Bright Horizons Phoenix Day Nursery and Preschool

Inspection of Bright Horizons Phoenix Day Nursery and Preschool Merrymeade Coach House & Cottages, Merrymeade Chase, BRENTWOOD, Essex CM15 9BG

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children develop extremely strong bonds with staff in this warm and welcoming setting. They feel safe and secure because of the attentive and caring nature of staff. Babies settle incredibly quickly in the nursery. They instantly become familiar with the routine of the day. For instance, they move towards the gate in the garden when it is time for lunch. Children behave exceptionally well. They play harmoniously with each other, sharing toys and resources. Children have a deep- rooted respect for their peers and staff. Their already high self-esteem is raised further with positive praise from staff. For instance, children are commended as they work hard to mix play dough together and make new colours.

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The provision is outstanding

Children demonstrate exceptionally high levels of focus. They instinctively make their own choices from the extremely well-resourced and inviting learning environment. Children are articulate in communicating their interests. They describe to staff how they would like an ice-cream parlour. Their ideas are swiftly responded to as staff help the children create this. Children role play serving ice cream to their friends and staff. Children are enthusiastic, highly motivated and eager to learn.

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need to do better?

n Children develop superb communication and language skills. Staff skilfully weave opportunities for developing new language through activities. For example, babies enjoy singing songs with staff members, choosing objects from a bag that represent their favourite songs. They learn signs that relate to the songs they sing. They then use these signs in their everyday experiences. For instance, they sign 'thank you' to staff as they are served their food. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive outstanding support. Staff fully understand the needs of the children. Parents are completely involved in decisions regarding their children's needs. They speak highly about the excellent support their children receive, such as preparing for their transition to school. The dedicated special educational needs coordinator inspires her colleagues, sharing her exceptional knowledge with them. This helps

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need to do better?

children with SEND to achieve their full potential. n Children develop their independence from a very young age. Babies are encouraged to use tools, such as spoons, to feed themselves while staff support them. The oldest children are completely confident in meeting their own needs. They scrape their plates at the end of mealtimes and collect their food from the chef, carrying their plates carefully. As a result, they are completely prepared to meet their own needs when they move on to school. n Leaders and staff are extremely passionate and reflective in their practice. Focused support and training opportunities help staff to raise the level of

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need to do better?

21 July 2022 teaching to an exceptionally high standard. Managers encourage staff to build on the areas that they are particularly interested in. This helps staff to be influential in shaping the vibrant and broad curriculum and make positive changes to the provision. n Children's voices and input are highly valued. Staff instinctively adapt their plans as children choose to listen to the sounds of nature around them, before speaking freely about what they heard using the 'talking stick'. Staff's enthusiasm spreads to the children, resulting in a deep respect for their natural surroundings. n Children become remarkable storytellers. Staff support children to share their ideas when they are younger. They build on children's ideas, encouraging them to extend these further. When children are older, staff help them to write stories and document their ideas. A dedicated reading room ignites children's passion

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need to do better?

for books as they learn about characters in a book that are hidden in a tree. Children become imaginative and articulate as a result of this exceptional support. n Children's and adults' well-being is at the heart of the nursery ethos. Children enjoy yoga sessions in the garden as they learn to focus on their breathing and feel the stretch in their muscles. Leaders give staff's welfare high priority. Staff state they feel highly appreciated. Staff receive treats to boost their morale and have opportunities to take on additional responsibilities to develop their roles. This enhances their job fulfilment.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff demonstrate excellent awareness of the signs and symptoms of potential abuse and/or neglect. They are clear about how to report a concern. Leadership and management have clear expectations of staff, which is followed up with regular training to ensure staff are fully aware of any risks and what action to take. Staff teach the children the importance of keeping themselves safe. For example, children take their time walking down the steps, holding on to the handrail. Staff work with children in the woodland. Children can confidently explain to visitors the rules of entering the woodland. They understand why staff undertake the rigorous risk assessment before they enter.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2584586 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10239578 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 130 Number of children on roll 210 Name of registered person Bright Horizons Family Solutions Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01277 289435 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Bright Horizons Phoenix Day Nursery and Preschool registered in 2020. The nursery employs 31 members of childcare staff. Of these, 26 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.45am until 5.45pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspectors discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and have taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The manager joined the inspectors on a learning walk. She talked to the inspectors about the curriculum. n The inspectors observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors. They discussed children's progress with staff. n The manager and inspectors carried out two joint observations. n The inspectors looked at relevant documentation. This included evidence of staff suitability, the staff files and safeguarding documents. n The inspectors spoke to parents during the inspection to take 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

21 July 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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