Positive Steps Nursery

Positive Steps Nursery East Durham College, Willerby Grove, PETERLEE, County Durham, SR8 2RN

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Inspection dates

Previous inspection date 16 November 2016 - 1 August 2016 25 March 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

 The management and staff show a commitment to achieving high standards of care. They are reflective and have strategies in place to further improve the nursery provision and service for families, which will directly benefit children.  Staff make good use of the outdoor and indoor play areas and resources, in order to extend children's learning effectively. Children explore, investigate and use their imagination. They behave well and demonstrate their enjoyment by eagerly taking part in activities.  The quality of teaching is good. Staff know their children well and regularly observe them during their play. They listen closely to the children's comments and build on what they are interested in. Children take part in interesting and stimulating activities that help them to make good progress in their learning.  The key-person system is effective. Children form strong bonds and attachments to staff. They demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the nursery.

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This provision is good

 Staff work in close partnership with parents, as well as other professionals and relevant agencies. They ensure a joined-up approach in supporting children and provide well- targeted support to help children catch up.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Some elements of the routine are less thoughtfully planned to avoid disruptions to children's play and learning.  Occasionally, the progress check for children aged between two and three years does not contain sufficient detail.

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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

 review daily routines and consider ways to minimise disruption to children's play and learning  provide more detailed information about children's learning and development when completing the progress check for children aged between two and three years.

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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 nursery manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the nursery manager and provider. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the nursery's self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.  The inspector spoke to some parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Robust vetting procedures ensure that all staff members are suitable for their role. Staff demonstrate a vigilant approach to safeguarding. They complete robust training and know their role and responsibility to forward their concerns. The management carries out in-depth self-evaluation which takes into consideration staff's and parents' views. It identifies clear objectives that improve the outcomes for children further. Staff's professional development is effectively supported. The well-qualified staff team demonstrates a good understanding of early years issues and shows a commitment to extending their knowledge further. Staff work very closely with other professionals to effectively support children and their families.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff plan and provide a wide range of exciting activities that follows children's interests. They skilfully observe children as they play and make accurate assessments that highlight what children need to learn next. This informs planning well and successfully meets the needs of each child. Staff interact well with children. They give them enough time to think and act on their suggestions, to extend their communication and language skills. Babies explore and investigate sensory materials and enjoy looking at books. Older children join in favourite stories and confidently describe the characters to other adults. Parents feel well informed about their children's learning and development. They say that they are really pleased with the good progress their children have made since they joined the nursery.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff skilfully support children's personal, social and emotional well-being. They help children learn to share toys, take turns and to be kind and considerate to others. Staff talk to children about the importance of personal hygiene and healthy eating. Children know how eating vegetables and fruit and drinking water and milk are good for them. Children's independence is effectively supported from an early age. They choose their own snack, pour their own drinks and learn to tidy up resources. Children engage well in outdoor activities. For example, they re-enact favourite stories outside and enjoy music activities in the playhouse. Children ride wheeled toys around the paths and enjoy using ribbons to make shapes and circles. Children explore natural materials and build using wooden logs. Staff undertake regular and thorough checks on the premises and resources to minimise risks. They give clear guidance to children about how to keep themselves and others safe.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children, including those who receive additional funding, are making good progress. Younger children enjoy circle-time activities where they talk about their families. Older children recognise colours and numbers in the environment. They know some letters and sounds and recognise their written names. Children enjoy reading books and acting out the stories. They are well prepared for the next stage of their learning and staff successfully support children to be ready for the move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY376425 Local authority Durham Inspection number 1060942 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 - 4 Total number of places 58 Number of children on roll 70 Name of registered person East Durham College

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 25 March 2014 Telephone number 01915185540

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reference number

Positive Steps Nursery was registered in 2008. The nursery employs 13 members of childcare staff. All hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including one with early years professional status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Thursday and 7.30am until 5.30pm Friday. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children.

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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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