5 Steps Community Nursery

Inspection of 5 Steps Community Nursery 15 Lambourne Grove, Rotherhithe, LONDON SE16 2RR

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Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

Despite inconsistencies in teaching, children feel happy, safe and secure in the nursery. Children are eager to attend nursery and choose an activity that interests them. The managers of the nursery are clear about what children need to learn and why. However, they do not ensure that all staff understand this and can effectively teach the knowledge and skills children need to learn. As a result, children do not always benefit from meaningful interactions from staff to help them make as much progress as they could. Children who need additional help with their learning do not always get tailored and robust support to help them catch up with their peers. Nonetheless, children are becoming independent learners. For example, babies move around the play area confidently, exploring toys and finding out how things work.

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The provision requires improvement

Most older children can attend to their self-care needs, such as managing clothing and using the toilet. In addition, they serve their own food and drink during mealtimes. Children are active learners. They spend a significant amount of time outdoors, riding bikes and running around to build on their large-muscle skills. Children are sociable, have formed lasting friendships in the nursery and, generally, behave well for their age.

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need to do better?

n The management team has taken appropriate steps to improve the quality of the provision to some extent. For example, they have worked hard to address the safeguarding and welfare requirements actions raised at their last inspection. However, they have not done enough to address the weaknesses in teaching to raise the quality of education to a good level. n The quality of education is inconsistent. Some staff working with children do not understand what children should be learning or how to teach this effectively. On some occasions, they provide activities without having a clear purpose for what they want the children to learn. In addition, they do not always interact effectively with children. For instance, some staff do not always comment on what children are doing and ask effective questions to help extend their vocabulary. As a result, not all children make sufficient progress in their communication and language development.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and staff use effective assessment systems to monitor the progress of individual children and identify gaps. However, they are not quick to implement robust strategies to support those children who need extra help with their learning. This means that not all children make the best possible progress and acquire the skills they need for their next stage of learning. n Staff support children's emotional development well. They have formed secure bonds with the children. For example, they comfort the babies and give them

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need to do better?

7 February 2022 cuddles of reassurance when they become distressed. Staff working with the older children offer regular praise and encouragement to boost their self-esteem. In addition, they give clear rules and expectations for behaviour and encourage children to share and take turns. This contributes positively to the way children behave. n Partnerships with parents are effective. The management team and staff have improved systems for sharing information with parents to keep them informed. They use the online system 'Capture' well to share information about what children are learning and any incidents that occur within the nursery. Parents are positive about the quality of care their children receive at the nursery. n Children's physical well-being is supported well. Children have numerous opportunities to develop their coordination and balancing skills. Staff ensure that the routine and structure of the day allows children who learn best outside to

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need to do better?

explore play and build on their interests. In addition, they provide healthy meals and drinks and encourage children to try new foods.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have attended safeguarding training to help address gaps in their knowledge and understanding of child protection. They have a suitable understanding of the nursery's safeguarding policy, including how to raise concerns about a child's welfare. The managers understand the procedures they need to follow if an allegation is made against a staff member. Staff are now aware of their responsibilities under the 'Prevent' duty guidance of England and Wales. They can recognise when a child is at risk of extreme views or behaviour. The managers and staff use risk assessment well to remove any potential hazards in the play areas to help keep children safe. The provider understand their responsibilities to notify Ofsted of significant changes and events as required.

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Due date

ensure all staff understand the curriculum intent, and implement this effectively to help children make good progress in their learning and development 08/02/2023

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Due date

7 February 2022 improve support for children who need additional help with their learning to help them make the best possible progress, particularly across the prime areas of learning. 08/02/2023

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY340504 Local authority Lewisham Inspection number 10204122 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 32 Number of children on roll 16 Name of registered person 5 Steps Community Nursery Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 0207 237 2376 Date of previous inspection 7 July 2021

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Information about this early years setting

5 Steps Community Nursery registered in 2007. The nursery is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, for 50 weeks of the year. The provider receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. Eight members of staff are employed to work with the children, all of whom hold appropriate childcare qualifications. Three members of staff hold childcare qualifications at level 4, four staff at level 3 and one staff at level 2.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n A learning walk was conducted by the inspector and the manager of the nursery to discuss how the early years provision is organised and structured. n Some parents shared their views with the inspector and these were taken into account to assess the effectiveness of partnerships with parents. n The inspector observed staff's interactions with children and the impact these have on children's learning. n The inspector and the manager observed different activities together and held discussions about children's learning. n A range of documents, such as staff's suitability checks and qualifications, were viewed 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

7 February 2022 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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