Witham Valley Nursery

Witham Valley Nursery Guithavon Valley Evangelical Church, Guithavon Valley, Witham, Essex, CM8 1HF

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 23 November 2016 Not applicable

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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 team demonstrate a strong commitment to driving the quality of the nursery forward. Since registration at their new premises, all involved in the nursery have worked hard to bring about improvements to benefit children.  Children are independent and curious learners. They make consistently good progress as they explore a stimulating and challenging array of play experiences. Children delight in accessing the richly resourced outdoor environment which was recently extended to enhance their learning and development.  The key-person system is particularly effective in supporting the emotional needs of the youngest children as they settle in quickly and develop a strong sense of belonging.  All staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. They successfully model positive relationships and promote consistent guidance about right and wrong. Children demonstrate great respect and concern for the feelings of their friends.

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This provision is good

 Staff work in close partnership with parents and outside professionals. They make full use of their expertise to plan and provide support which is precisely tailored to the needs of children who have special educational needs or disabilities.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Although the management team has introduced a system to monitor more closely the progress that different groups of children are making, this is not yet fully embedded; therefore, children do not always make the best possible progress.  Staff do not always make the most of opportunities to encourage children to explore the uses of a wider range of technology.

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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

 focus more acutely on monitoring the progress of different groups of children, in order to raise the attainment of all children to the highest level  enhance opportunities for children to explore the different uses of information and communication technology.

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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 spoke to staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager and looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.  The inspector spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views expressed in written questionnaires.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff have a robust understanding of their roles and responsibilities to protect children from harm. They create regular opportunities to refresh their knowledge of safeguarding issues, including the procedures for reporting concerns about a child. Staff are keen to attend training to enhance their individual skills and performance. This has a particularly significant impact on the support and intervention they provide for children who have special educational needs or disabilities. The managers have a very positive attitude to securing improvement and actively respond to the views of parents, children and staff. They take time to research good practice to enrich the provision for children. There are effective partnerships with schools. Information is exchanged with the teachers about children's progress to support their smooth transition into school.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff confidently use observation and assessments to monitor the progress of individual children. They get to know the children well and skilfully identify the most appropriate next steps in each child's learning. Children's communication and language skills are effectively promoted. Children who speak English as an additional language develop a good understanding of English. Staff use simple instructions, symbols and gestures to make conversations more meaningful to children. Pre-school children radiate confidence as they stand up to speak to the whole group about their experiences at home. Younger children are inquisitive and extend their imaginative ideas with enthusiasm. They spend considerable time exploring real-life kitchen equipment and describe how they are mixing spices into dough. Children enjoy weekly opportunities for dance and football activities. Staff encourage them to enhance their physical strength, balance skills and control.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff consistently encourage children of all ages to do things for themselves and make them feel proud for having a go. Children's behaviour is highly positive. They thrive on the consistent boundaries reinforced by the staff and listen well during group activities. Communication between each child's key person and parents is very effective. During initial home visits, staff gather information about each child's starting points and routines. They use these details to plan activities that capture children's interest from the beginning. Parents speak highly of the nursery. They appreciate the updates they receive and value the opportunity to make books about their family for their child to share at nursery. Children benefit from energetic play and time spent outdoors in the fresh air.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children, including those who receive funded early education, make consistently good progress from their starting points. Their confidence grows quickly and they eagerly share their discoveries with others. Pre-school children develop the skills they need in readiness for school and their future learning. They develop a particularly strong appreciation of books and develop strong skills in early reading.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY481449 Local authority Essex Inspection number 987987 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 47 Name of registered person Witham Valley Nursery

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reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 07761 818409 or 07842 275458

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reference number

Witham Valley Nursery was registered in 2014. The nursery employs 11 members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 9.30am until 2.30pm. 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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