Stepping Stones Day Nursery Durham Ltd

Stepping Stones Day Nursery Durham Ltd Suite 15-17 The Crossgate Centre, Durham DH1 4HF

p.1

Inspection date 21 August 2018 Previous inspection date 20 January 2016

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

p.1

The provision is good

n The manager and her team have a good overview of the nursery. They identify strengths and areas for further improvement to support good outcomes for children. n Children are very happy, confident and settled and their individual needs are well met by competent staff. This helps to promote children's personal, social and emotional well-being. n Teaching is good. Staff provide activities and experiences that help to build on children's current skills. They successfully plan activities that support the varying learning needs of children that attend. n Staff support children to explore a selection of festivals and celebrations. This helps children to learn about culture and diversity and develop an understanding of the world around them. n The environment is warm and welcoming. Staff provide children with a good selection of interesting activities. Children use the resources in an imaginative and creative way.

p.1

The provision is good

This helps children to remain engaged and motivated in their play. n Parents speak very highly of the nursery. They comment on how supportive and approachable the staff are.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

n The manager has not yet fully developed effective supervision sessions with staff, to raise the quality of teaching to an even higher level. n Strategies to engage all parents in their children's learning and development at nursery and at home are not always successful.

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

n strengthen the arrangements to support and supervise staff, and focus even more effectively on enhancing the already good teaching n build on the successful strategies that engage all parents in their children's learning at nursery and at home.

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with children and staff throughout the inspection. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the nursery manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the nursery manager. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the nursery's policies and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke with some parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

p.2

Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The manager and staff have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures. They regularly update their safeguarding training and know who to contact if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. This helps to keep children safe and secure. Recruitment and vetting procedures are robust. New staff complete a thorough induction process to help to ensure that they are suitable to work with children. Staff skilfully work in partnership with other professionals to ensure information sharing is effective. This helps to promote continuity of care and learning for children.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff have high expectations of all children. They make good use of observations and assessments to plan activities that support and challenge children's learning. Children are provided with a range of exciting learning experiences. Staff interact well with children and use their knowledge of how children learn to support and promote their development. Children's mathematical development is promoted well. For example, children enjoy counting and sorting elephants into groups. They accurately place them onto coloured boards and name them 'small', 'medium' and 'large'. Staff effectively use appropriate methods to support children's language. For example, they ask questions and allow children to express their views and ideas. Children develop their small-muscle skills as they use a variety of tools to make marks with coloured paints. Staff are fun and engaging. For instance, they dance and sing along to action songs. Children happily join

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

in with the actions, singing along to their favourite songs.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff understand how to manage children's behaviour successfully and to teach them to respect others. For example, staff support younger children to take turns and share. Children have regular access to outdoor play in the wider community. They visit parks and take part in treasure hunts and nature walks. This helps to support their physical well-being successfully. Staff provide healthy snacks and discuss the benefits of healthy eating. Children select their own activities and resources, and wash their own hands at snack time. This supports their independence well. Staff pay attention to helping new children settle into the nursery. They gather a wealth of information from parents, which ensures they fully understand children's individual needs.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress from their starting points. They quickly develop a wide range of skills and become motivated, confident learners. Children's literacy skills are developing well. Staff regularly share books with them and they eagerly talk about what they can see happening in the pictures. Children's behaviour is good, young children mix well with older children and they learn the importance of playing together well. This helps children to develop their social skills. Children are well prepared for the next stages in their learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY436726 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10062742 Type of provision Full day care

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 0 - 5 Total number of places 22 Number of children on roll 26 Name of registered person Stepping Stones Day Nursery (Durham) Limited

p.4

reference number

Date of previous inspection 20 January 2016 Telephone number 01913843471

p.4

reference number

Stepping Stones Day Nursery Durham Ltd registered in 2011. The nursery employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, all hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for 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.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

reference number

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 monthly newsletter for more information and updates: www.ofsted.gov.uk/user .

p.5

reference number

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

p.5