Next Steps Nursery

Inspection of Next Steps Nursery Desford Road, Enderby, Leicester LE19 4AT

p.1

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children are eager and excited to attend this enriching, safe and deeply engaging nursery. They demonstrate positive attitudes to learning as they work in harmony to construct large wooden bricks. They display a thirst for learning as they learn to measure distance. They make marks on paper to indicate how far they have travelled as they jump off the climbing apparatus. Staff help children to think about how to build their own climbing apparatus. They encourage children to compare the size of planks, and allow them to test their theories as they hand the planks of wood up the ladders to children.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children display exceptional small-muscle skills as they learn to safely handle and use woodworking tools. With staff's support, they carefully saw planks of wood, hammer in nails and use hand-held drills to make holes. They remember their manners as they say, 'Thank you' to their friends when they share the tools.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children's communication skills are continuously developing. Younger children are constantly supported to build their vocabulary. Staff help children make connections as they speak. Babies babble during their play; staff listen intently and use their first words in sentences while introducing new words. Staff encourage older children to use a plethora of new words during their play. For example, when children help themselves to water, they learn the word 'hydrated'.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager and staff have constructed a bespoke and unique curriculum that reflects children's interests. This is embedded securely throughout the whole nursery. Staff effortlessly build on what children know and provide additional knowledge. For example, babies are supported to learn a wide range of vocabulary as they play, which is constantly reinforced by staff. n Children consistently show high levels of respect for their friends and the staff. They work together harmoniously while they play. For example, as children crouch down in the sandpit, they take turns filling a bowl with sand and stand back, saying to their friends, 'It's your turn now.' n Staff constantly build on children's problem-solving skills. For example, children are helped to think about how they can get the water they have pumped through long pipes. Staff comment on what the children are doing and ask questions, such as, 'That looks like it might work' and 'What else could we use to

p.2

need to do better?

collect water?' This results in children thinking critically and learning to problem- solve with increasing skill. n The manager and her staff have received additional training on self-regulation. They understand how to support children's well-being. For example, when children enter the nursery and are unsettled, staff give them comfort and say to

p.2

need to do better?

16 May 2023 them, 'Are you sad?' This helps children to understand and acknowledge their feelings. n Staff constantly promote children's independence. All children, including younger age groups, use their growing skills to scoop and serve themselves snacks and meals. They pour their water independently and drink out of open cups. The manager and her staff work together to encourage independence when children go for naps. Younger children learn to find their beds and get in when tired, soothing themselves to sleep. n The staff support children to manage risks as they play. For example, children are helped to assess risks as they climb on the apparatus and jump onto the mat. Staff continually support children's risk management, saying, 'Is that mat far away?' or 'Do you think we could bring it closer?' This builds children's understanding of how to manage their own risk and gives them confidence in their play.

p.2

need to do better?

n Parents describe the exceptional care that their children receive at the nursery. They say that the incredible staff team are teaching children essential skills for life. Parents describe how children are making rapid progress in all areas of their development. The manager ensures parents have a voice. For example, she works with them to help update the nursery's policies and procedures. This ensures that parents are involved in decision-making and that they remain up to date with nursery changes.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff confidently know how to keep children safe in the nursery. All staff follow a training pathway that ensures their safeguarding knowledge is constantly updated. The manager shares local safeguarding updates and information on a monthly basis. Staff competently recognise signs and symptoms of abuse. They understand the procedures to follow should they have concerns about a child's welfare and know how to escalate and report their concerns. Staff teach children to keep themselves safe. For example, they encourage children to assess risk as they play, and share books about the importance of feeling safe and secure. This helps children to build their understanding of limitations and to risk assess their own play.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY467309 Local authority Leicestershire Inspection number 10285359 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 200 Number of children on roll 252 Name of registered person Next PLC

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01162727042 Date of previous inspection 3 October 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Next Steps Nursery registered in 2013 and is located in Enderby, Leicestershire. The nursery is open from 8am until 6pm, all year round, with the exception of bank holidays. The nursery employs 79 members of childcare staff. Of these, 65 hold appropriate early years qualifications between level 2 and level 6. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Information about this inspection

Inspectors Stephanie North Caroline Winterton

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspectors discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and have taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager and inspectors completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children told the inspectors about their friends and what they like to do when they are at nursery. n The inspectors talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspectors observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspectors carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n Parents shared their views of the nursery with the inspectors. n The inspectors looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the

p.5

Inspection activities

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

16 May 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