The Cornerstone Day Nursery and Preschool

Inspection of The Cornerstone Day Nursery and Preschool Unit 5, Bridge Business Centre, Top Street, Martlesham, Woodbridge IP12 4RB

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children develop close bonds with the staff and each other. This helps them to feel safe, relaxed and settled. Babies are reassured by a smile and cuddle with their key person when they start to feel unsettled. Children are encouraged to develop their confidence in new situations, such as learning to use the toilet more independently. Older children often contribute to conversations and talk confidently about their ideas during group activities. In the main, younger children enjoy listening to stories and show a growing interest in looking at books. Babies and children learn to use basic sign language alongside learning new words. This also helps them to begin to appreciate that people communicate in different ways.

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The provision is good

Many children enjoy playing outdoors. They move around energetically and refine their control and strength when pedalling bicycles and ride-on cars. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) respond well to the direct support they receive. They show a determination to succeed with challenging tasks, such as using scissors and folding paper to fit into an envelope. Children play cooperatively together. For example, older children remind each other of the rules before lining up patiently to have a go at the hopscotch game.

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need to do better?

n Staff play alongside children and support them to develop their imaginative thinking and creativity. For example, they help children to reorganise furniture and introduce real-life props to extend their role-play themes. Staff ask children questions as they play, which helps to extend their speaking skills and introduce new vocabulary. n A wide range of tools and equipment are provided to help encourage children to develop their physical skills. Staff show children how to dunk paintbrushes into water and use them to make marks on the wall. This inspires children to strengthen their muscle control and learn to make more precise circular movements. Staff show a good understanding of how this will help children to develop the skills they need for writing in the future. n There is a strong emphasis on supporting children's behaviour and independence skills. Staff make sure children have plenty of time and direct

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need to do better?

support to take the lead in managing their self-care, such as putting on their coats, serving food and tidying away toys. Children are proud to tell their key person that they have done something well, such as finding a cup for their friend. n Staff complete accurate assessments of children's development and plan well for the next stages of their learning. They make good use of guidance from outside professionals when planning activities to support children with SEND. Overall, they demonstrate good teaching skills. However, there are times when activities,

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need to do better?

23 March 2022 such as story times, are not adapted quickly enough to take account of the youngest children's developing levels of concentration. n All children are provided with clear guidance about how to stay healthy. Staff model good hygiene practices and encourage children to wipe their noses and put used tissues in the bin. Furthermore, staff talk to children about the importance of brushing their teeth and avoiding sugary foods. n Parents speak highly of the nursery and are particularly pleased with the care and support provided by their child's key person. They compliment staff for their good communication, provided in discussion and via the online system. Parents feel that their views are valued and acted upon when they make suggestions. n There are effective arrangements in place for risk assessment and making sure the premises are secure. Managers and staff are vigilant in checking the identity

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need to do better?

of visitors and they ensure that children are well supervised. n Leaders and managers monitor staff practice regularly and review the impact this has on children's achievements and progress. They encourage staff to share their views and ideas to improve the provision for children. Clear plans are in place for continuous professional development to help all staff build on their good knowledge and skills. Staff enjoy their roles and, despite recent changes in staffing, their morale is high.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Leaders carry out thorough checks to make sure all new and existing staff are suitable to work with children. Staff have a good understanding of their role and responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm. They know who to contact if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. Managers speak to staff regularly about safeguarding issues, including what to do if they are worried about the conduct of anyone working at the setting. Leaders share ongoing information and training opportunities to help update staff with any changes in safeguarding procedures.

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should:

n refine the implementation of group activities to enhance younger children's growing concentration and full participation.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2636794 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10230785 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 64 Number of children on roll 92 Name of registered person Golden Apples Day Nursery Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01394 388062 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The Cornerstone Day Nursery and Preschool registered in 2021. It is one of seven settings operated by the provider and is located in Martlesham, Suffolk. The setting employs 18 members of childcare staff. Of these, 14 hold appropriate qualifications at level 2 or above. The setting opens Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. Funded early education is provided for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 their evaluation of the provider. n The manager and the inspector completed a tour of the setting and discussed how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the setting manager. n The staff and children spoke to the inspector at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n Parents shared their views with the inspector in discussion and through written testimonials, and the inspector took these into account. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of all persons working at the setting.

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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

23 March 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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