Stepping Stones Day Nursery (Bolton Ltd)

Stepping Stones Day Nursery (Bolton Ltd) Methodist Church, Chorley Old Road, Bolton, Lancashire, BL1 6AH

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 20 July 2016 9 October 2015

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires Improvement

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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

 Since the last inspection, the managers and staff have made significant improvements and implemented considerable changes as they have evaluated the nursery. These changes have improved the quality of teaching, resulting in good outcomes for children.  The quality of teaching is good and some aspects are outstanding. Staff use their qualifications, knowledge and skills well to plan purposeful, exciting activities that reflect children's stage of development and interests.  Staff help children to lead a healthy lifestyle. Children have many opportunities to be physically active and develop their skills in a well-resourced outdoor area. Staff encourage children to eat healthily. They support children to learn about people from other communities and respect other beliefs and cultures.  Parents receive accurate information about their child's progress and development. They talk regularly to the staff. Parents share what their child has been learning at

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This provision is good

home and gain advice from staff, in order to extend this learning further.  The staff has established effective partnerships with local schools. Information is shared about children's care and learning needs. This process supports children during times of change and prepares them for the next stage of learning.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Evaluations of staff's practice are not yet precise enough to fully identify how to support them in strengthening their already good teaching skills.

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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

 enhance the quality of observations of staff's practice and further develop their teaching skills so that all children consistently benefit from exemplary teaching and learning experiences.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching, both indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector spoke to the managers, room leaders, staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as children's learning journeys and planning.  The inspector looked at policies and procedures and checked evidence of staff qualifications and suitability.  The inspector took into account the views of the parents during the inspection.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The environment is risk assessed and daily checks help to ensure it is clean, safe and secure. Managers and staff understand current safeguarding legislation and child protection issues. They know what to do should they have any concerns about a child's welfare. This helps to ensure that children remain safe. Overall, staff benefit from regular supervision sessions and are encouraged to attend training. For example, two members of staff have just completed foundation degrees in Early Childhood Studies. This has a positive impact on the quality of teaching and learning. Managers and staff track individual and groups of children to identify any gaps in learning. For example, children who speak English as an additional language receive extra support in developing their communication skills. They attend sessions provided by a speech therapist.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children experience a rich learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, which engages them and motivates them to learn. Staff are skilful and adapt activities to meet the needs and interests of all children who attend. Staff are enthusiastic and join in with children's play. They follow children's ideas to help them to enhance their own imaginative skills. For example, the children build a bridge with wooden blocks, boxes and guttering, then change it into a rainbow. Physical development is promoted well and the children scrub their bicycles and scooters with long-handled brushes. Staff engage in meaningful conversations with children, modelling language and extending their vocabulary. Staff incorporate numbers and counting into activities and promote children's early mathematical skills very well. For example, children roll dough into pieces and count the cakes they have made.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The key-person system is robust. Staff act as good role models and provide calm, consistent reassurance and support. Children develop their personal independence. For example, they select their own water bottles and apply sun cream when playing outdoors. Mealtimes are a social occasion and children enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet. Children learn how to share and follow the nursery rules about 'walking feet, good listening ears and looking eyes'. Good information sharing between staff, parents and external agencies ensures all children receive continuity of care in their physical and emotional needs.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress from their starting points. This includes children in receipt of additional funding and those who speak English as an additional language. Children are confident and motivated to learn. They behave well and are happy and settled. This helps children to develop the skills and knowledge they require in readiness for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 315937 Local authority Bolton Inspection number 1030649 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 0 - 5 Total number of places 60 Number of children on roll 78 Name of registered person Stepping Stones Day Nursery (Bolton Ltd)

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 9 October 2015 Telephone number 01204843604

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reference number

Stepping Stones Day Nursery (Bolton Ltd) was registered in 1996. The nursery is situated close to the town centre of Bolton, Lancashire. The nursery is open all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with the exception of public holidays. The nursery employs 22 members of staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children. The setting supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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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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