The Rocking Horse Nursery

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD Telephone: 0300 123 1231 Fax: 0300 123 3159 Minicom: 0161 618 8524 Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk Web: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Rocking Horse Day Nursery 81 Heanor Road Ilkeston Derbyshire DE7 8DY Our Reference 206286

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Monitoring for provision judged as inadequate

An Ofsted inspector, Alex Brouder, monitored your provision on 29/04/2014 following your inspection where the provision was judged to be inadequate.

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Outcome of monitoring

As a result of our inspection on 03/02/2014, we sent you a notice to improve. The actions you were set are included at the end of this letter.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that the management team has devised a clear action plan detailing the improvements you have taken and are continuing to make to the actions and weaknesses identified and raised at the last inspection. The management team has scrutinised the previous inspection report and highlighted the strengths and weaknesses within the report and noted how these were raised, enabling them to support all staff in improving practice in these areas. The setting's action plan is a working document which is used with staff to drive and secure improvements. The management team is proactively working with staff and the local authority to ensure continuous improvements are made in all areas.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that staff ensure that children's stage of development is taken into account when planning support for them to promote their learning. They discuss how they use children's starting points on entry to the setting to plan effective and worthwhile play opportunities that reflect their skills and abilities. Staff state that observations are completed of children during their play which are assessed and used to identify children's next steps for their learning. The inspector observed toddlers engaging in a range of activities, with staff using some good teaching strategies to promote children's learning. The deputy explained how she works within the toddler room to help, support and monitor staff in the delivery of the educational programmes to ensure that children are engaged in worthwhile play activities and are offered appropriate support to promote their learning.

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Outcome of monitoring

Staff explain how gradual settling in procedures are offered to children attending the Our Reference 206286

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Outcome of monitoring

toddler room. Parents are invited to bring their children for visits in which observations are completed on their children to enable staff to begin to build a picture of children's likes and interests. In addition, parents are asked to share all they can on their child's care and learning. All this information is collated and used to plan and tailor the environment to reflect children's individual needs, which helps them to become familiar with the setting and feel comfortable and secure. Staff explain how this process is managed when supporting children who move from the baby room to the toddler room. Again, they discuss gradual visits, with the child's key person, who shares information acquired from their time in the baby room on their likes and interests, helping to promote a smooth transition.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that the management team has adapted, discussed and reiterated the setting's appropriate behaviour management strategies with staff and that all staff have attended in-house training to ensure this is reflected throughout the setting. The manager and her deputy conduct regular peer observations on staff, monitoring how they manage children's behaviour. They offer regular guidance and support as staff are reminded to explain to children why their behaviour is acceptable or not, which supports them to develop an understanding of the difference between right from wrong. The inspector observed staff within the toddler room and pre- school room offering appropriate and consistent methods when managing children's behaviour as well as giving regular praise and encouragement. This encourages and promotes children's good behaviour.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and take into account any advice or support from the special educational needs coordinator. They explain how they are made aware of children's individual needs and any specific care plan and use what they know to plan appropriately for their needs. Staff explain how systems are used to ensure children's needs are known before they begin at the setting to enable them to plan appropriately for their needs. They explain that should they have concerns about a child that they seek the support from the special educational needs coordinator to help them to plan appropriately for the child's individual needs. The special educational needs coordinator for the setting explains how partnership working is established with parents and outside agencies to enable them to support every child. The management team explain how information is shared with every member of staff

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Outcome of monitoring

regarding the needs of children at the setting to enable consistent and effective practice to be followed.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector observed that staff were deployed effectively to meet the needs of children within the toddler room and that routines are established to allow children to finish their play and to have ample time to move from one activity to another. The inspector observed toddlers outdoors being informed that it would soon be time for their lunch. This allowed children to have time to finish their activity and to know and understand what was going to happen next. The deputy described how this is further supported through the use of a visual timetable, allowing children to see the order of the day. These systems help to promote children's enjoyment and help them to know and understand the routines of the setting, supporting their security and sense of Our Reference 206286

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Outcome of monitoring

The management team described how staff within the toddler room, along with all staff, are provided with many opportunities to build on their skills and abilities, through training opportunities both in-house and externally. They explained that monthly supervision is offered to every member of staff to enhance and extend their skills and abilities. The deputy explained how she has taken on an active role within the toddler room to enable her to coach and support staff to be confident in their roles and responsibilities. Staff explained how well supported they feel and that the management team offer regular opportunities for training and supervision to enable them to continually improve their practice and to discuss any concerns they may have to effectively support children's routines and promote their learning and development.

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Outcome of monitoring

Having considered all the evidence, the inspector is of the opinion that the setting has taken prompt and effective action to address the points for improvement.

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Next steps

The next step will be a full inspection.

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Next steps

I hope that you have found the visit helpful in promoting improvement in your setting. If you have any further queries please contact us on the number at the top of this letter.

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Next steps

Nick Hudson National Director, Early Education Our Reference 206286

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure that children's stage of development is taken into account when planning support for them to promote their learning 17/03/2014 29/04/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure that appropriate support is established to help children within the toddler room to become familiar with the setting and feel comfortable and secure 17/02/2014 29/04/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

implement effective behaviour management methods with children in the toddler room, to support their understanding of right and wrong and the expectations 17/02/2014 29/04/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities meets the individual needs of those children, and takes into account any advice or support from the special educational needs coordinator 17/02/2014 29/04/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

review the organisation of staff in the toddler room to provide suitable support to meet children's needs, and promote their enjoyment during the transition between activities 17/02/2014 29/04/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

improve the organisation of the space so that it consistently meets the needs of the children, promotes their enjoyment and gives sufficient space for free movement 17/02/2014 29/04/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure that children's behaviour is managed in a suitable manner (compulsory part of the Childcare Register) 17/02/2014 29/04/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure that the supervision of staff in the toddler room provides effective support and coaching, so that they are confident in their roles and responsibilities, and able to effectively support children's routines and promote their learning and development. 17/02/2014 29/04/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure that children's behaviour is 17/02/2014 29/04/2014 Our Reference 206286

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Action Due date Closed date

managed in a suitable manner (voluntary part of the Childcare Register).

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