Stepping Stones Day Nursery

Little Acorns Day Nursery c/o ASDA Distribution Centre, Staithes Road, Pattison Industrial Estate, District 8, Tyne and Wear, NE38 8NW

p.1

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 11 April 2017 2 March 2015

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

p.1

This provision is good

 The dedicated manager and her staff team have worked hard since the previous inspection and have addressed the recommendations raised. They use highly detailed self-evaluation procedures that include the views of parents, staff and children. This helps to review the quality of practice and identify any gaps in provision.  Children behave very well. Staff use positive reinforcement and effective behaviour management strategies. Staff have introduced a thinking tree and relaxation resources for children to use. This helps children to manage their own feelings and behaviour.  Partnerships with parents are a key strength of this nursery. Staff invite parents to attend stay and play sessions. Children take home learning bags that include a wide range of resources. Staff work very closely with parents to provide a consistent approach to children's individual needs.  Children demonstrate good social skills and work together to invent their own games.

p.1

This provision is good

For example, during outdoor play children add mud and grass into pots and pans and pretend to make dinner for each other.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 The manager does not precisely analyse progress made by different groups of children to target teaching as well as possible.  Occasionally, staff do not provide children with enough opportunities to extend their thinking and problem-solving skills to the highest level.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

 enhance existing monitoring systems and review the progress made by different groups of children, to identify and target further gaps in learning  build on the already good teaching strategies and encourage children to develop their thinking and problem-solving skills even further.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning.  The inspector spoke with staff, children and parents during the inspection, and took account of their views.  The inspector completed a tour of the premises.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager, looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff make good use of detailed policies and demonstrate a thorough understanding of local safeguarding procedures. They are aware of the steps to follow should they be concerned about the welfare of a child. The manager reviews accident and incident records routinely to identify and address any potential risks in the environment. She completes supervision sessions and practice observations that help her to identify any training needs, and review the quality of practice. Staff have developed the outdoor area, following recent training, to reflect the individual interests of children. They work closely with teachers and provide parents with information about school. This helps to encourage children to prepare for school.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The well-qualified staff use their knowledge of how children learn to plan challenging activities for children. They complete detailed observations that clearly outline what children need to learn next. Staff provide a highly stimulating environment with a wide range of activities for children to choose from. Children listen attentively to stories and join in with familiar action songs. This helps to develop their communication skills. Young babies are encouraged to develop their creative skills particularly well. They thrive on new experiences, including exploring the textures of paint. Staff promote children's mathematical development particularly well. For example, they encourage children to count bubbles as they chase them in the garden and look for shapes in the environment.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children are well settled and demonstrate close attachments to their key persons. Staff are very nurturing and provide a welcoming environment for children and their families. Older children move their bodies in various ways and join in with exercise games, during outdoor play. This helps to develop their physical skills. Staff provide healthy and nutritious food during mealtimes. Children's individual dietary needs are very well considered. Staff develop children's understanding about healthy lifestyles. For example, they talk to children before lunchtime about where food comes from. Children are encouraged to follow good hygiene practices.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

All children, including those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress from when they first start attending the provision. They are confident learners. Children demonstrate eagerness when completing small tasks. They help to set the table for lunch and hand out cutlery and utensils to each other. Children make marks using paintbrushes and water during outdoor play. This helps to develop their literacy skills. Children are equipped with the key skills needed for their future learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 318602 Local authority Sunderland Inspection number 1090882 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 - 5 Total number of places 98 Number of children on roll 111 Name of registered person Little Acorns Nurseries Limited

p.4

reference number

Date of previous inspection 2 March 2015 Telephone number 01138 268376

p.4

reference number

Little Acorns Day Nursery was registered in 1998. The nursery employs 15 members of childcare staff. Of these, 15 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

reference number

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

reference number

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our website for news, information and updates at www.ofsted.gov.uk/user.

p.5

reference number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

p.5