Acre Wood Nursery School

Acre Wood Nursery School Flint House, 197-199 Woodside Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 6NU

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 15 August 2016 30 May 2014

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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

 Staff make accurate and consistent assessments of children's progress and take into account what parents know about their children. Staff actively involve parents in continuing learning at home and share relevant information with them.  Children make good progress in their learning. They concentrate well and develop strong listening skills.  Children form strong emotional bonds with staff. They are confident, happy and ready to learn.  Children learn to value and respect people who are different from themselves. They develop a strong understanding of what is acceptable behaviour. Children know the rules of the setting and show good social skills.  Staff form effective partnerships with agencies and other professionals. They work closely together to provide consistent care and support for children.  Leaders and staff monitor children's progress well to narrow any gaps in learning. They evaluate the provision and make changes to improve children's experiences.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not fully extend ways to build on children's problem-solving skills and develop their mathematical understanding fully.  Occasionally, staff miss opportunities to encourage younger children to manage everyday routines and tasks for themselves so they learn to become even more independent.

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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 opportunities for children to learn to problem solve and develop their mathematical skills further  review the organisation of some daily routines, to support younger children fully to manage daily tasks for themselves.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children's activities indoors and in the outdoor area.  The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day of the inspection.  The inspector held meetings with the deputy manager and the registered person.  The inspector sampled children's planning, learning records and other relevant documentation, including policies and procedures for the setting.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the deputy manager.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff keep their safeguarding training up to date. They have a good understanding of how to deal with any child protection concerns. Staff are suitably qualified in paediatric first-aid and have a good understanding of how to deal with any accidents. They organise themselves well and maintain required ratios, while supervising children closely. Leaders ensure all required documentation is up to date, including risk assessment processes. For example, staff carry out daily checks for every room, including outdoors. The manager implements thorough recruitment procedures to ensure staff are suitable. She supports staff development effectively. For example, she carries out observations of staff practice to help improve their teaching. Staff regularly seek opportunities to develop their professional knowledge and skills, such as through further training, which positively benefits children's daily learning and care experiences.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff provide a wide selection of resources and activities that are challenging and stimulating. They tailor activities to reflect children's current interests and meet individual learning needs. In the main, staff interact effectively with children to extend their learning and develop their play. For example, staff ask questions and repeat words to help children to develop strong communication skills. Staff join in well with children's play. For example, during the inspection, children decided to make a popcorn machine in the sand pit and staff skilfully encouraged them to think about how to make it, while exploring with them what materials to use. Staff consistently praise children for their ideas, which boosts their self-esteem. Staff support children's awareness of letters and sounds well and help them to develop strong early reading skills.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff create an inviting and friendly atmosphere where children and parents feel at ease. Staff are caring, kind and approachable. Babies readily cuddle up with staff for reassurance when they need it. Children show that they feel safe, secure and settled. Staff teach children to develop a good understanding of how to stay safe. They help children to develop a good awareness of healthy lifestyles. Children learn about their own safety effectively. For example, staff encourage them to keep their surroundings tidy, and remind them to be vigilant, such as during mealtimes to chew food properly.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are confident and make good friendships. They communicate effectively and confidently share their ideas. Children's concentration is good. They listen and follow instructions attentively, such as when climbing down holding onto the rail while using the stairs. Children develop the necessary skills well that they need in preparation for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY444351 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 1061071 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 0 - 4 Total number of places 61 Number of children on roll 98 Name of registered person Acre Wood Nursery School Ltd

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 30 May 2014 Telephone number 01494729007

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reference number

Acre Wood Nursery School registered in 2012. It is situated in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. The nursery opens on Monday to Friday and operates all year round. The provider employs 18 members of childcare staff, 12 of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2, 3 or above.

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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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