Bright Horizons Chelmsford Day Nursery & Preschool

Inspection of Bright Horizons Chelmsford Day Nursery & Preschool 51 Centenary Way, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 6AU

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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 thrive within this inspirational environment because they are supported by dedicated staff who have the highest expectation for their learning. Children become confident and independent learners, with high levels of curiosity and a thirst for learning.

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The provision is outstanding

Children freely explore the exciting environment, both indoors and outside, which provides them with outstanding experiences across all areas of learning. For example, older children excitedly talk about their favourite science experiment to 'grow mould on bread' and say it became 'green and stinky'. Toddlers investigate real vegetables and show awe and wonder as they peel down the leaves to reveal sweetcorn inside and compare large and small cucumbers. Babies concentrate as they investigate mud and engage in water play guided by nurturing and attentive staff.

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The provision is outstanding

Staff carefully plan learning opportunities to meet children's needs and build on their knowledge and skills. As a result, children flourish in all areas of their development and remember what they have learned. For example, older children recall a visit from a marine biologist and talk confidently about the effects of oil leaks on fish. Children's emotional health and mental well-being are given careful consideration. Children learn yoga and 'breathing techniques' in a quiet and calm wellness room. This helps children to calm and regulate their feelings.

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need to do better?

n The management team are inspirational. They consistently evaluate the nursery and have a clear vision and drive to make it the best it can be. Leaders have high aspirations for children and high expectations of the staff team. They regularly observe the quality of teaching and provide purposeful feedback to staff. This helps staff to continually improve their teaching skills and practice. n The quality of teaching across the nursery is outstanding. Children experience high-quality interactions at all times. Staff plan broad learning experiences and monitor children's progress exceptionally well. They know children well and use this knowledge to skilfully adapt activities to precisely match each individual child's development. As a result, children are motivated to learn and make excellent progress. n Staff work incredibly hard to plan exciting activities to ensure children enjoy learning. Older children sit in the 'lookout tower' and act out stories that they

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need to do better?

and their friends have written. Young children guess the scent of foam and then squeal with delight as they pat and spread it as 'cement' to build a brick wall. Babies explore the accessible activities, many of which focus on sensory experiences.

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need to do better?

18 August 2022 n Staff support children's language development exceptionally well. They skilfully engage children in conversations and discussions, modelling and repeating new vocabulary, such as 'predict' and 'semisphere'. Staff ask considered questions that encourage children to think, describe and share what they know. As a result, children rapidly learn new vocabulary and are highly articulate and confident speakers. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are superbly supported. Staff work with parents, and external professionals when needed, to put in place plans to detail what children need to achieve next. All staff know how to tailor learning and play opportunities to meet children's individual needs. n A personalised training programme is in place to ensure staff receive the training and mentoring each of them need. Staff advise they feel supported, and their well-being is highly considered. They are enthusiastic in their roles and, as a

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need to do better?

result, there is a happy atmosphere throughout the nursery. n Parents comment that the detailed information they receive about children's learning is 'amazing'. They say staff are very friendly and approachable and they can 'totally trust staff' to care for their children. The management team go above and beyond to support families who need additional help, including swiftly contacting outside professionals for advice if required. n The nursery chef provides children with nutritional snacks and meals. Staff interactions ensure mealtimes are a lovely social experience. They support children to understand about healthy eating and encourage them to share their experiences and opinions. Children's independence is supported from a young age. Older children line up to be served their food and to put waste food into the bin to prepare them for their experiences at school.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding is given the highest priority. The whole staff team demonstrate an excellent understanding of their responsibilities with regards to safeguarding and protecting children. They have a secure understanding of the possible signs and symptoms that would alert them that a child may be at risk of harm. They know how to appropriately respond to any concerns they may have about a child's safety or a member of staff's conduct. The management team ensure that staff keep their knowledge up to date with regular safeguarding training. Robust recruitment procedures ensure all those working with children are suitable.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY562810 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10194241 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 80 Number of children on roll 89 Name of registered person Bright Horizons Family Solutions Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01245 204077 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Bright Horizons Chelmsford Day Nursery and Preschool registered in 2018. It operates from a purpose-built building in Beaulieu Park. The nursery opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 6.30pm. It employs 28 members of staff, 15 of whom hold relevant early years qualifications at level 3 or above. 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 provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Inspectors discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and have taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector talked to children and staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a literacy activity with the manager. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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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

18 August 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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