First Steps Day Nursery & Big Steps

Inspection of First Steps Day Nursery & Big Steps Out Of School Club Unit 2, Carlton Miniott Business Centre, Carlton Road, Carlton Miniott, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 4NF

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children enjoy exciting experiences that help them to explore their ideas, have fun and learn. For example, babies show curiosity as they explore the musical instruments and a ball pool. Toddlers investigate washing small toy animals and are keen to use clothes. They ask for a turn and say they like 'muddy puddles'. Older children enthusiastically explore the well-planned learning environment and are motivated to play. They are highly engaged in their choice of imaginative play, for example being horses and the police. Children settle quickly to their chosen activity. They investigate as they fill and empty items in the water play. Staff extend the activity as they introduce floating and sinking.

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The provision is good

Children are well behaved and show high levels of respect for their friends. They take turns and are eager to help. For example, older children pass links to their friends to help them continue to count links they have placed on the table. Staff model turn taking and sharing for younger children and remind children to use 'gentle hands'. Older children develop good levels of independence. For example, at mealtimes, they serve their food and clear their plates. Babies and toddlers enjoy selecting their choice of fruit for snack.

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need to do better?

n Leaders have worked hard to address the actions raised at the last inspection. The requirements for qualified staff are now met at all times. Leaders have a clear vision of what needs to improve. Supervision meetings for all staff are ongoing and leaders support staff with staff meetings and in-house training. n Older children's literacy and mathematical skills are given high priority. Children find their names when asked and staff help children to recognise letters. For example, they write letters on a whiteboard so children are able to match them. Older children enjoy a story and remember key points and link them to current world issues. This shows their understanding of the world in which they live. Older children count and recognise shapes confidently. n Children of all ages have access to a stimulating environment and staff set up a good range of interesting activities. However, sometimes, during adult-led

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need to do better?

activities, staff do not adjust their teaching and promptly respond to children's emerging needs. Therefore, they miss chances to make the most of all learning opportunities and help children to achieve to the highest possible level. n Children enjoy looking at books and listening to stories. Younger children eagerly join in with action songs and rhymes. However, there are missed opportunities to promote the correct pronunciation of words, to further support toddlers and younger children's developing vocabulary and language. n The key-person system is effective. Staff know the children in their care well and meet their care needs effectively. For example, toddlers' potty training is very

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need to do better?

9 January 2020 well tailored for individual children. Staff sing songs to babies while they change their nappies. This helps younger children feel safe and secure. n Children thoroughly enjoy developing their physical skills in the outside play area. Older children run, hop, balance and jump. They follow staff directions well. Toddlers enjoy looking at insects and practise kicking balls. n Children listen well to staff and cooperate with boundaries and routines. They are polite and well mannered. Staff are aware of children's dietary needs. Meals provided at the nursery are healthy and nutritious. n Older children have regular opportunities to enjoy the local community. For example, they visit an elderly care home. This gives children experiences to help promote their confidence, which has a positive impact on the next stage in their learning, such as starting school. n Staff are qualified and are supported well to gain further qualifications. All staff

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need to do better?

access regular safeguarding and first-aid training. Partnership working is good. Links with the local schools and settings that children also attend are effective. n Parents are very complimentary about the staff, and the flexibility of the setting to meet their changing needs. Daily diaries and verbal feedback help parents know and understand what their child has been doing in nursery. Key persons promote home learning ideas for parents, such as stories.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff know how to recognise if a child is at risk of harm and understand what to do should they have any concerns about a child's safety. They know who to contact if they are concerned about a child's welfare. When new staff are appointed, leaders follow robust recruitment processes. These ensure staff are suitable and have the necessary skills to carry out their roles. Staff are vigilant and maintain appropriate ratios. They ensure out-of-school children are transported safely to and from school. The premises are secure and safe for children to play in.

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should:

n build on staff skills to ensure they adjust their teaching in order to promptly respond to children's emerging needs and further extend their learning n extend opportunities for toddlers and younger children to hear the correct pronunciation of words.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY337006 Local authority North Yorkshire Inspection number 10098266 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 11 Total number of places 69 Number of children on roll 82

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Name of registered person

First Step Day Nursery & Big Steps Out of School CLub Partnership

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reference number

Telephone number 01845 525 509 Date of previous inspection 7 February 2019

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Information about this early years setting

First Steps Day Nursery & Big Steps Out Of School Club registered in 2006 and is privately owned and managed. There are currently 15 staff, including two manager. One manager holds early years teacher status and 13 staff hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 2 or 3. The nursery opens five days a week from 7.30am until 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and a week at Christmas. It provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector engaged in discussions with staff and children throughout the inspection at appropriate times. She held a meeting with the nursery managers. n The inspector viewed all areas of the premises used by children. She observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector discussed documentation, including public liability insurance, policies and procedures, and the qualifications and suitability checks of staff. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the managers. She discussed the self-evaluation and the impact this has on the nursery. n The inspector spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and 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

9 January 2020 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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