St Michael's Nursery

Inspection of St Michael's Nursery All Souls Church Hall, Station Road, LONDON NW10 4UJ

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

Children enjoy themselves at the nursery. Staff are passionate and dedicated. They ensure that the children settle quickly when they come into the setting. There are high expectations for all of the children. This is evident in the way that the children behave. Children have impeccable manners, are kind and courteous to one another. They are confident, happy and enjoy sharing their thoughts and ideas. Children are praised for their participation and do a 'well done dance' when they share their ideas with their friends.

p.2

The provision is good

The curriculum is well planned and covers all areas of learning. Children benefit from a broad curriculum, indoors and outdoors. They delight in their time outdoors and the exciting activities available to them. In addition, they access an orchard, where the children grow apples, rhubarb and raspberries. Children help to grow fruit in the orchard and enjoy cooking and eating them. The nursery places a strong emphasis on oral hygiene. The children enjoy visits to the local dentist, developing good habits to take care of their teeth from an early age.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff show that they understand and know the children very well. The curriculum is thorough and well planned enabling children to develop well in all areas. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on mathematical concepts. This is introduced throughout the day. For example, when children make sun catchers, they are asked about the different shapes and sizes that they are using. Children count confidently. When comparing the sizes of vegetables, they learn about weighing and measuring different quantities. n Staff track children's development to ensure that they make good progress, regardless of their starting points. The manager uses additional funding effectively to help narrow gaps in children's learning. Staff provide effective support to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They identify areas that need any support and act promptly to address them. Staff work closely with other professionals and parents to support children

p.2

need to do better?

appropriately. n Children are introduced to interesting discussions. For example, when children talk about eggs, staff use this to expand their language. They extend discussions to help children gain a wider understanding of different animals that lay eggs and how to take care of them before they hatch. Children join in with lively conversations and ask staff questions. Staff use open-ended questions to deepen children's thinking. For example, they ask children 'What does a crocodile do with the eggs it lays?' Children are given time to think and reason what is asked of them. n Children's independence is well supported. Children are encouraged to clean up

p.2

need to do better?

3 April 2023 after themselves at mealtimes, put on their own coats and are given roles and responsibilities throughout the day. Staff support the children sensitively and this supports a smooth transition to school. The nursery has built strong links with the local schools and this has ensured children settle quickly when they start. n Parents feel that they have built a strong bond with the staff at the nursery. The setting offers termly parents' evenings and shares photos and work the children complete on a weekly basis. Parents comment that their children have thrived in their time at the nursery and they have learned a lot from the staff. Parents comment warmly on how different cultures and their festivals are celebrated and they feel valued within the nursery. n Leaders are passionate about the setting and the care they provide for children. They carry out regular supervision meetings with staff to reflect on their

p.2

need to do better?

practice. Staff are given time to discuss any concerns they have. Overall, leaders focus on enhancing the setting. They support staff to attend mandatory training. However, leaders do not consistently identify all areas of weakness. This means that staff do not always attend specific training to further develop their knowledge.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff demonstrate that they have a good understanding of their safeguarding roles and responsibilities. They are confident in identifying signs that may mean children are at risk of harm. Staff confidently discuss the procedures they follow if they have concerns about a child. Leaders ensure that policies are kept up to date and that contact information for the local authority is clear and easy to find. All staff have a good knowledge of wider safeguarding issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty. Staff know what procedures to follow if they have concerns about another member of staff. Risk assessments are conducted on a daily basis to ensure that the areas the children access are safe.

p.3

should:

n strengthen supervision to identify areas of weakness and tailor training to raise the quality of teaching to a higher level.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY436727 Local authority Brent Inspection number 10280231 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 76 Number of children on roll 76 Name of registered person St Michaels Nursery Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 02088380085 Date of previous inspection 5 September 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

St Michael's Nursery registered in 2011. It is situated in Harlesden in the London Borough of Brent. The nursery is open each weekday from 8am to 6pm, all year round. There are 14 members of staff. Of these, one member of staff holds a level 5 qualification, six members of staff hold qualifications at level 3 and three members of staff hold qualifications at level 2. Three members of staff are apprentices. The provider is in receipt of funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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 inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate moments during the inspection. n The manager took the inspector on a learning walk of the setting and discussed the curriculum and the learning intentions. n The manager and the inspector undertook a joint observation together. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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

3 April 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.

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