Early Learning Academy

Early Learning Academy West Cheshire College, Ellesmere Port Campus, Sutton Way, Whitby, ELLESMERE PORT CH65 7BF

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Inspection date 4 June 2019 Previous inspection date 17 March 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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This provision is good

n The provider and manager show a clear commitment to delivering a high standard of care and education for children and families. They have effective systems in place to evaluate the overall quality of their provision and identify future improvements. n Children are very happy and confident. They settle quickly and develop close relationships with staff. They are encouraged to treat each other kindly and establish positive friendships. Staff act as positive role models and support children's social and emotional development well. n Children have regular opportunities to be active and develop their physical skills both indoors and outside. They benefit from weekly movement sessions and have plenty of opportunities to access the outdoor area. Children enjoy putting on their own wellington boots and splashing in puddles. n The manager has good systems in place to monitor children's progress and identify

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This provision is good

possible gaps in their learning. She makes good use of additional funding to support children's individual needs, such as speech and language development. n Children have good opportunities to develop their understanding of personal safety. For example, visitors come into the setting to talk about how to stay safe when out in the local community. n Partnerships with parents are well established and strong. They are invited into the setting to discuss their child's progress and review development records. Staff also work closely with parents to provide guidance and strateiges to use at home to support learning and development. n Some routines and group activities are not organised well enough to keep children engaged and support their learning and participation fully. n Staff training and development do not focus sharply enough on improving the quality of teaching to help take this to the highest 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 improve the organisation of some routines and group activities to help all children participate fully in their learning n sharpen the focus of training and professional development to help raise the quality of teaching to the highest level.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

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 completed a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector sampled documentation, including children's records, a selection of policies and evidence of staff suitability. n The inspector spoke to parents, staff and children and took their views into consideration.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The provider and manager reflect on their practice and produce regular action plans to help enhance the quality of their provision. They encourage parents to leave feedback and make suggestions during regular committee meetings. Parents are very complimentary about the care their children receive and say they are kept well informed about events and activities within the nursery. Following a recent analysis of children's progress, staff have worked alongside parents to provide guidance about potty training at home. The manager works effectively with other establishments to develop good relationships, such as schools and the local college. Safeguarding is effective. Staff complete regular safeguarding training to help maintain a good understanding of chid protection policies and procedures. The manager reviews her policies regularly and shares updates with staff during meetings.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff complete regular observations of children's learning and use these to identify what skills they need to learn next. They plan a good range of interesting activities that help to extend children's developing interests. Children in the toddler room are keen to explore and search for animals hidden in mud. They describe the features of what they can see and staff support their developing language skills well. Children show a good ability to think critically and solve problems. For example, during an activity they transport dirty animals to the water tray to wash them and use containers with holes to make showers. Babies have plenty of opportunities to explore the environment and develop their mobility. They select musical instruments and experiment by making different sounds. Older children participate well in Spanish lessons and show a good ability to recall information. This helps to enhance their language skills.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children are encouraged to think about their feelings and emotions during discussions and small-group activities. This helps their emotional development well. Children develop an understanding of different faiths and traditions through simple stories and activities such as food tasting sessions. Staff offer flexible settling-in arrangements. They know their key children well and work with successfully with families and other professionals to support children's individual needs. Children display an interest in caring for animals and living things. For instance, they help staff to care for the pet snails and guinea pigs. They talk confidently about what they need to survive, such as vegetables and water.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children develop confidence and show a positive attitude towards learning. They display good levels of involvement in self-chosen activities, such as sand and water play. Staff promote early mathematics skills and encourage children to count objects as they play. Children develop an interest in early literacy, such as reading, mark making and phonics. This helps to prepare them well for their next stage in learning and future move to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY444576 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10075135 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 0 - 4 Total number of places 60 Number of children on roll 102 Name of registered person Cartwright, Helen

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 17 March 2016 Telephone number 01244 656 480

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reference number

Early Learning Academy registered in 2012. The nursery employs 17 members of childcare staff. Of these, 14 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm.

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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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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 .

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

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