Stepping Stones Nursery

Stepping Stones Nursery Methodist Church, Watling Street South, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 7BH

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Inspection date 12 July 2019 Previous inspection date 11 September 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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This provision is good

n Self-evaluation is effective. The manager values the contributions that staff and other professionals make to this process. For example, she consulted with local schools to review and further improve transition arrangements when children move to the Reception class. n Staff skilfully help children learn to manage their feelings and behaviours. They teach children effective strategies to help them to successfully resolve conflicts. Children behave well and have a clear understanding of the setting's rules and expectations. n Staff provide good support to help children progress well in their communication and language development. Children listen attentively and give careful consideration as they use clues to work out what the mystery object is. They develop good thinking skills and can solve problems. n Children make good progress in their learning and development, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They acquire a good foundation in

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This provision is good

their learning and are well prepared for their eventual move to school. n Staff are positive role models and children form close attachments with them. Children are happy, secure and enjoy playing with staff and their friends. n The manager has not fully developed the arrangements for monitoring the quality of staff practice in order to help identify where teaching can be enhanced even further to provide children with the best possible learning experiences. n Staff do not routinely seek contributions from all parents about children's achievements and interests at home.

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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 refine the arrangements for the monitoring of staff's practice to identify where teaching can be enhanced even further to help raise the quality of children's learning experiences to the highest level n extend further the partnerships with parents to include them even more fully in children's learning and to support children's continued development at home.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held discussions with the manager, staff, children and parents. n The inspector read some of the setting's documentation, including the safeguarding policy and procedures. n The inspector sampled children's development information and records. n The inspector carried out joint observations with the manager.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The manager and staff have a secure understanding of current guidelines and their responsibility to protect children. They understand how to act on any concerns about children's welfare or safety. Staff are vigilant and carry out regular risk assessments to identify and reduce potential hazards. Staff supervise children well to ensure they can play safely. The manager provides staff with effective opportunities to support their professional development. Recent training has helped them to extend further their skills in supporting children with SEND. Staff work successfully with other professionals involved in children's care to develop individualised learning programmes to help close any gaps in children's development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff use their good knowledge of how young children learn and enhance their play skilfully. They recognise when to stand back to allow children to make decisions and lead their play. Staff support children's literacy skills well. Children learn about letters and sounds, and how these can be combined to make simple words. They recognise their names and eagerly experiment with writing. Staff provide children with good opportunities to practise their physical skills. This includes climbing trees safely and riding bikes. Children concentrate as they use their small-muscle skills to cut paper with scissors and pick up objects with chopsticks.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff encourage children to make healthy choices. Children learn about the importance of a balanced diet and that some foods are more beneficial than others. Staff prioritise children's independence and provide many opportunities for them to practise their skills, such as managing their personal care routines. Children learn about keeping themselves and others safe. This includes wearing sun hats and sun cream, and tidying away toys after use so they do not create trip hazards. Staff provide children with a good range of experiences that help them to develop an awareness of the wider world. This includes finding out about the different ways that people celebrate special occasions and trying food from different cultures.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children display positive attitudes to learning and are well motivated. They particularly enjoy using their imaginations. They develop exciting story lines, such as rescuing a toy trapped in an imaginary pond, and change their voice as they take on the role of various characters. Children develop a good mathematical understanding. They recognise numbers, count accurately and make simple calculations. They understand that there are different ways to measure time, such as minutes, days, months and seasons. Children develop their understanding of the world and know about animals and their habitats. They learn about the various occupations of people who work in their local community, such as local shops and transport services.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY309661 Local authority Shropshire Inspection number 10106646 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 3 - 4 Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 8 Name of registered person Stepping Stones Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 11 September 2014 Telephone number 07785 730 941

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reference number

Stepping Stones Nursery registered in 2005. The nursery employs three members of childcare staff. Of these, one has qualified teacher status, one is qualified at level 3 and one is qualified at level 2. The nursery opens on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 8.30am until 2pm. The nursery provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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

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