First Steps Day Nursery

Inspection of First Steps Day Nursery 148 Hendford Hill, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2RG

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish as they attend this exceptionally warm and vibrant setting. All staff greet children and their families extremely positively. Children receive highly supportive settling-in sessions before they start which means they adjust very quickly. Children show high levels of respect for one another and adults and their behaviour is exemplary. Staff use praise well to celebrate children's individual achievements, which in turn supports children to become confident learners. Staff are excellent role models for children. They encourage children to think about their personal space on the carpet area to ensure children can engage in the learning and not distract others around them.

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The provision is outstanding

Parents are highly involved in their child's learning. They comment on the inspirational support that the staff give each child to ensure they get the best possible start in life. Parents receive extremely detailed information on their child's progress and development. Staff regularly welcome parents into the setting to share in children's learning and celebrate their individual achievements. The setting works in excellent partnership with parents to significantly enhance children's well- being and confidence. For example, staff provide children with transition bags to take home which contain photographs and information about their new room. Children also have the opportunity to bring in special things or creations from home. They demonstrate great pride in showing these to their friends and to the staff.

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need to do better?

n Children are highly motivated and enthusiastic to learn. Younger children immerse themselves in a wealth of activities to support their early exploration skills. They demonstrate excellent concentration skills as they fit coloured lollipop sticks into different-sized containers. Staff are extremely skilled in ensuring high- quality interactions with babies. For example, while young children babble with curiosity and excitement in their play, staff provide them with highly effective commentary to extend their learning further. Older children develop exceptional imaginative and language skills as they engage in stimulating music-and- movement sessions. Children show delight as they sing songs using a range of materials and resources. Staff enthusiastically engage all children to dance around the circle to the beat of the drum. n Staff have high expectations for all children in their care, including children with

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need to do better?

special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language. They work extremely closely with outside agencies to support children's individual needs. Staff provide accurate and detailed assessments of children's learning and development. Staff work closely with leaders to minimise any gaps in children's learning, ensuring all children make excellent progress.

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need to do better?

22 October 2019 For example, staff recognise that speech and language is a priority so they have tailored further teaching opportunities to support children with this. n Managers are exceptionally committed in providing children with the highest quality of care and learning. Managers continually support staff's professional development to ensure children reach the maximum outcome in their learning. For example, following recent training, staff have further enhanced children's understanding of music and rhythmic patterns. All staff agree that they receive high-quality support from the management team, which strongly supports high levels of motivation and staff well-being. n Staff provide children with rich and diverse experiences to learn about their community and the world around them. Children thoroughly enjoy outings within the local community. For example, they regularly visit the local care home to

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need to do better?

involve the residents in their learning. Residents have contributed to some of the children's projects. For instance, they knitted and made poppies for the children's display for Remembrance Day. Children develop their creativity skills as they recreate autumnal objects using powder paint. They show high levels of confidence and independence as they choose different powder paints to mix together to create their desired colour. Staff skilfully support children to try new things and have a go. They seize every opportunity to praise children for their ideas and actively support children to extend their learning further.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager works very closely with her staff to ensure they understand and are confident in their responsibilities to protect children. Staff demonstrate an excellent understanding of how to identify and report any concerns regarding the welfare of a child, including wider safeguarding issues, such as the effects of radicalisation. Staff recruitment is robust, and the manager is meticulous in ensuring staff's ongoing suitability. Detailed risk assessments and wide-ranging procedures are highly effective in ensuring children's safety remains the highest priority.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 142863 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10125986 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 to 4 Total number of places 47 Number of children on roll 74

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Name of registered person

Heather Norris and Penelope Sealey Partnership

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reference number

Telephone number 01935 474314 Date of previous inspection 24 July 2015

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Information about this early years setting

First Steps Day Nursery registered in 1991. It is a privately-owned nursery situated in a residential area of Yeovil, Somerset. The nursery receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The nursery is open each weekday from 8am to 6pm all year round. There are 22 members of staff. Of these, one holds early years teacher status and three have an early years degree. There are 16 members of staff who hold early years qualifications at level 3. One member of staff has an early years qualification at level 2 and is working towards a qualification at level 3. The staff are supported by a cook who holds a relevant qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and she assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint observation of an activity was carried out by the inspector and manager. n A learning walk was completed by the inspector and manager to understand how the curriculum is organised and to consider its impact on children's learning and development. n The inspector reviewed children's developmental records. She tracked children's progress and discussed their individual targets with the key person. n Verbal and written views from parents were gathered and the inspector took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

22 October 2019 regulates and inspects to 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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