ACE Nursery

Inspection of ACE Nursery Grange Avenue, DERBY DE23 8DH

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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

Staff warmly greet children and parents as they arrive at nursery. They quickly engage in conversation and offer support as children hang up their belongings and self-register. This helps children to feel settled and calm as they start the day. Staff spend dedicated time with children when they first start, sensitively providing reassurance and offering experiences that engage them. This means children feel secure as they receive care and attention which is tailored to their individual needs. Children in the baby room delight in staff getting down at their level and joining in with their games. Effective interactions help children to further develop their skills and gain the most from their play.

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The provision is good

Staff are good role models and consistently embed expectations for children's behaviour. Children learn to be kind and treat each other with respect. They willingly offer help to one another. For example, at mealtimes, children pass around water jugs and lend a hand if they see that a friend needs help to cut up their food. When children are eating, staff skilfully promote their social and communication skills. On a very hot day, children recognise when they are thirsty and need a drink. Staff extend children's vocabulary by introducing the word 'hydrate'. Children demonstrate their understanding by using the new word in their conversations.

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need to do better?

n The manager provides strong leadership to a team of skilled and very committed practitioners. Together, they strive to provide high-quality care and education for all children. Professional development for staff is valued and encouraged. This enables staff to continue to develop their knowledge and skills and implement a curriculum that ensures all children reach their full potential. n The manager is effective in reviewing the provision to ensure that all children make progress. She accurately identifies when children have gaps in their learning and require additional support. Staff have worked in partnership with parents to implement an early communication programme. This is having a positive impact in supporting children's early speaking and listening skills. n Staff talk to parents and carefully observe children to gain a secure understanding of their individual needs and interests. This helps them to provide

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need to do better?

a rich variety of experiences that draw children in and motivate them to learn. For example, when playing outside, staff quickly respond to children's ideas. They extend ball games by introducing new equipment. This helps to sustain children's interest and encourages them to practise new skills. n Staff consistently implement effective strategies to help children to understand the importance of making healthy choices. Children frequently choose to play outside, where they are encouraged to engage in a wide range of physical

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need to do better?

7 September 2023 activities, such as climbing, balancing and using the trampoline. Staff support children to brush their teeth. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious snacks and meals throughout the day. This helps children to thrive and develop positive attitudes to physical exercise and being healthy. n Staff encourage all children to make their own choices and develop their independence skills. Staff carefully position toys and resources in the baby and toddler rooms to attract children's attention and enable them to select activities they would like to explore and engage with. Staff extend this in the pre-school by adding picture and word labels to support older children in matching equipment to the corresponding label. This helps children to develop their early reading skills. n The key-person system is well established in each room and staff know children very well. This enables staff to offer and adapt activities that meet children's

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need to do better?

needs and help them to learn and make progress. However, the key person does not consistently undertake personal care routines with their key children. This means that the organisation of nappy changing routines does not fully support continuity of care for each child. n Parents comment that they are fully involved in their child's learning. They feel valued as staff plan activities to learn about children's home backgrounds, including special celebrations such Ramadan and the Chinese Moon Festival.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager provides regular training opportunities to ensure that all staff have a secure knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures. This includes knowing how to recognise the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. Staff know who they would contact to seek advice and how to raise any potential concerns. Staff undertake appropriate risk assessments to help minimise any potential risks. For example, they carefully check that safety nets are secure before children use the trampoline. Staff provide close supervision at all times to promote the safety and welfare of children. Safer sleeping guidelines are rigorously implemented to ensure that the youngest children are protected.

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should:

n review the role of the key person to further support the individual care needs of younger children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 206189 Local authority Derby Inspection number 10301788 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 74 Number of children on roll 63 Name of registered person Austin Community Enterprise Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01332 774255 Date of previous inspection 7 December 2017

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Information about this early years setting

ACE Nursery registered in 1999. The nursery employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, nine hold appropriate early years qualifications at levels 3 and 5. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round, except for two weeks between Christmas and New Year and on bank holidays. Sessions are from 7.30am to 5pm. The nursery provides funded 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 their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children to find out about their time at the nursery. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager of outdoor activities. n Parents shared their views of the nursery with the inspector. n The inspector held discussions with the manager. She reviewed relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The manager and inspector conducted a learning walk together, discussing the

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Inspection activities

learning intention for children and how the environment is arranged.

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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

7 September 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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