Duchess Nursery Steventon

Inspection of Duchess Nursery Steventon The Hay Barn, By The Meadow Farm, The Green, Steventon, Abingdon OX13 6RP

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they are happy at the nursery. They settle quickly as they are greeted by staff who know them well. Staff support children to feel safe as they explore the environment and access the available resources. Children behave well and are kind and considerate to others. For example, at the beginning of the day, the children join together for breakfast. Older children are seen to be attentive and help the younger children in preparation for this. Staff praise the children well, which helps to build their self-esteem. Staff embed the key-person approach effectively. For instance, they ensure all children have their individual needs met and build secure and trusting relationships.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff work hard to ensure children's next steps in learning are well sequenced and planned for. Children enjoy a range of activities that offer interest and support their overall learning well. For example, babies have many opportunities to develop their physical skills as they learn to walk with walkers and learn to climb safely on the small climbing equipment. Toddlers enjoy creative activities that enable them to bring their imagination to life as they pretend to create birds and a birthday cake from dough, feathers and sticks. Older children are enthusiastic storytellers, and their imaginations come to life as they recreate well-known stories and films in their play.

p.2

need to do better?

n The management team has made significant changes to the nursery, staff practice and the environment since the last inspection. For example, the team has recruited new staff and provided a wealth of training, support and supervision to enhance the quality of teaching. Staff comment that they feel well supported by the management team. They explain that they receive ongoing appraisals, feedback and guidance that help them to continually reflect and enhance their practice and skills. The manager shows a commitment to continual improvement. n Staff demonstrate a secure understanding of the curriculum intent. The management team offers a learning environment that meets the needs of the children and the learning intention shared by the management. Overall, staff interact well with all children and offer a narrative as they play. As a result, older children are confident communicators. However, at times, staff do not give

p.2

need to do better?

children sufficient time to think and respond to questions to develop their own ideas and solve problems. n Children play and explore in a clean and safe environment. Recent changes to the layout of the baby room have improved the learning environment provided. For example, children now have designated places for sleeping, eating and free play. Renovation plans for the garden are well under way, and temporary

p.2

need to do better?

17 July 2023 garden spaces are available to allow all children safe spaces to play. This helps to support the learning and development of those children who prefer to learn outdoors. n Staff support children's independence skills well. For example, younger children are given cutlery to help them learn how to feed themselves independently. Older children are encouraged to have a go at putting on their own apron, coat and shoes. Older children are learning the importance of protecting themselves and others from germs. For example, staff talk to them about the reasons why we catch our coughs and wash our hands. However, staff working with the babies do not consistently ensure children are cleaning their hands with the wipes provided before eating to reinforce hygiene practices. This results in some children not washing their hands at all before eating. n Children behave well, share and take turns accordingly. They are engaged in a

p.2

need to do better?

good range of activities that support their interests and help with their future education. For example, as children play with magnetic shapes, staff skilfully weave mathematical concepts through their play. Children make choices about what they would like to do. However, at times, staff working with the toddlers and older children do not consistently organise change effectively. As a result, these children do not have time to finish what they are doing before being moved to planned group activities. n Partnerships with parents and other agencies are strong. Parents talk fondly of the staff and the changes that have been made. They comment that their children are happy and that the staff are amazing at supporting their children. Parents are kept well informed about their children's day and progress through daily communication and an online programme. This supports children's learning at home effectively.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The management team and staff have a secure knowledge of how to safeguard children. Since the last inspection, the designated safeguarding lead and all staff have attended appropriate child protection and safeguarding training. This has helped them to gain a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the processes to follow if a concern arises. The nursery is safe and secure and suitable risk assessments are in place to keep children safe. Robust vetting and recruitment procedures are maintained to ensure all staff working with the children are safe to do so.

p.3

should:

n create more opportunities to inspire children's thinking and encourage them to

p.3

should:

17 July 2023 solve problems and initiate with their own ideas n support staff, specifically in the baby room, to ensure good hygiene practices are followed consistently n review the organisation of daily routines for older children to give children more time to adapt to changes in activities.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2614921 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 10279268 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 50 Number of children on roll 56 Name of registered person Swinbrook House Nursery Schools Limited

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 01235 835108 Date of previous inspection 2 February 2023

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Duchess Nursery Stevenson registered in 2020. The nursery is located in Stevenson, Abingdon. The nursery operates Monday to Friday, from 7.45am to 5.45pm, for 51 weeks of the year. The nursery receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are 13 staff, six of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 3.

p.5

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 joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a planned small-group activity. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector.

p.6

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.6

Inspection activities

17 July 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.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7