Ivy House Day Nursery

Inspection of Ivy House Day Nursery 37 Regent Road, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 1RU

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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children are welcomed warmly by their key person as they say goodbye to their parents at the door. Staff say how well the system works with children who have now developed confidence and secure attachments with the caring staff team. This helps to prepare children for routines that they will follow at school. Staff provide a calm and nurturing environment, which enables children to feel safe and secure. Children and babies settle quickly and demonstrate their strong bonds with staff. Staff know children well and are attentive to their needs. Children are confident to explore and show a positive attitude to their learning.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff give children clear instructions for what is expected of them during the day. As a result, children follow these with ease as they line up when it is time to go inside for lunch and wait patiently until it is their turn to wash their hands. They are kind and considerate to each other and know how to share resources appropriately. Staff plan an effective curriculum for children's physical development. Children enjoy playing in the outside area, running, kicking different- sized balls and climbing. Children have daily opportunities to visit the dance studio, where staff plan a range of active sessions, including yoga, to further enhance children's physical development.

p.2

need to do better?

n The dedicated management team has devised a broad and ambitious curriculum, covering all areas of learning, that is based on the learning needs and current interests of the children who attend. Overall, the enthusiastic staff team implements the curriculum effectively across the nursery, supported by a strong management team. n Staff communicate well and speak clearly to children to develop their language skills. Children talk about what they are doing and learn to use their imaginations, such as when they pretend to make a cup of tea for their friend. As a result children's language skills are developing well. n Children's personal, social and emotional development is supported, as children play an important role in protecting the environment. The setting has been awarded an 'eco award' for looking after their environment. The committee consists of children, staff and parents who are all eager to learn about recycling

p.2

need to do better?

by supporting this in the setting and at home. n Staff generally know their key children well. They understand children's stages of development and what they need to learn next. Children make progress in their learning, as staff incorporate their next steps into the activities they plan. However, when children transition to another room, their new key person does not always know what children's learning targets are. This means that children do not always experience consistency in their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

15 September 2023 n Staff's professional development is a high priority. Managers use regular supervision sessions and performance management procedures to help to identify where staff need training. Staff comment on how managers support their overall well-being. n Children benefit from experiences that further enhance their knowledge of the wider world. They visit the local market to buy fresh ingredients, which helps to strengthen community links and give children opportunities to explore by taking trips out into the town. n Children and babies are developing a love of reading and enjoy a wide range of books and nursery rhymes. Staff enthusiastically read stories and the children's laughter fills the room. Children join in with familiar words and phrases. In addition to this, children and parents borrow books to read together at home, which promotes children's continued learning. n Staff plan well, overall, to support young children to develop positive attitudes to

p.2

need to do better?

learning. Babies are eager to investigate adult-led activities. However, the routine of the day means babies spend considerable time having to wait. As a result, they are not always supported to develop key skills such as making independent choices. n Partnership with parents is a strength of the nursery. Parents speak very highly about the service they receive and praise the work that staff do. Parents value the workshops and courses that the nursery invite them along to. This strong partnership helps to support children's learning and development.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

All staff have a good understanding of their responsibility to safeguard children, including whistle-blowing. They recognise the signs and symptoms that might indicate a child is at risk from harm or abuse. Staff receive regular safeguarding training. They know the procedures to follow if they have any concerns regarding a child's welfare. The management team has robust recruitment procedures in place and completes ongoing checks to ensure the suitability of staff. Staff use risk assessments and daily checks to make sure that the environment is free from hazards and children's safety remains a high priority.

p.3

should:

n strengthen the key-person system to ensure staff know their key children's learning targets when children transition to new rooms n strengthen the curriculum for the youngest children to support them to develop positive attitudes to learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2625610 Local authority Trafford Inspection number 10281099 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 36 Number of children on roll 36 Name of registered person Maple House Day Nursery Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 0161 929 1307 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Ivy House Day Nursery registered in 2021 and is located in Altrincham. The setting employs eight childcare staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery operates Monday to Friday, for 51 weeks of the year. Sessions are from 7.30am to 6pm. The setting 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 leaders and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the nursery. n The inspector held discussions with senior leaders at appropriate times during the inspection and in a scheduled meeting. n The inspector and the manager completed a learning walk together across all areas of the nursery to understand how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector observed children's activities and staff teaching, indoors and outdoors. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including staff's suitability to work with children. n The inspector spoke to parents, staff and children during the inspection and took account of their views.

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

15 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.

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