St. Peter's Nursery

Inspection of St. Peter's Nursery St. Peters C of E Primary School, School Road, Sible Hedingham, HALSTEAD, Essex CO9 3NR

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children explore an inviting and well-resourced play environment, both indoors and outdoors. The children take calculated risks and learn how to manage their own safety as they navigate the hills and steps in the woodland garden. Staff are always nearby to help when children need their support. Children excitedly look for bugs and collect them in magnifying pots and use books to enhance their knowledge of their habitats. Children are inquisitive and keen to learn. They develop critical thinking skills and explore the deeper meaning of the stories they hear. For example, children recall the story they have just read and discuss the emotions of the characters and the reasons behind them.

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The provision is good

Children develop high levels of self-esteem. They approach visitors with confidence, ask questions and tell them about what they are doing. Children are continually developing good levels of independence. For example, they cut up fruit and help to wash plates and cups after snack time. Children lead their own learning. The variety of resources provided helps them to independently develop their creativity. For instance, children have plenty of mark-making opportunities and draw different characters, making up stories together. Children enjoy making flower-petal teas and potions.

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need to do better?

n Children thoroughly enjoy learning in the exciting and adventurous nursery garden. They learn to manoeuvre on different surfaces, running up and down the hill and digging in the pit. Children explore volumes and colours as they move water from one container to another. They confidently dress themselves for the wet activities, supported by staff when required. n The manager is very passionate about the provision. She has a sound understanding of how to make improvements in the nursery. She identifies areas she could improve further and strives to make necessary enhancements to the provision to benefit children. n Staff understand their role and responsibilities to support children's learning and well-being. They report they feel supported in their role. The manager is developing strategies to help staff to increase their skills to the highest level. n Staff have a good understanding of how children learn and get to know them

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need to do better?

well through regular observations and assessments of their play. This information is applied to support the setting's curriculum. However, on occasions, staff do not identify those children who need extra support to help them to join in with activities. n Staff manage children's behaviour effectively. They are good role models with a strong focus on teaching the children good manners. Children learn to be polite and kind to each other and to share and take turns. They regulate their

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need to do better?

23 May 2023 behaviour according to age-appropriate expectations. n Children learn to develop good muscle skills during physical activity sessions. For example, they climb, balance and swing from ropes above them and consistently challenge themselves to reach new positions. n Healthy lifestyles are promoted in the nursery. Children have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day and enjoy a range of nutritious snacks. Children enjoy cooking activities and discussing ingredients as they make sandwich fillers with eggs and the cress that they have grown. n Parents are extremely positive about the staff team and the management. They say all staff are approachable and friendly. Parents comment on the detailed information they receive about their children's care and learning during feedback time. Parents express their gratitude for the flexible arrangements for settling-in sessions for the children who require tailored support.

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need to do better?

n The manager and staff use government funding well to support children's individual needs. They work together and with parents to find the best use for the money to enrich children's experiences and enable them to reach their full potential. n Staff help to enhance children's experiences by using the extended nursery environment and local community. For example, they go on trips to the library and allotment and light camp fires and cook sausages.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a good understanding of safeguarding. They can identify the possible indicators of abuse, including safeguarding issues, such as female genital mutilation. Staff understand the steps to take to report any concerns they may have about a child and any concerns about a colleague. They know where to report these concerns should they believe the management team is not taking the appropriate action. The manager ensures that all staff are recruited safely and vetting systems are in place to ensure that those working with children are suitable.

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should:

n help staff to recognise when less-confident children are not fully engaged so that they can encourage them to join in more purposeful play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY493461 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10286064 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 53 Name of registered person Castle Hedingham Nursery Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01787 460086 Date of previous inspection 31 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

St Peter's Nursery registered in 2015. The nursery employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 8.45am until 3.30pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 with staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n A learning walk was completed with the manager to discuss the curriculum intent and how the provision is organised. n The inspector completed a joint observation of an activity and evaluated this with the manager. n The inspector reviewed relevant documentation, including the evidence of staff qualifications and the suitability of the adults working with the children. n The inspector took account of the views from parents spoken to on the day of the inspection.

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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

23 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.

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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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