Alphabet Day Nursery

Inspection of Alphabet Day Nursery Camphill Centre, Hunsbury Hill Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire NN4 9UW

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

The staff place children at the heart of every decision made at the nursery. Children are excited to arrive at the nursery. As soon as the door opens, they rush in with glee. They are greeted by caring staff who respond to the needs of each child, whether it is a cuddle or listening to what they have eaten for breakfast. Children willingly share their home experiences and know that what they say will be valued by the staff. New children settle extremely quickly and form close bonds with staff. Staff skilfully use information from parents and their own observations and assessments to plan the experiences they offer to children. Children are motivated and are supported by knowledgeable staff who promote their learning and development to an exceptionally high level. Children become deeply absorbed in their learning, for example, as they use spray bottles to melt ice to reveal hidden sea creatures.

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The provision is outstanding

Managers and staff consider children's well-being to be essential to progress. This is reflected by the caring interactions between the staff and children. Children are sensitive to the needs of others and are polite and well mannered. They play together purposefully and show great consideration for their friends. For example, when crossing a wet bridge, children help each other by taking each other's hands. As they reach the other side, they respond with 'thank you' and ask if they would like some help in return.

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need to do better?

n Managers have designed an ambitious curriculum that puts the well-being of children at the heart of what they do. They thoroughly evaluate the environment with a focus to find new ways to improve all areas of the setting. Staff work seamlessly together as they strive to ensure the best possible start for every child at the nursery. n Staff have an extensive understanding of the curriculum and how children learn. They skilfully plan for children's next steps to precisely match their individual needs. All staff know the children exceptionally well, even those children who have only just started. This allows staff to move children's learning on from the moment they start nursery. n Managers and staff place a high importance on children's language development. Children learn new words as staff extend their knowledge and language through play. They talk about curved sides and edges as children draw patterns with their 'index finger'.

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need to do better?

n Children who speak English as an additional language develop their understanding of the English language quickly. Staff use key vocabulary from children's home language to enhance their learning of the English language. Staff support children to respect the diversity of all people by embracing

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need to do better?

3 November 2023 different celebrations. They invite parents to share their family's cultures and religious events with the children. n The staff support children to make excellent progress in their mathematical development. Older children recall prior learning when finding shapes in the sand. They describe how a 'spiral looks like a firework' and that a 'square has four sides the same size.' Younger children join in number songs and staff support them with counting as they jump. n Staff strive to ensure that all children are taught skills to become independent learners. Children are highly independent as they put on rain suits and wellington boots when going outside. They confidently use cutlery when eating and can pour their own water into a cup. Even the youngest children are encouraged to wash their hands after a nappy change. As a result, older children naturally become independent with their self-care.

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need to do better?

n Leadership and management is exceptional. The inspirational leadership team has embedded a rigorous system to support and monitor the development of staff. Leaders have high expectations for all staff and this is reflected in everyday practice. Staff are enthused to develop their own practice. They seek out training courses to improve their own skills and knowledge. As a result, all staff hold an early years childcare qualification. The senior team meets regularly with staff to discuss their progress and general well-being. Staff report they love working at the nursery and feel valued. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive excellent support. Staff are quick to identify and act on any concerns. They recognise the importance of working with other professionals, such as health visitors and speech and language therapists. This ensures that children receive any early intervention they may need as swiftly as possible so that all children

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Managers and staff have a culture of safeguarding that allows them to identify children who are at risk and to refer any concerns. The safeguarding policies and procedures are stringent and extremely well understood. As a result, staff are highly confident in identifying signs and symptoms of abuse. They understand what they must do should they have any concerns about children's well-being or the conduct of their colleagues. Managers regularly check that staff understand their role in safeguarding through questioning, regular safeguarding newsletters and ongoing training.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY283423 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10289119 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 77 Number of children on roll 43 Name of registered person Evans, Angela

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reference number

Telephone number 01604 771166 Date of previous inspection 13 November 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Alphabet Day Nursery registered in 2004. The nursery operates from the Camp Hill area of Northampton. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm, all year round, except bank holidays. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. There are nine members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. This includes one member of staff who holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 6.

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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 setting. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk and talked about the curriculum and what they want the children to learn at the nursery. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Children chose to communicate with the inspector during the inspection. 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 about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector carried out joint observations with the manager. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of

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Inspection activities

their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working 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

3 November 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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