Little Steps at St Georges School

Little Steps at St Georges School 28-30 Priory Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 4HR

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 2 June 2016 29 January 2016

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The owner and manager have introduced extensive plans for addressing weak areas of practice identified at the previous inspection. Staff are motivated to continue raise the quality of the nursery.  Activities are varied and interesting for children. Staff use effective questioning and show confidence in standing back and allowing children to explore at their own pace.  Children learn about themselves and others. Sensitive ways are used to help children to learn about disabilities. Older children meet guide dogs as a starting point for discussion about visual difficulties.  Children learn to be independent and confident at the nursery. Staff work hard to help babies to settle and are attentive and caring towards them. In the holiday club, older children express their ideas, views and opinions. Younger children are starting to develop the same confidence as they make choices and voice what they like and

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The nursery is changing their ways of observing and assessing children's development. Although they have improved the quality of assessment considerably, at times, some assessments of children's next steps in learning lack precision.  On occasions, staff rely on expected patterns of development for planning activities rather than providing children with the optimum challenge relevant to their actual abilities.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 increase the precision of children's next steps in learning by using assessments to focus in on what will help them to make the best progress  enhance the learning opportunities for children so they experience even more challenge and are able to show what they know and can do.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager, the safeguarding lead and the provider. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.  The inspector looked at feedback left by parents and invited them to share their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. All staff know their responsibilities in reporting any concerns about children's welfare. Contact numbers for the Local Safeguarding Children Board are displayed for staff to see. The nominated person for safeguarding children has an extensive knowledge of the correct procedures and referral processes. Staff now have effective supervision and support. There is a suitable induction plan so staff are aware of their responsibilities. The manager is highly competent and leads the staff team with enthusiasm. Her ability to reflect and review the provision has contributed to the rapid improvement of the nursery. The long standing, qualified staff are happy in their work and willing to take on new challenges. All staff complete a programme of professional development and training. Staff now take responsibility for areas of learning and are confident in using their newly acquired knowledge to improve the quality

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The consistently good standard of teaching across the nursery helps children to develop well. Children enjoy mixing and making potions in the mud kitchen. Babies brush different materials against their skin, enjoying the different sensations. Toddlers develop their physical skills well. They enjoy climbing up and down the stairs into the cosy book corner. Staff have improved their use of observations. They find differing ways to communicate with parents. Information about children's learning is shared with them via the nursery website and through daily discussions. The use of home learning bags has helped parents to continue children's learning at home.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children have good opportunities to play outdoors as part of their daily routine. They eat healthy snacks and meals and learn ways to be active and fit. Children know and follow the rules to help keep them safe. Additional methods, such as sand timers, help children who need extra support with their behaviour. The nursery is a calm but lively place where children get chances to explore and discover for themselves. They are increasing in their independence. Pre-school children wash their hands and find their placemat at mealtimes. Staff are responsive to the needs of babies. They encourage them to sleep when they are tired and support older children to decide how much they want to eat.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are now making good progress in their learning and development. They display high levels of self-esteem and form close relationships with the caring and affectionate staff. Babies express their needs and are accepting of the comfort that staff give them. Children show a good awareness of the sounds of letters. They express their knowledge through saying the names of staff and children that start with different letters of the alphabet. Children are expressive and talk with confidence. They are developing the skills that they need in readiness for moving on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY297718 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 1039766 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 9 Total number of places 70 Number of children on roll 45 Name of registered person Patricia Rosemary Beverley Plater

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 29 January 2016 Telephone number 01582 661 471

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reference number

Little Steps at St Georges School was registered in 2005. The nursery employs 14 members of childcare staff. Of these, nine hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6.30pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. During school holidays it also offers a holiday club for older children from 8am until 6.30pm.

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reference number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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reference number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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reference number

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reference number

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reference number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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