Duchess Nursery Steventon

Inspection of Duchess Nursery Steventon The Hay Barn, By The Meadow Farm, The Green, Steventon, Abingdon OX13 6RP

p.1

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

p.1

The provision is inadequate

The provider does not have an adequate understanding of her responsibilities to ensure that all requirements are met. She does not ensure the safeguarding policies and procedures follow the guidance shown in the local safeguarding partnership procedures. Not all staff have a sufficient awareness of the correct procedures to follow, should they have concerns about another member of staff. Furthermore, the manager does not have a good enough understanding of the lines of reporting, should an allegation be made. This comprises children's safety and well-being.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

The quality of teaching is inconsistent across the nursery. Children in the baby room do not benefit from a curriculum that is tailored to their individual needs. Staff in this room do not have a sufficient understanding of how to plan and build on children's learning as they engage in activities. Consequently, children do not benefit from targeted teaching and purposeful interactions with staff. This has a significant impact on their ongoing development.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children in the pre-school room show a growing understanding of managing their personal care needs. They independently blow their noses, put tissues in the bin and know to wash their hands. Toddlers enjoy role-play activities and build on their independence as they change into different shoes, for example.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Older children understand the expectations for their behaviour. They show good imagination and take on different characters, such as pirates during role-play activities. All children are kind to one another and learn how to share resources.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider's oversight is poor. The manager does not effectively monitor staff practice to identify gaps in their knowledge. Weaknesses in teaching have not been identified. Therefore, not all staff are provided with the targeted coaching and training they need to improve their skills and the quality of education they provide for children. This has a significant impact on the progress children make. n Staff in the baby room do not plan activities based on children's specific next steps in learning. They do not consider how to organise activities to enable all children to participate. For example, not all children are able to take part in painting activities, as there is not enough room at the table. Consequently, they become frustrated. Furthermore, those children that do not engage in the activities provided are not encouraged to join in, and have little interaction from staff. At times, they pass books to staff and are confused when they put them

p.2

need to do better?

down with no explanation. n Children of all ages receive a warm welcome from their key person. However,

p.2

need to do better?

2 February 2023 not all staff in the baby room swiftly seek the guidance they need to help them confidently plan for children's next steps in learning. At times, babies new to the setting are passed around staff. Although these staff are familiar to them, they do not always benefit from the cuddles and reassurance they need from their key person. n Staff in the toddler room provide activities that engage children and motivate them to learn. For example, children show good imagination as they use some words to describe what they are doing and pretend to cook meals for others. Staff repeat phrases and talk to children as they play. However, they do not use information they obtain through assessment of all children's speaking skills, to plan precisely and support their communication and language skills to the highest level. n Staff in the pre-school room develop children's literacy skills well. For example,

p.2

need to do better?

they foster children's love of books and actively engage them in stories of interest. Children independently select resources, such as clip boards and pens and write shopping lists during pretend play. They are learning the skills they need in preparation for school. n Parents say that they are happy with the nursery. They appreciate the daily feedback from staff and the information shared through digital media, such as their children's 'golden moments'. This means they can share and discuss these with their children at home. n All children enjoy opportunities for fresh air and exercise and learn about healthy lifestyles. Older children practise their balancing skills as they walk across beams. They learn about oral hygiene and discuss the importance of cleaning their teeth. Babies show confidence in feeding themselves and enjoy the nutritious meals that are cooked on site.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Although recent training has been undertaken, staff are not aware of the action to take should they have a concern about another member of staff. The manager, who is the designated safeguarding lead, does not have a secure knowledge of the procedures to follow should an allegation be made. This compromises children's welfare. Staff maintain ratios and the premises are kept secure. There are appropriate recruitment procedures in place for new staff to ensure they are suitable to work with children.

p.3

Due date

2 February 2023 implement a safeguarding policy and procedure that is in line with local safeguarding partnership procedures 02/03/2023

p.3

Due date

ensure all staff, including those that have designated safeguarding roles, have a clear knowledge of all safeguarding polices and procedures, including knowing how to report allegations raised against staff and understanding the role of the local authority designated officer 02/03/2023

p.4

Due date

ensure leaders know the procedures to follow, should an allegation be made against a member of staff, including notifying Ofsted, within prescribed timescales 02/03/2023

p.4

Due date

implement effective oversight and monitoring of the provision to continually review and swiftly address any areas for improvement 02/03/2023

p.4

Due date

improve the arrangements for monitoring of staff practice, to identify weakness in the quality of teaching and education and to ensure all staff have the support they need to fulfil their roles 02/03/2023

p.4

Due date

provide training and coaching for staff, particularly in reference to the baby room, to improve weaker aspects of staff knowledge and to ensure they offer quality teaching and learning experiences for every child. 02/03/2023

p.4

should:

n strengthen the key-person system, particularly in the baby room, to ensure children consistently receive the reassurance they need to help them settle n develop further support for children to develop their language and communication skills.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 2614921 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 10265312 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 50 Number of children on roll 62 Name of registered person Swinbrook House Nursery Schools Limited

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 01235 835108 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Duchess Nursery Stevenson registered in 2020. The nursery is located in Stevenson, Abingdon. The nursery operates Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6.30pm, for 51 weeks of the year. The nursery receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are 13 staff, of whom 6 hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 3.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting 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 setting. n A meeting was held between the inspector, the manager and area manager. n The inspector looked at a selection of documentation and checked the suitability of staff working with the children. n The inspector spoke to children, staff and parents at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together. They observed staff's teaching practice during activities.

p.6

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

2 February 2023 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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