First Steps with Surestart

Inspection of First Steps with Surestart East March Childrens Centre, 203-215 Victor Street, GRIMSBY, North East Lincolnshire DN32 7QB

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children show that they feel happy and safe in the nursery. They are excited to try new experiences and engage in a wide range of activities. Staff recognise that some of the children who attend prefer to learn outdoors. They adapt experiences so that they can be taken outside. For example, babies experiment in large water trays. They delight as they fill and empty containers and see who can make the biggest splash.

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The provision is good

Managers and staff have identified the potential impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic on children's learning and development, particularly their social and emotional well-being. They recognise that children have had limited experiences outside of the home. Staff are supporting children through tailoring settling-in sessions to meet their individual needs. They offer children lots of reassurance and support.

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The provision is good

Babies rapidly build their confidence as staff gently guide them to try challenging experiences. For example, staff encourage babies to stand, pull themselves up onto the different levels of furniture and to walk. Children are well behaved. Staff help them to understand the rules and boundaries in place. With support, children learn to share and take turns. For example, older children take turns to throw and kick balls to each other. Children practise their physical skills and develop their hand-to- eye coordination.

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need to do better?

n The manager supports staff through regular supervision meetings and discusses their training needs. This helps staff to continuously improve their practice and provide a high-quality service for children and families. For example, staff have attended a course to help develop the already strong bonds with babies. n Staff have a clear understanding of the skills they want to teach children, such as being independent. Children of all ages learn to put on their coats and wash their hands. However, this approach is not always consistently reinforced by staff. At times, staff complete simple tasks for children that they could attempt to do for themselves. For example, they feed children, wipe their noses and dry their hands, without encouraging them to try on their own first. n Partnership working is strong. Staff establish good links with external professionals and other settings. Parents are very positive about the nursery and

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need to do better?

the staff. They state that their children are happy to attend. Parents comment that they feel well informed about what their child is learning and what they need to learn next. n Staff focus on developing children's communication when they plan for their next steps in learning. They introduce new words and language that help children to

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need to do better?

8 October 2021 develop their vocabulary. Stories, songs and rhymes are enjoyed by children of all ages. Staff provide opportunities for children to listen to the same stories and rhymes on multiple occasions. This helps children to become familiar with the words and concepts that the stories contain. n Staff are aware of those children who speak English as an additional language. They make good use of information from parents to support children's understanding of English, alongside their own home language. For example, staff ask parents to provide key words and find out how these are pronounced. This helps staff to use familiar words with the children, alongside English. n Children have time during their day to choose plentiful, good quality and accessible resources. Staff remain vigilant and quickly mop up spilt water. This helps to reduce hazards throughout the day. However, at times, staff do not

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need to do better?

plan the play space effectively. On occasions, the environment is disorganised and noise levels are high. This leads to some children becoming disengaged from purposeful and effective learning experiences. That said, children are excited and eager to learn, and join in with activities that interest them. n Staff have confidence in the management of the nursery. They report that their workload is manageable. Staff comment that the introduction of a new system has made the planning of activities and for children's individual needs much easier. The management team has put methods in place to help staff to support each other. These complement the meetings and the observations with staff that the management team regularly completes.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a robust knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate that children are at risk of harm or exposed to extremist views. They talk confidently of the procedures to follow to report any such concerns, both within the setting and to relevant safeguarding agencies. Staff complete safeguarding training during their induction and at regular intervals through their employment. This helps to ensure that all staff have a secure understanding of the safeguarding policies and processes. Managers have good links with other agencies, such as children's services, to help promote children's welfare.

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should:

n support staff to consistently help all children to develop their independence skills and to have high expectations of what children can manage to do themselves n plan the organisation of the play areas more carefully, including the resources and equipment, in order to create a calm and positive learning environment for all children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY289847 Local authority North East Lincolnshire Inspection number 10073421 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

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inspection

Total number of places 21 Number of children on roll 30 Name of registered person First Steps Grimsby Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01472 268118 Date of previous inspection 23 March 2016

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Information about this early years setting

First Steps with Surestart was registered in 2004. The nursery employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above, including one at level 6. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. It provides funded early education for two- and three-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector conducted a learning walk with the manager of the setting. n During a joint observation, the manager and the inspector evaluated the quality of education together. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A sample of documentation, including staff's suitability records and policies and procedures, was looked at by the inspector.

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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

8 October 2021 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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