Magical Steps Nursery

Magical Steps Nursery Scout Association, Southfields Road, Littlehampton, BN17 6AF

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 19 March 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

 Children are settled and secure at this friendly, welcoming nursery. Staff work hard to create an interesting learning environment where children easily choose from a good mixture of resources and equipment.  Staff have warm, caring relationships with children and are very responsive to their individual needs. They support their emotional and physical well-being effectively.  Children are eager to take part in a wide variety of stimulating activities that staff plan based on a good understanding of their interests and needs. Overall, children make good progress in their development from their starting points.  There are strong partnerships with parents. Staff work with them closely and keep them well-informed. For instance, they have daily conversations and regular parents' meetings and progress reviews. Staff also offer valuable support to families as a whole and parents particularly comment on their caring approach.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not make full use of information gained from assessments to precisely monitor children's progress.  The arrangements for supporting staff and developing their knowledge and skills do not focus sharply enough on raising the quality of teaching to the highest level.

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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 the monitoring of all children's progress, to help rapidly identify any gaps in learning  focus staff support and professional development more precisely to help raise the quality of teaching even further.

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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 to the manager, staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector completed a joint observation of an activity with the manager.  The inspector sampled relevant documentation, such as evidence of staff suitability and children's records.  The inspector spoke to some parents to take account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The manager makes thorough checks of staff to ensure they are suitable to work with children. Staff have a good understanding of their responsibilities and know how to recognise and report any child protection concerns. The manager monitors staff performance closely, for instance, through individual meetings and observing them while they work. The staff team reflects on the provision and makes changes that have a positive impact on children's experiences. For instance, staff have added to the resources available to support children's mathematical skills, to better engage the boys in these activities.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff observe children and reflect on their interests and learning style when planning activities. They support children who have special educational needs (SEN) well, ensuring they have appropriate support plans and reviewing these regularly. They work closely with any other professionals involved to make sure there is a consistent approach. Staff support children's communication and language skills well. For instance, they offer opportunities for smaller group activities and encourage lots of conversations throughout the day. They demonstrate new skills to children, such as using different tools for painting, and then give children time to experiment for themselves. Children were delighted to use forks to make different patterns and were proud of the results.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff are good role models and offer children calm, patient guidance and praise. Children behave well. They learn to value one another and develop an understanding of different people and communities. For instance, they learn about 'Christmas around the world' and about different traditions, food and clothing from their friends' home countries. Staff prioritise children's safety. They check the premises carefully and take precautions to minimise any hazards. They teach children useful skills to help keep them healthy and safe, such as how to carry the scissors carefully. Children have fun playing outside in all weathers and enjoy physical activities, such as digging in the snow.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are confident and quickly grow in independence. They enjoy taking responsibility for small tasks, such as pouring their drink or spreading toppings on crackers. Children develop strong social skills. They have fun playing with their friends and learn to share and take turns. Younger children enjoy new physical challenges, such as finding different ways of moving over the wooden steps. Older children practise their mathematical skills, for instance, they count during everyday activities and routines. They are interested in books and begin to recognise their name. Children are well prepared for their future learning and for the move to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY496865 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 1100734 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 17 Name of registered person Terri Humphrey

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reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 07956023026

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reference number

Magical Steps Nursery registered in 2016 and is open from 9.30am to 12.30pm each weekday during term time, with a lunch club until 1.30pm. There are five members of staff, all of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 3. The setting receives funding to provide free early education for two-, 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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