The Railway House

Inspection of The Railway House 1A Railway Street, Littleborough OL15 8AG

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Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision requires improvement

Children show interest in the environment and resources on offer to them. They use their curiosity to create their own games and tasks. In the main, children are happy to play independently or with peers of their choice. Children are supported from the start to 'unfold' their physical skills. They are guided to build core strength and, in sequence, learn how to use a range of upper body movements. Furthermore, they learn how to control their arms, hands and fingers in preparation for early writing. Children often show their mark-making abilities as they draw with chalk on the fence, paint their ride-on cars with brushes and build intricate models using small parts. However, the curriculum does not always consistently support all children's learning.

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The provision requires improvement

Children have built relationships with their key person and know how and when to seek help if they are upset. They are learning how to understand their own emotions. However, their behaviour and attitudes towards following instructions is, at times, negative. Children sometimes shout 'no' in response to a request from staff, and they occasionally hurt their friends during play. Staff are not always prompt in supporting and re-engaging children to understand simple boundaries.

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need to do better?

n The manager intends to provide children with a range of skills and experiences to support their curiosity and learning in all areas. However, this is not always implemented effectively in practice. The curriculum provided for children is not yet good. Children are not consistently encouraged by staff to use thinking skills and gain new knowledge. This occasionally leads to children becoming uninterested and disorderly during play. n The manager is knowledgeable in child development and knows when to respond swiftly to the needs of children. However, she has not identified where all staff need the most support in their practice. As such, some staff do not recognise all children's learning and emotional needs during play. As a result, some children become distressed and, at times, disengage from quality learning experiences. n Although staff encourage children to follow simple routines and be kind during

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need to do better?

the day, children do not consistently respond to these requests. For example, during the lunchtime routine, some children run around and bang their cutlery on the table. Younger children sometimes destroy older children's work. Staff do not always provide children with a consistent approach to understanding boundaries and how their actions may impact others. At times, children become frustrated, and the environment is chaotic. n Communication and language support is a strength of the nursery. Children hold conversations and are supported to express themselves using their own words.

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need to do better?

28 June 2023 Younger children are exposed to a range of single sounds and simple vocabulary for them to repeat. Older children are excited to show the inspector a range of sign language actions they have recently learned. Furthermore, any gaps in children's speaking and understanding are swiftly recognised and responded to. Children receive external support, when required, to help them continue to make progress. n Parents are happy with the level of communication and support they receive from the nursery. They have formed good relationships with staff and know what their children have enjoyed doing during the day. Staff provide parents with a daily diary and use an online app to share images. This helps parents to feel that their children are happy and busy while at nursery, and it gives them ideas to try at home, to support continuous learning. n Children spend a lot of time in the outdoor area and in nature. They pick flowers

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need to do better?

to smell and explore their senses by mixing tea leaves with milk and water. Children are calm and content when accessing the allotment. Staff take children into the community to help them develop even more awareness of the world around them. n Staff are keen to support children to recognise their own identities and other people around them. They play with a range of cultural items during play and dress up in clothing of their choice. This helps children to feel valued and unique.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

All staff are aware of their responsibilities in keeping children safe and well. They are able to recognise a range of signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. Staff know where to access information and understand their duty in relation to the current safeguarding guidance. The manager has completed required designated safeguarding lead training and fully understands her role in child protection. A sufficient number of staff hold paediatric first-aid certificates and know how to keep children safe during play. Staff follow robust hygiene procedures when serving food and changing children's nappies.

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Due date

ensure all staff implement the curriculum to offer good-quality learning experiences for all children 30/10/2023

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Due date

28 June 2023 ensure training and supervision supports staff to develop their skills and understanding to help them meet all children's needs effectively 30/10/2023

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Due date

ensure staff support all children to understand simple boundaries and how their behaviour impacts others. 30/10/2023

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2636734 Local authority Rochdale Inspection number 10295686 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 30 Number of children on roll 60 Name of registered person Railway House Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07769260251 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The Railway House registered in 2021. There are currently seven staff working directly with children, including the manager, who holds a level 6 qualification. Of the remaining staff, five hold appropriate qualifications in childcare at level 2 and above. The nursery is open from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.30pm, all year round, with the exception of bank holidays. The nursery receives funding for the provision of free 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 her evaluation of the provider. n The manager showed the inspector around the nursery premises. She discussed the curriculum and how the provision is organised. n The inspector observed a range of learning experiences to evaluate the quality of education and the impact on children's learning. The inspector also carried out a joint observation of an activity with the manager. n The inspector spoke to parents, staff and children during the inspection and considered their views and experiences. n The manager shared relevant documentation with the inspector and discussed how she manages the suitability of staff in the nursery.

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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

28 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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