Alpha Steps Nursery

Alpha Steps Nursery 89 Vallentin Road, Walthamstow, LONDON E17 3JJ

p.1

Inspection date 5 June 2019 Previous inspection date 30 November 2018

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Inadequate 4 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

This provision is good

n Parents speak positively about the nursery. For example, they praise staff for sharing regular feedback about children's daily care and learning. Parents are clear about children's next steps and how to support their learning at home. n The manager evaluates the nursery effectively. She works closely with the provider and staff to ensure actions from the previous inspection were addressed effectively. For example, the manager has arranged training for staff to enhance their knowledge and skills. She monitors their practices to ensure that they observe, assess and plan children's learning well. n Staff use their new skills to identify individual children's interests and needs effectively. They provide stimulating activities, both indoors and outside, for children to enjoy and learn. Children make good progress in comparison to their starting points. n Children settle well. They display a strong sense of belonging and move around to

p.1

This provision is good

explore freely. Children show interest in the activities and resources available. n At times, staff do not make effective use of opportunities during activities and routine tasks to develop toddlers' speech further and to help extend their vocabulary. n Staff miss some opportunities to challenge and extend older children's mathematical skills.

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 make better use of opportunities available to support toddlers to develop their speaking skills further and to increase their vocabulary n extend opportunities to challenge and strengthen older children's mathematical skills.

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching in the playrooms and outside play area, and looked at some of the children's assessment records and planning documentation. n The inspector held discussions with the manager during the inspection. n The inspector held discussions with staff about their roles and assessed their understanding of meeting the requirements of the early years foundation stage. n The inspector took account of the children's and parents' views during the inspection. n The inspector conducted a joint observation with the manager.

p.2

Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a secure understanding of their responsibilities to safeguard and protect children. They have knowledge of child protection issues and wider safeguarding issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty. The manager ensures that staff are familiar with the setting's safeguarding policies and procedures, and they know how to report any concerns to the relevant authorities. Robust recruitment procedures are now in place. For example, since the last inspection the provider has completed the relevant checks to ensure that new and existing staff are suitable to work with children. The manager ensures new staff benefit from a thorough induction and existing staff are kept up to date with any changes to their practices. This helps them to implement the daily routines, policies and procedures effectively. The manager monitors groups of children's learning well. She has strategies in place to close gaps in their development.

p.3

Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The deputy manager models to staff how to support toddlers to manage their feelings and any challenging situations.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff know individual children's well. They use observations of children to plan a wide range of opportunities that support their development. For example, babies develop new interests as they curiously explore with different sensory and natural resources. They happily explore with blocks and learn to stack them on top of each other. Staff support toddlers to develop good grasp and coordination. Children enjoy playing with water. Staff take this opportunity to encourage them to use their imagination well. For example, children pretend the water is a pond and they explore with leaves and insects. Staff support children's growing awareness of different people and cultures. For instance, older children use art and craft materials to make designs and to learn about Eid. This activity also helps to develop children's creative skills. Older children demonstrate good understanding. They listen and follow simple instructions well.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff support children's emotional well-being. Babies form secure attachments with their key person and know when to seek their support. Staff support children to develop their independence skills well. They encourage children to manage small tasks on their own, such as feeding themselves and choosing their toys. Older children show great pride when carrying out responsibilities. For instance, they willingly give the cups and plates to other children at lunchtime. Staff support children to have a smooth transition between activities and routine tasks. For example, they make toddlers aware of what they will do next and encourage them to help tidying up the resources. Staff provide opportunities for children to be active and to enjoy sport activities, such as running and kicking a ball. This helps to support children to develop good physical skills.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress. They develop the skills required for the next stage in their learning. For example, babies learn to walk and run. They display good mobility. Toddlers learn to make decisions about their play and they develop their independence. Older children show interest in stories and develop their literacy skills well.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY376104 Local authority London Borough of Waltham Forest Inspection number 10089230 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 1 - 4 Total number of places 50 Number of children on roll 27 Name of registered person Alpha Steps Nursery School Limited

p.4

reference number

Date of previous inspection 30 November 2018 Telephone number 02085098838

p.4

reference number

Alpha Steps Nursery registered in 2008. The nursery is open each weekday from 7.30am to 6.30pm, all year round. The provider employs nine members of staff. Of these, two hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 6, six hold level 3 and one holds level 2.

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