Step By Step Nursery

Inspection of Step By Step Nursery 15 Chandler Street, London E1W 2QL

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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 of all ages settle quickly into the safe and welcoming environment. They confidently say goodbye to their parents at the door and the friendly staff warmly greet them. Children have strong attachments with their key person, which ensures that they are growing in confidence and self-esteem. For example, young babies confidently explore the environment, they enjoy cuddles and receive reassurance when needed. When babies are hungry or tired, staff respond promptly.

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The provision is good

Partnership working with parents is well embedded within the nursery. Parents speak highly of the staff and particularly value how much they have helped with the good progress children are making. Staff make good use of opportunities to involve parents and carers, and the regular exchange of information keeps them up to date with what is happening at the nursery. This is really appreciated, as many parents and carers have not been inside the nursery for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The provision is good

Children confidently choose from a selection of good resources, indoors and outside. Staff know children's interests and plan learning experiences to meet their needs. For example, they provide toddlers with plenty of space and opportunities to strengthen their walking skills. Older children have ample opportunities to engage in conversations, share their views and ideas and build on their vocabulary and communication skills.

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need to do better?

n The manager and her deputy are enthusiastic about providing high-quality care and education. They regularly reflect on practice and evaluate the nursery to ensure that the continuous improvements benefit children's learning. Leaders monitor staff practice well and have a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. All staff have opportunities for continual professional development to build on their current teaching skills and to support individual children, including through training. n The manager and staff have high expectations of what children can achieve. They know the children well and can confidently talk about their capabilities. They plan a robust curriculum which provides children with a wide range of experiences and activities. However, at times, older children lack challenge and opportunities to develop their thinking skills further. n Leaders recognise that some children have needed more support with their

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need to do better?

emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. They teach children to express and manage their feelings. For example, staff hold skilful conversations with children to help them understand how their behaviour impacts on others and how to share resources.

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need to do better?

25 January 2022 n Staff treat children and each other with respect and kindness. They use quiet voices when talking with children and ensure that they model good manners. n Children have access to a range of good-quality resources. Babies are content and enjoy interactions with staff. They explore a range of media and materials available to them with curiosity. Toddlers learn to understand and follow the daily routines. They learn skills which will help with the transition to another room. n Pre-school children learn important skills that prepare them well for school, including confidence. For example, staff encourage children to contribute during circle time and praise their knowledge when they answer questions. n The manager uses funding effectively. For example, she has organised a sports session to build children's physical skills and confidence. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported at

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need to do better?

this inclusive nursery. Staff get to know children well. Leaders and staff work closely with parents and other professionals. They complete assessments of children's learning and build on their strengths. Staff put appropriate support in place to help all children to fulfil their potential. n Although staff focus well on developing young children's independence, this is not consistent in the pre-school room. For example, staff are quick to jump in and complete tasks for children which they are able to complete for themselves, such as pouring their own drinks and putting on their own coats.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff are vigilant and supervise children well. They demonstrate a good understanding of how to respond to concerns about the welfare of a child. Staff promote children's safety and well-being. Staff receive thorough training and support to ensure that they understand child protection procedures. Staff work closely together and report how valued they feel. The open communication between staff and all levels of management promotes information-sharing as staff feel listened to and respected. Recruitment procedures are robust. Staff receive high-quality professional development opportunities and attend regular supervision meetings, which helps to ensure that they remain highly effective in their roles.

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should:

n increase opportunities for children to carry out tasks independently n build on children's natural curiosity to learn and provide activities that challenge children's thinking skills, particularly in relation to older children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY371767 Local authority Tower Hamlets Inspection number 10216852 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 52 Number of children on roll 50 Name of registered person Step By Step Nursery Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 02075532880 Date of previous inspection 8 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Step By Step Nursery registered in 2008. It operates from Wapping Children's Centre in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am to 6.30pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The nursery employs 23 members of staff. Of these, 21 hold relevant childcare qualifications from level 2 to level 6.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the nursery received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the nursery. n The inspector, the manager and her deputy had a learning walk across all areas of the nursery to understand how the early years provision and the curriculum are organised. n The inspector and the manager carried out a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector observed the staff's interactions with the children and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector held a meeting with the nursery manager and her deputy. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n A number of parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection and some left an email with their feedback. 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

25 January 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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