Alpha Steps Nursery

Alpha Steps Nursery 89 Vallentin Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 3JJ

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 19 July 2017 10 August 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

 Staff teach children well overall and establish good relationships with parents to support children's learning. For instance, staff regularly share important information about their child's progress. Parents are invited to be part of the parents' forum, as their views are valued by staff. Parents speak highly of staff, especially about their warm relationships with children.  The provider monitors children's progress effectively, to identify any gaps in their development. Children make good progress from their starting points.  The management team monitors and improves the quality of the provision, through effective self-evaluation. There has been significant progress since the last inspection. For example, the premises has been improved, and staff now observe and assess children's progress. Changes to the management team and staff have had a positive impact on outcomes for children.  Staff establish affectionate, caring relationships with children. Children are happy to

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This provision is good

attend and show happiness toward staff. Children are secure and independent.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Although the new manager has begun to support staff well in their professional development, at times this is inconsistent in further improving the good teaching in place.  At times, staff miss opportunities when they happen, to really challenge children's mathematical skills, such as addition and subtraction, to increase their learning 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

 develop the systems used to support staff to improve their teaching skills further, to take teaching to a higher level  extend opportunities to encourage children to develop their understanding of mathematics.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector talked with parents, the provider, staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector observed the staff's interactions during activities indoors and outdoors and looked at a range of resources and equipment.  The inspector sampled a range of documentation, including children's details, learning records, insurance and other relevant documentation.  The inspector undertook a joint observation with the provider.  The inspector had discussions with the provider about policies and procedures, and methods of assessing and planning for children's progress. The inspector also discussed how staff work with parents and other providers.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff know the signs that may alert them to identify children at risk of harm and they know how to follow reporting procedures. The provider understands the procedure to follow if an allegation is made against a staff member. The provider knows to notify Ofsted of any changes. The provider carries out suitability checks on staff to ensure their ongoing suitability. Staff carry out daily risk assessments. They check the premises, including fire safety equipment, for any safety concerns and to help keep children safe. Staff are well deployed, children are effectively supervised and adult-to-child ratios maintained. The manager uses supervision and support to help staff improve their skills well overall. For example, she discusses any concerns they may have and how to better support children. The provider knows to respond to any complaints that she receives.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff carry out checks on children's progress and put plans in place for their future learning. Staff support children's physical development well. For example, younger children eagerly take objects out of a box and explore each item with curiosity. They select their favourite books, give them to adults to read and turn the pages. Younger children move rapidly across the playroom, eagerly grabbing toys of interest to them. They enjoy using wheeled toys and running outside. Older children climb and kick balls, showing their skills in kicking the ball behind them. Staff encourage children to engage in pretend play. For example, in the 'kitchen' they use play food and pots and pans. Staff support children's creativity well. For instance, children show interest in the texture of things such as rice, pasta and gel, all mixed together.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff understand their roles and responsibilities as key persons. For example, they ensure children's individual needs are met well. Staff manage children's behaviour well. Children are well behaved, they share and take turns. Staff support children's understanding of healthy lifestyles well. For instance, children enjoy nutritious meals. Staff maintain hygiene of the premises to help ensure children's well-being and good health.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are well prepared for their next stages in learning, including school. For example, younger children enjoy playing with small-world models, such as the toy garage. Older children link sounds to letters and recite the alphabet. Children select pictures of different emotions that they may experience. They talk about why they feel this way with their friends and staff. Children manage their personal needs, and can express themselves through their good language skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY376104 Local authority Waltham Forest Inspection number 1067958 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 50 Number of children on roll 16 Name of registered person Alpha Steps Nursery School Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 10 August 2016 Telephone number 02085098838

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reference number

Alpha Steps Nursery registered in 2008. The nursery is open each weekday from 7.30am to 6.30pm, all year round. There are eight members of staff, including the manager, who work directly with the children. Of whom, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 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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