Stepping Stones Nursery

Stepping Stones Nursery The Park, Off High Street, Uppermill, Oldham, Lancashire OL3 6AP

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Inspection date 22 October 2018 Previous inspection date 15 August 2014

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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 The manager and senior team demonstrate uncompromising commitment and lead with motivation and enthusiasm. A clear and precise plan to improve drives ongoing development. Self-evaluation systems are good. n All staff work well as a team and this contributes to the smooth running of the setting. For instance, they delegate tasks, share responsibilities and are respectful and polite towards each other. Children thrive emotionally and developmentally in this well- organised and welcoming setting. n Staff are conscientious and carefully plan a rich array of interesting and age- appropriate activities. Children are inspired and enthused to learn, supported by an exciting programme of play and learning. Children make good progress. n Children share strong bonds with gentle and kind staff. They receive affectionate reassurance when they arrive each morning and settle quickly, ready to learn. Children are happy, relaxed and emotionally secure.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n Occasionally, staff ask questions in quick succession and do not allow sufficient time for children to process information, respond and develop their critical-thinking skills at the very highest level. n Staff monitoring systems, such as peer observations, are not yet fully established to focus sharply on raising the quality of teaching and outcomes for children even higher.

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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 strengthen good teaching even further and support children to fully extend their critical- thinking skills n extend systems for monitoring staff practice and focus sharply on enhancing staff teaching skills even further.

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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 completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the manager. n The inspector held discussions with the manager and staff. She looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability and qualifications of staff. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with parents and took account of their comments.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. All staff have a secure knowledge of safeguarding. They understand how to identify and report any concerns, to help protect children from harm. Professional development has a positive impact on practice. For instance, staff discuss training during staff meetings. This helps to ensure new knowledge and skills are quickly shared, to maximise the impact of training across the setting. Partnerships with parents are particularly strong. The setting uses a variety of creative methods to ensure parents are fully informed. Open communication helps to promote a seamless approach to children's care and learning. Robust recruitment and suitability vetting systems are closely observed. This helps maintain a safe and secure setting for children to play and learn.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff regularly observe children's achievements and track ongoing progress. They plan activities tailored to individual needs and engage in targeted teaching to support children's next steps in learning. Planning is effective and children make good progress. Staff are good role models. The participate in children's games and guide their learning through sensitive interactions. For example, children hold books, turn pages and recall the events in a story. This contributes to children's enjoyment in reading and good early literacy skills. Staff provide activities they know children will enjoy. For example, children show a current interest in doctors and hospitals. Staff recognise this interest and children enjoy role-play activities with bandages and doctor's resources. Children enjoy exploring a wealth of interesting activities.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children develop a positive attitude to healthy eating. They are provided with a range of nutritious homemade food every day. This contributes to their good physical health. Children enjoy regular and genuine praise and encouragement. Furthermore, children's artwork is beautifully displayed in a bright and interesting manner. Staff celebrate achievements in a multitude of ways. This contributes to children's excellent self-esteem and confidence. Children behave well. Staff encourage positive behaviour and boundaries are clear. For example, children are encouraged to be kind and share. Children are polite, respectful and enjoy the company of others.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress from their starting points. Children are physically active. Older children run, skip and jump with ease. Babies are supported to crawl, stand and walk, through sensitive teaching and encouragement. Children's creativity is nurtured. They use their imagination and confidently develop their ideas. Children are independent and self-assured. Children begin to count and understand quantity, illustrating emerging mathematical skills. For example, they discuss the length of time imaginary cakes take to bake. Children acquire necessary skills for the next stage in their learning and the eventual move to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY263166 Local authority Oldham Inspection number 10069674 Type of provision Full day care Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 0 - 4 Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 28 Name of registered person Williams, Helen

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 15 August 2014 Telephone number 01457 872830

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reference number

Stepping Stones Nursery registered in 2003. The nursery employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, all hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The owner and manager is qualified at level 4. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.45am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded 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.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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