Ashcroft Nursery

Inspection of Ashcroft Nursery Ashcroft Day Nursery, Rear of 214, Whitegate Drive, BLACKPOOL FY3 9JL

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 Good

p.1

The provision is good

Children have formed positive bonds with staff, who greet them with excitement and positivity. Children demonstrate that they feel secure as they approach staff to give them a hug and ask if they want to join in with their play. Staff provide a safe and nurturing environment, in which children feel valued and develop their confidence. For example, children take turns to sing songs in front of a large group. Children and staff cheer and clap at the end of each performance. Children feel happy and safe.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour and have embedded clear routines, which children know well. Staff model to children how to take care of the resources they are using and teach them from a young age how to tidy up the toys. Staff enthusiastically engage children in purposeful play and support them to focus for extended periods. Children behave well and are developing positive attitudes to learning.

p.2

The provision is good

Children benefit from a curriculum that exposes them to new and exciting learning experiences. Leaders and staff reflect on children's interests and next steps in learning when planning activities. They consider how resources can be used differently to meet the individual needs of children accessing them. While exploring how green slime feels between their fingers, younger children learn about colours and textures. Older children discuss which animals might live in a swamp. All children make good progress in their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff ensure that they meet the needs of all children. Leaders use additional funding to purchase resources that directly support children's individual needs and development. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities access daily targeted activities led by staff. For example, children who struggle to regulate their behaviour are supported to do so by the nurturing staff. All children make good progress from their starting points. n Children are supported to make good progress in their early mathematical skills. Staff weave mathematical language into their conversations with children as they play. They ask children how many worms they have found in the soil and encourage them to count each spoonful of flour as they make dough. Children have a good understanding of early mathematical concepts. n Staff are passionate about instilling a love of reading in all children. They ensure that children have access to a wide range of age-appropriate books, regularly

p.2

need to do better?

visit the library and frequently read to children throughout the day. Children are eager to join in with repeated phrases in books as they are read. They cheer as they exclaim, 'hip, hip, hooray for Superworm.' Staff encourage children to make

p.2

need to do better?

21 August 2023 predictions about what will happen next in stories. Children are making good progress in their early literacy skills. n Leaders have developed a curriculum that is designed to widen children's experiences and to build on their knowledge and skills. Overall, staff implement this intended curriculum well. However, there are some minor inconsistencies in the quality of staff's interactions with children. For example, during lunchtime and occasionally during children's independent play, staff do not use their conversations with children to consistently promote their learning and development. Additionally, at times, staff do not give children sufficient time to think and respond to questions that are asked. At these times, children's thinking and learning is not consistently promoted as leaders intend. n The importance of healthy lifestyles is promoted by all staff. Children have many opportunities to be physically active. They ride bikes, roll large tyres and play

p.2

need to do better?

ball games outside. Staff talk to children about how to look after their teeth by eating healthy foods, drinking milk and brushing their teeth. Children enthusiastically help the nursery teddy, 'Damon the Dragon', to brush his teeth. Children are beginning to understand how to make healthy lifestyle choices. n Staff use a range of methods to ensure that they communicate effectively with parents about their children's care and education. Parents are given regular opportunities to attend 'nursery natters' sessions. These provide parents with the chance to discuss their children's development and to talk to specialist professionals. Parents say that the information they receive from staff supports them to extend children's learning at home.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Leaders have robust recruitment systems in place to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. All staff receive regular safeguarding training and have a clear understanding of the signs that may indicate children are at risk of abuse. Staff know what action to take if there are any concerns about children's welfare or about the conduct of a colleague. Staff ensure that the premises are clean, safe and secure. There are clear procedures in place for responding to, and recording, any accidents or injuries that occur.

p.3

should:

n support staff to enhance the quality of their interactions with children, so that they consistently promote children's learning n enhance staff's use of questions, so that children have time to think and respond, to extend their thinking.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY420173 Local authority Blackpool Inspection number 10302855 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 34 Number of children on roll 41 Name of registered person Right Start Day Nurseries (Lancashire) Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01253 695658 Date of previous inspection 9 April 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Ashcroft Nursery registered in 2010 and is located in Blackpool. The nursery employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, nine hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and one is qualified at level 6. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 8am to 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the nursery received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the nursery and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the nursery. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual about the leadership and management of the setting. 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 inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the

p.5

Inspection activities

manager. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

p.5

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.5

Inspection activities

21 August 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.5

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6