Step Start Mountnessing

Step Start Mountnessing 281 Roman Road, Mountnessing, Brentwood CM15 0UH

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Inspection date 5 February 2019 Previous inspection date 24 May 2018

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires improvement 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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This provision is good

n Following the last inspection, the provider, manager and the staff team have shown a very strong commitment to making improvements in the nursery. They have worked hard and acted on ideas gained through their professional development to raise the quality of teaching. n Children and babies are curious and eager to explore both indoors and outdoors. They take part in a wide variety of activities and experiences. Children and babies make good progress and develop the skills that prepare them for future learning. n A highly effective key-person system is in place. Staff are positive role models and children and babies have formed strong attachments to their key person. Children often invite staff to join in their play and share their accomplishments. n Staff speak clearly to the babies and young children, using gestures and actions to assist their understanding. This supports children's developing communication skills.

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This provision is good

n Staff give a high priority to ensuring children learn about the importance of safe and healthy lifestyles. Children eat nutritious snacks and meals. They have regular exercise and follow good hygiene routines. n Although partnerships with parents are good, staff do not always seek detailed initial information from parents about their children's starting points on entry. n On occasions, staff do not ensure that children can persevere, play without interruption and continue exploring an activity before moving on to the next.

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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 extend the range of information sought from parents when children start at the nursery and establish an in-depth understanding of children's starting points n enhance opportunities for children to follow their interests and persevere at activities of their own choosing.

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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 indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager and viewed a sample of the children's development records. n The inspector held discussions with the manager, staff and children, and accompanied staff and children on an outing to the nearby school playground. n The inspector reviewed evidence of the suitability and qualifications of the staff, risk assessment and policies and procedures. n The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day and from their written responses to surveys organised by the nursery.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff are trained to ensure that they know the local child protection procedures and how to identify children who may be at risk of harm. Recruitment and vetting procedures are rigorous to ensure that staff are suitable for their role. The manager now monitors staff practice more closely, through regular observations and supervision meetings that highlight any training needs. The effective deployment of staff ensures that they are successfully involved in children's activities. The provider and manager have ambitious targets to improve practice and outcomes for children even further. They also positively welcome support from the local authority adviser and an early years consultant. There are effective links with the teaching staff in the local schools to provide close support for children as they move into full-time education.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff have a good understanding of how children learn. Since the last inspection, staff have completely reviewed the layout of play equipment, so children are motivated and enjoy exploring their environment. Key persons complete focused and spontaneous observations of children's achievements. The manager has a clear overview of the progress that individual children and groups of different children make. This means that any gaps in children's development are promptly addressed. Staff keep parents informed about their children's progress and share ideas for further activities. Parents regularly share comments about their children's learning and contribute photographs for the assessment records.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff sensitively support children as they settle into the nursery or transfer to the next room. All children's contributions and efforts are treated very positively by staff to ensure they feel valued. Children play harmoniously together and develop strong friendships. Their behaviour is good and any challenges are addressed quickly and appropriately. This helps to create an environment of sharing and understanding. Staff plan activities that capture children's interests and develop their understanding of diversity in the world around them. For example, children taste different food and create pictures to mark the Chinese New Year.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children approach their play with enthusiasm. All children and babies make good progress, including those who speak English as an additional language. They confidently acquire the essential skills that prepare them for the next stage in their learning and for starting school. Children use good manners and learn important social skills, such as sharing and taking turns with play equipment. Children participate in group discussions where they listen attentively and share their ideas. They look at books for pleasure and begin to recognise the sounds that different letters represent.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY547550 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10089409 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 0 - 4 Total number of places 42 Number of children on roll 57 Name of registered person Step Start Nurseries Mountnessing Ltd

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 24 May 2018 Telephone number 01277 572001

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Step Start Mountnessing registered in 2017 and is run by a limited company. The nursery employs 13 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight staff hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3 and two staff hold a qualification at level 2. There is one member of staff with qualified teaching status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, for 51 weeks of the year. Opening times are from 7am until 7pm. The nursery 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.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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