A-Stars Early Education

Inspection of A-Stars Early Education Unit 2b Alpha Business Park, Leopold Street, Pemberton, Greater Manchester WN5 8EG

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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children at this nursery are safe, happy and content. They arrive eager to join in with the many exciting activities that staff have carefully planned for them. For example, staff in the baby room set up an inviting safari animal activity to develop language. The nursery leader, who is also the manager, is passionate and dedicated about delivering the best possible outcomes for children. The manager and deputy managers are very hands on in the nursery rooms and in the day-to- day running of the nursery. As a result, self-evaluation is accurate.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. They have recognised that some children are struggling to share and take turns. Therefore, they have adapted their curriculum to support this. For example, staff in the toddler room plan activities that require team work. Older children in pre-school show excitement as they take turns to apply paint to a large piece of material in the garden. As a result, children are beginning to develop their sharing and turn-taking skills. Opportunities for children to develop their independence skills are plentiful. Toddlers are supported as they put on their wellingtons for outdoor play, while older children self-serve their lunchtime meal. These opportunities support children in preparation for school.

p.2

need to do better?

n The nursery curriculum is designed to support children to progress through each of the nursery rooms with confidence. Children are encouraged to reach important milestones, such as becoming independent and being confident communicators. Staff are confident in their intent for each activity they plan and deliver. As a result, children are making good and steady progress. n Staff know children well. They spend time during settling-in periods getting to know children and their routines and are attentive to their needs. Children have formed strong bonds and attachments with staff. Children's emotional needs are well supported. n Overall, staff support children's communication and language skills well. They sing various songs and rhymes and introduce new words during play, such as crunchy and stomp. Staff provide children with narration as they play and learn. However, occasionally, this can be too much and hinders children's ability to

p.2

need to do better?

take in the language or have sufficient time to respond. n Staff positively encourage a love of reading. Children enjoy reading stories with staff. They extend this further by taking children on a 'bear hunt' outside. Furthermore, staff provide books for children to relax during their afternoon nap. Opportunities like these support children's early literacy skills. n Parents speak exceptionally highly of the nursery team. They report that staff go 'above and beyond'. Parents comment that staff consistently share tips and

p.2

need to do better?

31 March 2023 ideas, such as help with toilet training and ideas to support further development and learning. Parents are proud of the nursery and feel their children are well cared for and settled. Partnerships with parents are strong. n The manager works hard to provide staff with consistent access to support and supervision. She spends time overseeing and observing staff practice and offers advice on improvements, where necessary. Staff are aware of the areas for improvement. They develop their skills and practice through ongoing training. Consequently, the quality of teaching is good. n Healthy lifestyles are promoted throughout the nursery. Children have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day and enjoy a range of nutritious meals. Leaders ensure that staff are alert to children who have allergies. They adapt their practices to ensure these children are safe. Children benefit from fresh air

p.2

need to do better?

and exercise in the nursery garden. Children use jugs and pots to tip and pour. Furthermore, they push themselves around on bikes, laughing with their peers. This supports children's physical development.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Leaders and staff are aware of their responsibilities to protect children from harm and abuse. Staff are aware of the procedures to follow should they have a safeguarding concern about any child or staff member. Recruitment and induction procedures are effective. Staff are thoroughly trained in the nursery's safeguarding policies as part of their induction. Leaders ensure that they share important information with all staff, such as children's allergies. Medication is stored out of reach of children. Staff are aware of who is responsible for administering medication. Risk assessments are carefully completed, and staff are alert to any potential hazards.

p.3

should:

n support staff to provide children with sufficient time to process information and respond.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2629805 Local authority Wigan Inspection number 10281143 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 38 Number of children on roll 43 Name of registered person A-Stars Pre-school Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01942 211441 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

A-Stars Early Education registered in 2021 and is in the Pemberton area of Wigan. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7am until 6pm. The nursery employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the nursery received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and has taken this into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector took account of parents' views from their verbal and written feedback. n The manager and inspector completed a joint observation. n Staff spoke with the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed interactions between staff and children. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed the evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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

31 March 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