Step by Step Day Nursery

Inspection of Step by Step Day Nursery Monument Gardens, Benden House, Lewisham, London SE13 6PY

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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 Inadequate

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The provision is good

Staff support children to settle easily into this nursery and to form positive attachments with their key person. This helps children to develop the confidence they need to explore the learning environment and interact positively with their peers. Children seek staff out for comfort and settle quickly when they are upset. Children enjoy sitting with staff and their friends to join in with familiar stories and songs. Staff have a caring and patient approach. Children behave well and staff are good role models. Staff speak gently to children and demonstrate how to treat others respectfully. This helps children learn how to treat others and use polite language. Staff support children to learn how to share, take turns and develop their independence. Children make friends and often include others in their play.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy opportunities to take part in a variety of learning opportunities in the nursery. They explore different materials and develop their imaginations through art activities. Staff encourage children to be creative and add their ideas to their work. While children play and create, staff ask them to talk about that they are doing. This helps children to develop their early speaking and storytelling skills. Staff discuss going to school with older children to prepare them for the transition to Reception class. This helps children to be ready for their eventual move to school.

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need to do better?

n Staff are attentive to children's needs and support them to engage fully with the activities they choose. Children enjoy the praise and encouragement they receive from the adults who care for them. Children know the behaviour expected of them and treat others respectfully. This helps them apply themselves to their tasks and make good progress in their learning. n Recent improvements and changes in the baby room mean that babies learn to move confidently. Staff have considered how the space is organised to enable babies to develop their physical skills as they explore their environment. Furniture is positioned thoughtfully so that babies can pull themselves to a standing position and build strength in their legs. Babies enjoy plenty of opportunities to extend their mobility on the climbing frame and the slide in the baby room. n Children become independent in their self-care and develop good levels of

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need to do better?

confidence. They follow appropriate hygiene routines and wash their hands before and after eating. Older children are encouraged to use toileting facilities by themselves and learn to manage their own intimate care needs. However, staff do not make the most of opportunities to extend children's understanding of how to make a positive contribution to the daily routine, for example, by tidying up their toys and helping at mealtimes.

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need to do better?

26 June 2023 n Parents say that they are pleased with the care their children receive. They describe the staff as 'approachable' and 'friendly'. Parents comment positively on the progress their children make and the regular information they receive about their children's daily experiences. This means children experience consistency of care between home and nursery. n Staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to make good progress. When staff identify any delays in children's development, they devise appropriate support plans. Staff involve parents in deciding learning targets and making referrals to external agencies. The manager ensures staff can receive further training so that children receive the right support. n Leaders have addressed the weaknesses identified at the previous inspection and have made improvements to the environment. They have reviewed their risk

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need to do better?

assessments and made necessary changes to ensure that hazards are removed. Staff have improved their knowledge and understanding to support them to fulfil their roles and responsibilities. Staff understand how to implement a curriculum that supports children's needs and next steps. Staff report that changes to staffing arrangements, including recruitment, mean that workloads are manageable. n Staff plan indoor activities to support children's learning. Children can freely access experiences that engage them and help them develop their skills. However, although children are very keen to play outside, staff have not considered the outdoor area well enough to ensure the quality of education is consistent both indoors and outdoors.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Leaders and staff are aware of the signs that may mean a child is at risk of abuse. They know the procedures they should follow to record and report concerns. Staff attend safeguarding training and know about the 'Prevent' duty guidance and female genital mutilation. Staff know what to do if an allegation is made against them or another member of staff. They understand the importance of sharing information with other agencies. Recent improvements to risk assessments mean children's safety and security can be assured.

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should:

n ensure children can access activities and experiences across all areas of learning wherever they choose to play n make the most of everyday opportunities to support children to help and make an active contribution to the daily routine.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 129055 Local authority Lewisham Inspection number 10302142 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 54 Number of children on roll 72 Name of registered person Step by Step Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 0208 297 5070 Date of previous inspection 28 February 2023

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Information about this early years setting

Step By Step Day Nursery registered in 1994 and is situated in the London Borough of Lewisham. The nursery is open each weekday, from 8am to 5.45pm, all year round. There are 27 staff members. Of these,15 staff hold qualifications at level 3. The manager holds a relevant level 6 qualification. The nursery receives funding to provide early education places for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector talked to staff and parents at appropriate times throughout the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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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

26 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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