Portico at West End

Inspection of Portico at West End West End Primary School, Grimshaw Lane, ORMSKIRK, Lancashire L39 1PA

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is good

The atmosphere is calm and purposeful at this welcoming nursery. Staff prioritise getting to know the children and their families right from the start. A well- established key-person system ensures children develop strong attachments with staff. Younger children seek cuddles from familiar adults for comfort and reassurance. They develop a sense of belonging from the family photos that are displayed in learning areas. Older children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure as they explore the inviting learning environment with confidence. Staff praise children for their efforts, which builds their self-esteem. Children behave well at this nursery. They share and take turns as they play together. Staff have high expectations and remind children to use 'kind hands'. Staff are good role models and encourage children to say 'please' and 'thank you' at snack time.

p.2

The provision is good

Younger children benefit from activities at different heights. This motivates them to crawl, stand and reach for the things they want to explore. They investigate a variety of sensory toys and thread shapes onto poles. This helps to develop their hand-to-eye coordination. Staff encourage older children to take safe risks as they roam freely in the secure forest area. Children hide behind trees and duck under branches as they explore. They shriek with delight as they climb up and run down the leaf-covered hill. Children develop core strength and balance as they leap across tree-stump stepping stones.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff demonstrate a good understanding of how the children learn and develop. They use information about children and their interests to provide a wide range of activities that ignite their curiosity. For example, older children who are interested in volcanoes watch in awe as they mix oil, food colouring and water together and watch as it separates. n Overall, staff provide opportunities for children to develop their independence. For example, children serve their own food at lunchtimes and mix their own paint when creating. However, staff do not consistently ensure that older children have opportunities to manage their own self-care. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities get the help they need swiftly as staff work closely with parents and other professionals. They use accurate assessments to plan children's next steps and to monitor their progress. Additional funding is used well to ensure that all children make the

p.2

need to do better?

best possible progress. n Staff use expressive voices and over-emphasise their gestures to build anticipation during activities. This captivates children and helps to develop their listening and attention skills. For example, older children are keen to discover the object hidden in the box during rhyme time. Younger children reach

p.2

need to do better?

25 October 2022 excitedly for the bubbles staff blow after holding their attention for a short time. n Interactions between staff and children positively enhance communication and language development. Staff strive to extend children's vocabulary. For example, they chat with children as they make play dough, introducing words such as 'sticky' and 'gloopy'. Staff sing songs and share stories with children. They provide opportunities for children to fill in missing words or to make up magical endings. n Staff work exceptionally well together as a team. They attend weekly meetings and receive regular supervisions to develop and share good practice. They say they feel valued and speak very highly of the support they receive from the management team. Staff access a wide range of training, and this has a positive impact on teaching and learning. n The manager has a clear vision for improvement. The outdoor learning

p.2

need to do better?

environment is a key area identified for development. The manager and staff have started to enhance this area so that it provides the same quality of learning experiences that children benefit from inside. However, the improvements are not yet fully established. n Parents are very happy with the care provided for their children. They say their children are thriving and that staff go 'above and beyond' to ensure they enjoy their time at nursery. They feel that staff help to prepare children well for the next phase of their education.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

All staff have a good understanding of their responsibility to safeguard children. They recognise the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. Staff know what action to take if they have any concerns regarding a child's welfare. They are clear about the procedure to follow should they have concerns about the conduct of a colleague. The management team implements robust recruitment procedures and completes regular checks to ensure the ongoing suitability of all staff who work with children. Accidents are closely monitored, and swift action is taken to minimise risks. Children learn about safety as they assist staff with daily risk assessments to ensure that the setting is safe.

p.3

should:

n ensure staff make the most of every opportunity to encourage older children to manage their own self-care so that they develop independence n continue to develop the outdoor learning area so that children receive the same quality of teaching and learning experiences that are provided for them indoors.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY446381 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10233819 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 68 Number of children on roll 53 Name of registered person Portico Day Nurseries Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01695 571757 Date of previous inspection 24 November 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Portico at West End registered in 2012 and is privately owned. It is based in West End Primary School in Ormskirk, Lancashire. There are seven members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds early years professional status, the manager holds a qualification at level 5, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and one is unqualified. The setting is open Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, all year round, and provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year- old children.

p.4

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 joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the nursery with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including paediatric first-aid certificates, qualifications, insurance and suitability checks.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

25 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6