in a tyre planter and a box with standing water in pose a risk to children. However, managers acted swiftly and steps were taken to eliminate these risks and ensure children's safety.

Children build strong attachments with staff. Staff greet children warmly and are interested to hear what they have to say. This supports children's emotional well-being and makes them feel valued.

Staff plan an exciting curriculum and provide activities that take ...account of children's interests while supporting their next steps in learning. They talk to children about what activities are available and children settle quickly into their play. Children enjoy sensory experiences and use their hands and spoons to scoop and fill various containers with soil.

They recognise different-coloured paint and make prints using different fruit. This supports their developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Children benefit from gradual settling-in visits.

Staff gather lots of information about each child from their parents. They use this to provide care that is tailored to children's individual needs. Staff involve parents in their child's learning and share ideas for continuing their development at home.

Staff are very caring and responsive to children. They recognise when children are feeling wary of visitors in their rooms and give them cuddles and reassurance. Staff give consistent praise and encouragement to children and recognise their efforts and achievements.

Some children enjoy giving 'high fives' in recognition of their work.

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

Managers do not monitor the effectiveness of risk assessments that are completed on a daily basis. While risk assessments are completed each day, staff do not always identify risks to children's safety.

This means that they cannot inform managers of when action needs to be taken in order to keep children safe. During the inspection, managers took steps to remove most of the risks and the garden has been made inaccessible to children until it is deemed suitable for use. Alternative arrangements are in place for outdoor activities.

Therefore, the action taken means that there is no significant impact on children's safety or welfare.The arrangements for the supervision of staff are not yet effective. Managers have not yet addressed weaknesses in staff's knowledge and understanding of risk assessments to ensure that they are able to effectively carry out and implement these consistently.

That said, staff's well-being is important and regular staff meetings and supervisions take place. Staff access some professional development opportunities, but these are not yet tailored specifically to areas they need support in to fully benefit children.Children learn about diversity, similarities and differences.

They see positive images of people with different skin tones and abilities through resources and books. Staff encourage children to talk about their families and the special people in their lives. Children have opportunities to try foods from different countries which are included in the nursery menu.

Staff work closely with parents to ensure that children with possible gaps in learning or with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive the care and support they need to make the best possible progress. Staff work with other agencies to ensure that children receive a consistent approach to their learning. Children with possible or identified needs are supported well.

Effective communication between people involved in a child's life helps to ensure consistency between home and nursery.Parents say that they are very happy with the care provided to their children. They feel that staff are lovely with the children and take time to get to know all about their child when they first start in nursery.

They particularly like an online app which is used to share their child's learning and progress. Parents enjoy getting ideas from staff of ways to continue their child's learning at home and share their child's adventures outside of nursery. This helps inform planning and ensures that staff are fully aware of children's emerging interests and developing skills.

Children's language and communication skills are supported well. Children enjoy singing songs and listening to stories. As they grow, children enjoy sharing their own opinions and ideas.

They are encouraged to identify different sea creatures, such as an octopus, fish and starfish when playing a magnetic fishing game. Older children talk about their favourite planet when learning about the solar system. They like Saturn because it has a ring around it, Earth because they live on it and Mars because it is chilly.

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 daily assessments are effective in identifying potential risks within the environment 14/06/2024 provide staff with the support they need to fully understand their responsibilities with regard to completing risk assessments in order to keep children safe.

14/06/2024