The Avenue Nursery Dronfield

Inspection of The Avenue Nursery Dronfield Homesdale Infant School, 27 The Avenue, DRONFIELD, Derbyshire S18 2LR

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children are happy and settled at this vibrant and welcoming nursery. They develop close bonds with the caring staff and show that they feel very safe and secure. Younger children go to staff for a reassuring cuddle, and older children readily turn to staff when they need help undoing their lunch boxes. Children respond positively to the high expectations of staff. They are active, curious and keen learners. Older children practise counting objects. They display resilience and resolutely try again if they get the wrong number. Younger children show a keen interest in literacy. They happily look at books independently and share stories with adults.

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The provision is good

Children are independent, well behaved and choose their own play. They enjoy exploring play dough and learn to roll and shape the play dough in different ways to make a face. Children play in the well-resourced garden. They acquire early writing skills as they make marks in the sand pit, develop their imagination as they explore the mud kitchen, and improve their gross motor skills as they ride on tricycles. Children show curiosity as they explore the natural world. They examine slugs and worms using magnifying glasses and talk about what they can see.

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need to do better?

n The manager and her team are passionate about their roles. They have a clear vision for providing high-quality care and learning for children. They have planned a broad curriculum, which children benefit from as it encompasses all areas of their development. Children demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and concentrate well on the activities that they have chosen. For example, they are highly focused and show attention to detail as they mix their own paint for their pictures. n Staff monitor children's development closely, to identify their next steps in learning. They ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive effective support to make the best possible progress. For instance, staff work with children on a one-to-one basis to help them develop their physical skills. Staff work closely with parents and, where appropriate, with other professionals to draw up focused plans for children, to promote their

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need to do better?

learning and support them when they move on to school. n Older children's fine motor skills are promoted well. Staff sit alongside children as they enjoy exploring a range of sensory activities. For example, children use a variety of tools and equipment to fill pots and buckets with sand. However, at times, staff can become preoccupied with daily tasks, such as cleaning, and miss opportunities to fully support children's learning. n Staff model good language skills. They use lots of descriptive words to develop children's vocabulary. Staff sit alongside children in areas such as the home

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need to do better?

6 October 2022 corner and join in with their play. However, they do not always make the most of opportunities to enable children to use words themselves, to further develop their communication and language skills. n Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the nursery. They receive regular information about their children's progress, and staff share ideas to extend children's learning at home. Parents comment that the staff ensure they are looked after, as well as their children. n Staff support children's understanding of personal hygiene needs. They promptly help younger children to wipe their nose and sensitively remind them of nappy changes. Older children independently use the toilet and understand that they need to wash their hands. n Staff support children to understand about similarities and differences. For example, children have discussions about how they are the same or different to their peers. They behave well and develop an understanding and respect for

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need to do better?

others. n The manager values her staff team and involves them in the organisation of their rooms. Staff have good opportunities to extend their knowledge and use training to develop their lead roles within the nursery. There is a strong focus on staff well-being. The manager ensures that all staff can talk openly and seek advice and support if needed. Staff meetings and in-house training are regularly provided. These help staff to feel valued.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff all demonstrate strong knowledge of the signs and symptoms, which could indicate a child is at risk of harm. They confidently explain the referral process to follow if they have concerns about the welfare of a child. Staff are aware of the action to take if they have concerns about a colleague's practice. Robust recruitment and vetting arrangements are in place to help ensure all adults working with children are suitable for their role. The premises are safe and secure as the gate and door are securely locked to ensure children are kept safe while in the nursery.

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should:

n deploy staff consistently so that their time is spent with children and their focus is on children's learning n develop staff interactions to provide greater support for children's communication and language skills as they play and learn.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY480812 Local authority Derbyshire Inspection number 10233931 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 48 Number of children on roll 80 Name of registered person The Avenue Nursery Dronfield Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07836730444 Date of previous inspection 6 October 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The Avenue Nursery Dronfield registered in 2014. The nursery employs nine members of childcare staff. Of these, three hold an appropriate early years qualifications at level 5, one holds level 4 and five hold level 3. The nursery opens Monday to Friday all year round, except for bank holidays and two weeks at Christmas. Sessions are from 7.45am until 5.30pm. 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. 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 took the inspector on a learning walk around the nursery to share what the staff provide and how this assists children in their learning and development. n The quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors was observed, and the inspector assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with management, staff, parents and the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector carried out joint observations with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff.

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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

6 October 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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