Stepping Stones Day Nursery

Stepping Stones Day Nursery 17 Whitehall Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 6AF

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Inspection date 31 August 2018 Previous inspection date 12 May 2016

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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

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The provision is good

n Staff provide a range of experiences to capture children's interests and promote their next steps in learning. All children make good progress from their starting points. n Children are happy in the setting and they form strong emotional attachments with the staff. They show good levels of confidence, eagerly explore the environment and happily take part in activities. Children behave well. n Staff promote children's physical well-being and understanding of the natural world effectively. For example, they plan activities where children explore their natural surroundings and learn about growth. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Staff provide support to help parents continue their children's learning at home. Parents are kept well informed about their children's progress. n The manager has a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the nursery through effective evaluation. She makes positive use of the views of children,

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n At times, staff do not promptly identify and support older children who are not highly engaged and challenged in their play and learning. n Occasionally, staff do not use their observations to extend children's learning and development at a higher 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

n provide further support for children to encourage them to be even more engaged and motivated to play and learn at all times through the activities provided n strengthen the use of observations to consistently enhance children's learning.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed activities indoors and outdoors. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager and discussed children's learning. n The inspector spoke with children, staff and the manager at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector looked at documentation, including policies, children's records and staff suitability checks. n The inspector spoke with parents on the day and took account of their written views.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The manager ensures that policies and procedures are regularly updated to safeguard children's welfare. Staff attend regular safeguarding training. They have a thorough understanding of procedures to follow if they have concerns about children's welfare. Safer recruitment processes are secure. For example, the manager checks and verifies the suitability of all staff working with children. Staff have improved their practice since the last inspection. For example, they use questions well to support children to express their views and ideas, and extend their language skills. The manager monitors the quality of teaching and children's development, and identifies gaps in learning. She has regular team meetings and supervision sessions with staff. She provides regular training opportunities to support their practice and raise outcomes for children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff assess children's progress and plan an exciting environment that supports children's learning well. They ensure children have easy access to resources to encourage their independence. For example, children enjoy exploring with dough, sand, water and dolls to encourage their imaginative skills. Staff support children's speaking abilities well. For example, older children confidently and audibly explain their play. Staff provide opportunities for children to enjoy looking at books and practise their early writing skills. They provide many interesting experiences for children to identify shapes, colours and numerals. Staff ensure the environment caters for children's learning needs well.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff provide children with opportunities to explore a wide range of cultures and celebrate various festivals. This helps children learn to respect each other and embrace similarities and differences. Staff work closely with parents to support children's individual needs. For example, staff take time to get to know the children and build their self-esteem well. Staff are good role models and offer clear guidance on expectations for behaviour. For example, they effectively support children's understanding of good manners and ways to keep themselves safe. Staff teach children how to stay healthy, such as by encouraging them to be active and to develop good hygiene practices. Staff encourage children to care for their environment, such as to tidy away resources.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children are eager and motivated to learn. They develop the skills they need for their eventual moves to school. Younger children happily explore activities. Older children begin to use their mathematical skills as they play. For example, they count in sequence. Children hop, jump and walk with good balance. They learn to manage their personal care needs well. Children develop good social skills. For example, they play cooperatively, share and take turns.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY298689 Local authority Croydon Inspection number 10062364 Type of provision Full day care Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 1 - 4 Total number of places 25 Number of children on roll 9 Name of registered person Quinary Ltd

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 12 May 2016 Telephone number 0208 689 8001

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Stepping Stones Day Nursery opened in 2004 and is located in Thornton Heath, in the London Borough of Croydon. The nursery opens each weekday from 8am to 6pm, for 51 weeks of the year, and is closed on public bank holidays. It receives funding for the provision of free early education to children aged two, three and four years. There are five members of staff who work with the children, including the manager. Of these, four staff hold relevant early years qualifications. The manager has early years teacher status and the owner has early years professional status.

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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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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.

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