Heaton Preschool Nursery

Inspection of Heaton Preschool Nursery Guide Headquarters, Bolton BL1 5EJ

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children and their families are warmly welcomed into this nurturing and inclusive nursery. Staff remain mindful of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on some children's social and emotional development and their communication skills. To help address this, staff prioritise children's emotional well-being and ensure that the curriculum for communication and language is strong. Children are very happy here, and behaviour is good. Children's emotional well-being is central to everything the staff do, and children thrive on the positive relationships they develop. Children talk openly about events at home and nursery that are important to them. Staff know the children and their families well. They respond sensitively, helping children to understand and process challenging emotions, for example when loved ones go into hospital or the arrival of a new baby.

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The provision is good

Children engage well in their play and learning, and they become confident, curious learners who are well prepared for school. Children are motivated to explore the appealing and accessible learning environment. They especially enjoy accessing the recently developed outdoor play space. This is well used to ensure that children who prefer to learn outdoors also benefit from rich learning experiences. Children purposefully investigate a wide range of natural materials as they play in the outdoor 'mud kitchen'. They enjoy filling and emptying containers with water before spontaneously using brushes to make marks on the ground and watching them disappear in the sunshine.

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need to do better?

n Overall, the education provision is strong. Children benefit from a well- sequenced curriculum that follows their interests and builds on what they already know. Staff are knowledgeable about what they want children to learn in readiness for school. They have high aspirations for every child and provide the support and encouragement children need to help them get a good start in their education. n Staff model language and introduce new words to help children build a rich vocabulary. In the main, staff talk precisely. They encourage children to respond in sentences and correct mispronunciation sensitively. Children enjoy stories and are eager to sing the songs they have learned. Children are learning that print carries meaning. Many older children recognise and attempt to write the letters in their name. However, staff do not always ensure that children have fully developed the strength and dexterity they need in their wrists and fingers before

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need to do better?

encouraging children to write their names. n Staff support children as they learn to count. Basic mathematical concepts are woven into everyday play. For example, children are encouraged to compare sizes to find the biggest or smallest container. However, some staff lack

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need to do better?

13 June 2023 confidence in teaching mathematics. This means opportunities for children to gain a deeper understanding of mathematics are not consistently provided. n Children are learning about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and how this helps to promote their good health and well-being. They have daily opportunities to be physically active. Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks. A visual timeline helps children learn what is expected and how to manage this time. Mealtimes and snack times are valued as a social experience, and children enjoy sitting alongside their friends to eat their packed lunch. n Well-planned outings help to provide children with an insight into the local community and the lives of other people. Trips to visit the elderly in a local care home are enjoyed by the children and residents alike. Children experience short bus journeys, and after learning about food banks, children go to local shops to

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need to do better?

purchase items so they can make their own donations to help others. n Staff feel valued and work very effectively as part of a small team which is directly led by the highly qualified manager. New staff benefit from effective induction procedures and work directly alongside experienced staff members, who are on hand to guide and offer support. n Overall, professional development is good. Staff discuss training needs at regular supervision sessions. They access online training to gain some of the knowledge they need to further improve outcomes for children. n Parents were eager to speak to the inspector and commented very positively on the high-quality care and education provided. Parents describe staff as approachable and say they always have time to listen and to work in partnership with families. This helps to ensure a shared approach to children's care and learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff implement effective risk assessments to help ensure that children can move and play safely. Effective conversations mean children are developing their own awareness of risks and how to keep themselves and others safe. For example, one child explains he needs to sweep the sand so no one falls. All staff are alert to the possible indicators of abuse. They have completed relevant training and fully understand their role and responsibility regarding child protection. Staff are clear that they would respond quickly if they had any concerns about a child's welfare. Information is prominently displayed, which provides all staff with immediate access to relevant contact details for their local safeguarding partners.

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should:

n extend the programme of professional development to raise staff's

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should:

13 June 2023 understanding and confidence in delivering a strong educational programme for mathematics n provide further opportunities for children to develop the muscles in their wrist, hand and fingers, to help them acquire the control and dexterity they need in preparation for eventual handwriting.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY535607 Local authority Bolton Inspection number 10293541 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 34 Name of registered person Sutch, Laura

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reference number

Telephone number 07903791891 Date of previous inspection 21 September 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Heaton Preschool Nursery registered in 2016 and is located in Bolton. The pre- school employs three members of childcare staff. The provider holds early years professional status. The pre-school opens Monday to Friday, during term times, from 8.30am to 4pm.

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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 A learning walk was completed with the manager to discuss the curriculum intent and how the provision is organised. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions between staff and children. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The manager and inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity. n The inspector reviewed a variety of documents, including evidence of the suitability of staff, qualifications, first-aid certificates and policies and procedures. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

13 June 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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