Headstart Nursery

Headstart Nursery Darenth Lane, SOUTH OCKENDON, Essex, RM15 5LY

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 20 January 2017 21 April 2016

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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 management team has made significant improvements since the last inspection. The managers are constantly evaluating the provision to make further improvements. They welcome support and advice from local authority advisers.  Children make good progress in this friendly and welcoming nursery. Staff offer children a wide range of activities which interests, motivates and challenges them. They have a very good understanding of how to promote children's learning through play.  The outdoor environment has been imaginatively developed to include all areas of learning. It effectively supports children who learn best outside. They freely explore, investigate the natural world and have many opportunities to develop their physical skills.  Children who have special educational needs and children who speak English as an additional language are supported well. Staff attend regular training and work closely

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This provision is good

with parents and other professionals to ensure children receive appropriate support and are fully included.  Parents speak very highly of the nursery. Staff develop strong partnerships with parents and keep them well informed of their children's progress. They also help parents to support their children's learning at home.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Opportunities for staff to share and model good practice across the team are not yet embedded to help raise the quality of teaching even further.

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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

 support staff in raising the quality of their teaching more swiftly to enable them to benefit from the knowledge and expertise among the team.

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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 with staff and children during the inspection.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the nursery manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the nursery managers. She looked at relevant documentation and 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.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff are confident in their understanding of local child protection procedures and what to do if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. Recent training has strengthened staff's understanding of the latest guidance on keeping children safe. Robust recruitment and vetting procedures are followed to ensure the suitability of staff working with children. New staff and apprentices receive a thorough induction and good support. The managers have a shared vision to ensure all children are provided with a safe, secure and stimulating environment. They oversee the educational programmes and check children's progress. Any gaps in children's learning are swiftly identified and targeted support is put in place. The views of parents are sought as part of the nursery's self-evaluation. Parents say that staff are caring, friendly and welcoming.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The staff team works very well together, providing a relaxed and innovative learning environment. They make good use of observations, assessment and planning to support children's next steps in learning and provide a good balance of activities. Sensory materials and resources are used imaginatively so that they can explore different textures and use their senses. For example, they excitedly play with ice and snow and talk about how it feels on their hands. Staff help to encourage children's language skills as they speak clearly to them and introduce new words as they play. Children enjoy playing games where they are introduced to numbers, colours and shapes. This also contributes to their understanding of mathematics.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children form close relationships with staff, who help them to feel happy, secure and ready to learn. Staff encourage children's independence skills from an early age. For example, toddlers are encouraged to put on their own coats. Older children serve their meals and manage their own personal hygiene routines. Children are well behaved and they quickly learn the nursery rules and codes of behaviour that help to keep them safe. Staff plan activities that support children's awareness of their own safety. For example, they share stories that help to teach children the basics about internet safety. Children learn about festivals celebrated by others, which contributes to their growing understanding of diversity. Staff encourage parents to share their cultures and customs with the children.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the nursery. They develop well from their starting points and those that require additional help make good progress. Staff plan a wide variety of interesting activities. Children are keen learners and have a positive attitude to learning. They are willing to have a go, persevere with tasks and they show pride in their achievements. Staff encourage children to listen, understand and become confident talkers. Children gain useful skills for future learning, including their eventual move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY494201 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 1050402 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 1 - 4 Total number of places 43 Number of children on roll 55 Name of registered person Headstart Partnership

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 21 April 2016 Telephone number 07811830713

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reference number

Headstart Nursery was registered in 2015 and is one of three settings operated by Headstart Partnership. The nursery employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, nine hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 7pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. It supports children who speak English as an additional language and children who have special educational needs or disabilities.

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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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