‘Warm and friendly’ Marton nursery requires improvement say Ofsted

A ‘warm and friendly’ Marton nursery which parents ‘have no hesitation in recommending’ has been told it requires improvement in all areas.

The report into the Tiny Turners Day Nursery, in The Grove, Marton, following a visit from Ofsted inspectors, said the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership all required improvement. The inspectors said not all areas of the curriculum are given sufficient priority, such as creative expression and physical development, which means children’s progress in these areas are not fully maximised.

The report said: “Children enjoy their time at this warm, friendly nursery. They happily leave their parents and settle quickly into the welcoming environment.”

But, they added: “Children with emerging special educational needs and/or disabilities are referred to specialist services and have individualised education plans in place. However, staff do not always implement the interventions or strategies offered by professionals swiftly enough. This means that children do not always achieve the best possible outcomes.”

The inspectors went on to say children behave well and happily share and take turns with their friends. They said meetings are carried out to check staff’s well-being.

They said: “Staff’s practice is regularly observed and feedback is provided. However, the monitoring of teaching is not precise enough to identify where staff need further support and guidance. Interactions between staff and children are variable.

“Some staff support children’s learning well. For example, they explain activities, model new skills and talk to children as they play. However, others simply supervise children during play and routines, and interactions are weak and few.

“Children benefit from spending time outside in the garden. They run, jump and climb. This helps to develop their large-muscle skills, balance and coordination. However, activities outside are not as effectively planned as those indoors to take into account the needs of children who prefer to learn outside.”

The inspectors said staff do engage in meaningful conversations with children and introduce new vocabulary, older children take part in group discussions and mathematical skills are promoted well.

Staff support children to be independent, and incorporate opportunities through the daily routine that encourage children to manage everyday tasks for themselves. But, staff do not consistently support children’s creativity.

Inspectors said: “Partnerships with parents and carers are effective. Staff spend time getting to know children and their families to ensure that their needs are met. This supports children’s emotional development. Parents say that staff are welcoming and that they would have no hesitation in recommending the nursery. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”

To improve the nursery needs to monitor the quality of teaching even more closely, swiftly implement strategies offered by other professionals, develop the curriculum in the outdoor area and strengthen opportunities for children to develop their creativity.

Teesside Live contacted Tiny Turner’s Day Nursery for comment.

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