Small Steps Early Years Centre

Small Steps Early Years Centre 108 Banks Road, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 0RE

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 16 February 2018 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

 Leaders are very clear about their roles and responsibilities. They work closely together to drive high standards in the setting. Monitoring and evaluation procedures are very thorough and lead to ongoing improvement.  Staff form friendly and supportive relationships with children. They model respectful behaviour, offer lots of positive praise and help children to develop good social skills.  Staff are highly qualified and show a secure understanding of how to promote children's learning. They skilfully interact with children and listen attentively to what they have to say. Children make good progress in their learning.  Children enthusiastically explore the stimulating environment. High-quality resources are accessible, well presented and promote children's continuous learning.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not routinely use the most effective ways to teach children the language of feelings to help them understand and express their emotions.  Staff regularly update parents about children's progress. However, strategies to engage with all parents and help them become even more involved in children's learning are not highly successful.

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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 opportunities to help children understand, express and manage their feelings  build on ways to help all parents make an even greater contribution to their children's learning in the setting and at home.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector spoke to children and completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector held discussions with the management team. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the setting.  The inspector took account of written feedback provided by parents and spoke to some parents during the inspection to gain their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff are well trained in safeguarding procedures and understand their responsibilities to keep children safe. Comprehensive policies, procedures and risk assessments help to promote children's safety and welfare. Procedures for vetting staff are robust and their ongoing suitability is checked at regular supervision meetings. Staff have good opportunities to attend training to support their professional development. Performance management is thorough and staff are given detailed feedback to help them enhance their skills. Leaders collate and review detailed information about children's learning, enabling them to analyse the progress of different groups of children. They have an accurate view of the setting's key strengths and a clear focus on identifying areas for further improvement.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Teaching is strong and staff use effective systems to assess and monitor children's progress and plan for their next steps in learning. They follow children's lead and know how to extend their learning. Staff sing songs to help children follow routines and get prepared for more focused learning. They use effective methods to promote children's speaking and listening skills. One way they do this is by sharing children's 'marvellous me' bag filled with special items from home. Children benefit from taking part in a range of interesting experiences in the local community. For example, they enjoy activities at the beach and sing for residents at the local nursing home. Strong links with parents and local schools mean that staff know and understand children's needs well.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff undertake regular checks to make sure the environment remains safe and secure. Children have great fun playing alongside their peers. They develop confidence in managing their own personal care needs. For example, they take responsibility for wiping their own nose and washing their hands. Children bring their own packed lunch. They enjoy listening to a story as they sit together to drink their milk. Children are encouraged to be active and benefit from regular opportunities to play outdoors. They show much excitement when they play outside where they plant seeds, explore in the sand and play imaginatively with the shop. Parents express very positive comments about the setting and the staff. They report that they have peace of mind that children are happy and safe.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children typically make good progress in their learning and gain the skills they need to be ready for school. They are not rushed in their play and are given time to do things for themselves, helping to promote their independence. Children learn to recognise letters and count out rhythms when they play with the bells. They play cooperatively together, for instance, when they take turns to wear the dragon head they created while learning about Chinese New Year.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY491075 Local authority Wirral Inspection number 1024918 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 3 - 8 Total number of places 45 Number of children on roll 52 Name of registered person Small Steps Day Nursery (Wirral) Ltd

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reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 07809880295

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reference number

Small Steps Early Years Centre registered in 2015. The setting employs three members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications, including one at level 6 and one with qualified teacher status. The setting opens from Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 7.45am until 5.45pm. The setting provides funded early education for 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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