Colmonell Early Years Centre

1. To support children’s learning, development and wellbeing, the service should improve how they observe, plan for, and track children’s progress. This should include ensuring that observations are meaningful, clearly linked to children’s interests and developmental stages, and used to plan experiences that extend learning and support positive outcomes. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: 'As a child, my social and physical skills, confidence, self-esteem and creativity are developed through a balance of organised and freely chosen extended play, including using open-ended and natural materials' (HSCS 1.31); and 'I am supported to achieve my potential in education and employment if this is right for me' (HSCS 1.27).

1. To support continuous improvement and ensure positive outcomes for children, the provider should strengthen quality assurance processes. This should include developing a centre improvement plan that reflects the specific needs of the setting, involving staff meaningfully in self-evaluation, and ensuring improvement targets are clearly linked to outcomes for children. Monitoring and supervision should be used more effectively to drive improvements in children’s experiences. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: 'I benefit from a culture of continuous improvement, with the organisation having robust and transparent quality assurance processes' (HSCS 4.19); and 'I experience high quality care and support based on relevant evidence, guidance and best practice' (HSCS 4.11).

1. To enhance children’s learning experiences and outcomes, the provider should support staff to develop their skills in planning, tracking progress, and creating rich, engaging learning environments. This should include access to relevant training and opportunities for reflection to build confidence and consistency in practice. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: 'I have confidence in people because they are trained, competent and skilled, are able to reflect on their practice and follow their professional and organisational codes' (HSCS 3.14).

1. To support children’s creativity, engagement, and learning through play, the provider should improve the range and quality of resources available. This includes ensuring that children have access to a variety of stimulating, open-ended, and age-appropriate materials that promote curiosity, problem-solving, and imaginative play. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: 'As a child, I can direct my own play and activities in the way that I choose, and freely access a wide range of experiences and resources suitable for my age and stage, which stimulate my natural curiosity, learning and creativity' (HSCS 2.27); and 'As a child, my social and physical skills, confidence, self-esteem and creativity are developed through a balance of organised and freely chosen extended play, including using open-ended and natural materials' (HSCS 1.31).