Barnsley Academy

Willow Children's Centre Willow Children's Centre, 1a Holbrooke Court, London N7 0BF

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Inspection date 18 June 2019 Previous inspection date 27 October 2015

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Outstanding 1 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Outstanding 1 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Outstanding 1

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This provision is outstanding

n The inspirational senior management team creates a highly focused ethos, which is reflected in the positive attitudes of staff, parents and children. Meeting children's care, well-being and learning needs is central to all that they do. Staff and parents develop excellent partnership working to secure the best possible outcomes for children. n The head of centre and nursery manager oversee the running of the nursery exceedingly well. They meticulously monitor every aspect of the nursery and make changes which quickly drive forward impressive improvements. n The senior management team has a remarkable attitude towards staff development and well-being. For example, they support staff through robust observations, supervisions and appraisals. They plan training that is precisely linked to the needs of the children in their care. Managers ensure that staff's knowledge and skills are fully embedded as part of their high-quality teaching.

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This provision is outstanding

n Staff have the highest expectations for children's development. The learning environment is filled with stimulating and imaginative resources and learning opportunities, both inside and outside. Children's interests are central to learning and themes are embedded in activities which stimulate the children. n Children develop exceptionally strong bonds with staff, who are highly perceptive to their needs. Children show that they feel secure. Babies settle extremely quickly. The secure environment helps older children to develop their own independence and become confident to express their views and make choices. n Children are extremely confident and self-assured. They are remarkably well prepared for their next stage of learning and eventual move on to school. n Staff provide parents with excellent ongoing support and a wealth of information and ideas to help them to continue their children's learning at home.

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This provision is outstanding

n Children thoroughly enjoy spending time outdoors in the beautiful garden and are given excellent opportunities to be physically active and explore nature.

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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 continue to develop the already highly effective observation and planning systems to promote further the very highest level of outcomes for children.

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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 spoke with children and staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector completed joint observations with the head of centre and nursery manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the centre manager and head of centre and looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke with several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is outstanding

Managers monitor children's development continually and swiftly identify gaps in children's learning. Highly effective partnerships with other professionals, such as family support workers, help them plan early interventions for children. Managers recognise that they wish to further develop the range of highly successful interventions that they offer. Safeguarding is effective. Staff have an excellent understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. They know what to do should they have a concern about children's welfare. Staff minimise risks to children in their environment exceptionally well. They deploy themselves effectively as children move between the inside and outside spaces. This helps to keep children safe.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

Staff are well qualified and have an excellent knowledge of how children learn. Younger children's sensory play is exceptionally well supported. For example, they are confident and self-assured as they use their hands and fingers to make marks in the sand. Staff encourage them to use tools, such as magnifying glasses, to examine the objects they find in the sand. Children learn extensively about their local community and wider world. For instance, they visit local amenities such as the wetland centre and go on trips further afield to explore children's interests around castles and bridges. High regard is given to developing children's communication skills. Staff consistently model language effectively and provide an engaging narrative to play, repeating vocabulary and extending sentences.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Very strong settling-in practices are in place. Staff work hard to establish exceptional strong bonds with children. They gather comprehensive information from parents during home visits to ensure that children's individual needs are well known prior to them starting. Staff are excellent role models. They provide sensitive and nurturing support remarkably well. As a result, children play well together, form secure friendships with their peers and show care and concern for others. Children learn about healthy lifestyles. For example, they grow their own vegetables in the allotment garden and get plenty of exercise, such as using the Jabadao gym to build on their core strength.

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Outcomes for children are outstanding

All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make superb progress. They are exceptionally well prepared for their future learning. Children investigate and ask questions about the natural world. For example, they talk about the features of the insects they find in the garden. Children take risks and learn about how to keep themselves safe. Children develop impressive literacy skills. Younger children hold pencils with the correct grip and older children use their knowledge of sounds and letters to write words to express their ideas.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 131749 Local authority Islington Inspection number 10106442 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 70 Number of children on roll 83 Name of registered person The London Borough of Islington

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 27 October 2015 Telephone number 020 7527 1990

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reference number

Willow Children's Centre registered in 2006. It is located in Holloway, in the London Borough of Islington. The setting is open each weekday from 8am to 6pm, all year round. The provider employs 22 members of staff, all of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications. The provider receives funding to offer free early education to children aged two, three and four years.

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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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reference number

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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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