Acorn Day Nursery

Acorn Day Nursery 25 Wessex Place, Somerton Business Park, Bancombe Road, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 6SB

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 24 August 2017 10 July 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 team reflects critically on practice and accurately identifies areas to improve. The team has a keen drive to push improvements forward, and places children at the heart of everything it does.  Staff use their observations of children's play well to plan activities that focus on their individual next steps in their learning and development. Children receive effective support and enjoy the range of challenging activities.  Children are happy, settled and quickly engage in their chosen activities. They make independent choices in their play. Children seek out their friends and staff to join in their play.  The very good and secure key-person system helps to ensure all children are emotionally well prepared to learn. In particular, those children who are preparing for their move on to school.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The manager and staff do not use their accurate assessments to help them fully evaluate how well different groups of children learn, to precisely target any potential gaps or patterns in learning.  Although staff share detailed information with parents about what their children learn and can do at the nursery, they do not consistently engage all parents successfully to share what their children achieve at home.

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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

 strengthen systems of monitoring children's achievements, to help identify how well different groups of children make progress, to close any gaps promptly  involve parents more in their children's learning, to share their children's achievements at home, to better inform the planning and consistency in children's experiences.

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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 had a tour of the premises and spoke with staff and children during the inspection.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the nursery manager and deputy manager. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff.  The inspector took account of the views of parents.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The manager and staff have a secure understanding of child protection. They know what procedures they must follow should they have a concern about a child. Staff complete effective risk assessments and carry out regular evacuation procedures, which helps them to promote children's safety. They deploy themselves effectively to ensure children are safe and they meet children's individual needs very well. The manager mentors and supports staff effectively in their professional development. Staff attend training that is carefully targeted to give them ideas on how to support children further. For example, staff have acquired a range of skills which enables them to identify and support children to develop their speaking skills. Reflective practice considers all aspects of the nursery, successfully recognising its strengths and areas for improvement.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The well-qualified staff team knows the children very well. Staff plan exciting activities that challenge and motivate children in their play and learning. Staff interact very well with children and are very enthusiastic in their teaching. They use varied vocabulary and effective questioning to extend children's thoughts and ideas. Children have plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. They develop their physical skills, for example, by riding tricycles and kicking balls. Staff arrange outings to help children learn about the local community and enhance their understanding of the world.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children thrive from the individual attention they receive from staff. They show they are happy and feel included in this welcoming nursery. Children benefit from effective settling- in arrangements, including a robust key-person system. Staff build very supportive relationships with children and their families. Children behave very well and are familiar with what staff expect of them, such as tidying up the toys before lunch. Staff are good role models for children. They offer praise and encouragement to raise children's good self-esteem. Meals provided for children are varied, nutritious, and take into consideration individual dietary requirements. This helps children become aware of the importance of a healthy diet.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress from their starting points. They are working comfortably within the range of development typical for their age. Babies develop good early communication and language skills as staff read stories and sing songs. Toddlers enjoy sensory experiences, such as exploring sand and foam, and have many opportunities to develop their imaginations. Older children show good concentration and listening skills. They develop their early writing skills, and count confidently to 10 and beyond. They are independent and confidently manage their own personal care routines. Children are very well prepared for the next stage in their learning and for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY345531 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 1070849 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 4 Total number of places 41 Number of children on roll 94 Name of registered person Katryn Bennett

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 10 July 2014 Telephone number 01458 273705

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reference number

Acorn Day Nursery registered at the current premises in Somerton, Somerset in 2006. The nursery employs 15 members of staff, all of whom hold early years qualifications at level 2 or above. This includes one member of staff who holds early years professional status. The nursery is open every weekday from 8am to 6pm for 50 weeks of the year. The nursery receives funding to provide free early years education for children aged two, three and four years.

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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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