Foundation for Learning

Foundation for Learning Ramsbottom Nursery, 1 Factory Street, Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire, BL0 9BT

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 2 August 2016 6 November 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

 The manager, with the support of staff, parents and the local authority, has driven improvements with great determination since the last inspection. Self-evaluation is embedded in practice and effectively demonstrates how continual improvements are being made. Previous actions and recommendations have been fully addressed.  Staff have established effective partnerships with parents. They continually involve parents in their child's learning and keep them informed about the progress they make. Children benefit from the consistent approach to having their learning needs met.  Staff have created an environment that is calm, purposeful and inspires children's creativity. Children have good opportunities to use natural objects and open-ended resources, such as sticks, crates, mud and sand, to explore using their senses. Children actively engage in activities and make good progress in their learning.

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This provision is good

 Staff are calm and responsive to the needs of children. They help children to understand suitable boundaries and they respond well to gentle reminders. Children play well together and show kindness to their friends.  Staff promote children's communication and language development very well as they introduce key words, provide a running commentary and repeat back what children say.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff are not fully encouraged to use all available opportunities to learn from each other and share their expertise, knowledge and skills.  There are few opportunities for younger children to pursue their interests and to experiment with and explore different types of technological resources.

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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

 extend existing arrangements for monitoring practice in order to help staff learn from each other and enhance their practice further  provide greater opportunities for younger children to pursue their interests and explore different types of technological resources.

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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 and local authority adviser. She looked at relevant documentation, such as policies and procedures and the self-evaluation, and checked evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.  The inspector took account of the views of parents as recorded in children's learning records, written parental questionnaires, cards and letters.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The manager and staff have attended safeguarding training and know what to do if they have a concern about a child's welfare. Documentation, policies and procedures required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are well maintained and implemented. Procedures for recruitment, vetting and induction are thorough and help ensure that all those who come into contact with children are suitable. Comprehensive risk assessments and daily opening and closing checklists help to ensure that any potential hazards are identified and thoroughly assessed. This helps to keep children safe from harm. Overall, the manager has embedded successful supervision, monitoring and professional development arrangements that help staff to build on their good practice.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff are well qualified and the quality of their teaching is good. Planned activities are focused on children's unique learning needs and interests. Younger children enjoy watching staff blow bubbles and eagerly try to catch and touch them. They show amazement when they are able to blow bubbles for themselves. Older children develop good speaking and listening skills during fun and interactive story times. For example, staff plan what's in the box activities that are focused on helping children to share their ideas and make predictions based on clues they uncover in the garden. Children's mathematical and literacy development are continually promoted throughout the nursery. For example, outdoors they skilfully use various sized sticks to make marks and talk with staff about the designs they have created. Throughout the activity, staff encourage children to concentrate on counting and comparing the size of worms they uncover.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

A well established key-person system has helped all children, including the youngest babies, to establish secure, trusting and warm relationships with staff. During home visits, staff get to know children and their family very well before they start. This helps children to settle quickly at the nursery and they are happy, motivated and eager to learn. Staff arrange settling-in visits for the children in their new rooms and all relevant information is shared with staff. Staff support children well in understanding the importance of having a healthy and active lifestyle. Children enjoy nutritious meals that help them to make healthy choices. They enjoy opportunities to play outdoors and take part in regular outings within the community. This helps to develop their understanding of the wider community and the natural world, and provides them with fresh air and exercise.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make consistently good progress from their differing starting points. Staff effectively track and analyse children's progress and provide tailored support which helps to close any gaps in learning for individual and groups of children. Children develop their independence well throughout the daily routine. They enjoy taking on the responsibility of carrying out small tasks appropriate for their age. All children acquire the key skills they need for their next stages in learning, including school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 316763 Local authority Bury Inspection number 1032582 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 0 - 11 Total number of places 79 Number of children on roll 38 Name of registered person The Foundations for Learning Partnership Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 6 November 2015 Telephone number 01706 828 283

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reference number

Foundation for Learning was registered in 2001. The nursery employs seven members of childcare staff, including the manager. Of these, six hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The manager has early years professional status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. The nursery also provides before- and after-school care, as well as a holiday club.

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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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