Albert Bear Limited

Inspection of Albert Bear Limited Chesterton Community Centre, London Road, Chesterton, Newcastle ST5 7EA

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

Staff provide a warm welcome at this inviting nursery. Children happily separate from their carers and settle quickly into the routines of the day. They approach staff for cuddles, and staff respond with warmth and kindness. Staff meet the personal needs of children with dignity and respect. Hand hygiene practice is embedded into the daily routine. For example, children know to wash their hands before mealtimes and after using the bathroom. This helps to embed good hygiene habits for their future.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff gently encourage children to follow rules, like walking indoors and helping to tidy up. Children listen, and kindly tuck in their chairs when they get up from the table. They eagerly tidy up the resources as they get ready for lunch. As a result, children are learning to respect each other and their environment.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff plan a good balance of child-initiated play and adult-led activities linked to the children's interests. Children display an enthusiasm to learn. Staff regularly monitor children's progress and share this information with parents. Children enjoy circle time, where they sit and welcome their peers and discuss the weather. Staff support children to develop their listening skills and confidence when talking in a group. Consequently, all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress in their learning from their various starting points.

p.2

need to do better?

n The curriculum is challenging and interesting. There is a strong focus on developing children's communication and language. Staff make good use of songs and rhymes to encourage children to use new words. Children happily interact with visitors, sharing their thoughts and ideas. They are imaginative, enjoying making up stories and role playing. As a result, children are well prepared for their future move to school. n Leaders effectively manage staffing issues by organising agency cover staff. This sees some staff working with children that are not in their normal groups. However, thorough handovers help staff to know the children's needs well. There are times when routine tasks, like nappy changing, mean staffing levels reduce in the room. During these times, some children lack support with their learning, so they do not focus for as long and flit between activities. This has an impact on their attention and behaviour.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff gather valuable information from parents when children start. This supports staff to set accurate starting points and next steps in children's learning. Staff use regular observations and assessments to track children's progress. They quickly identify any gaps in children's knowledge and focus their planning to

p.2

need to do better?

15 May 2024 support these. n Children are learning about healthy lifestyles. Staff teach children about balanced diets. Leaders share information with parents about healthy lunch box ideas. Children have access to fresh drinking water that they can pour themselves. They are physically active. They balance on stepping stones and use soft-play equipment. However, opportunities for those children who prefer to learn outdoors are limited. Some children do not access daily outdoor play and fresh air during their time in nursery. n Staff are attentive to the individual needs of children with SEND. Staff, including agency staff, know the children well. Staff have strong support from the special educational needs coordinator. They work closely with other professionals and make timely referrals so that children get the early and ongoing support they might need. n Staff feel well supported in their roles. They say their well-being is a priority and

p.2

need to do better?

the manager is very approachable. The manager observes staff practice and provides constructive feedback. She uses regular supervisions to help identify training needs for staff. Consequently, staff morale is high, and they work well as a team. n Parents speak positively about the clear lines of communication. They appreciate the reassurance and support that staff provide when children are settling in. Parents say that staff share ideas with them to continue children's learning at home. This helps children to build on their learning and strengthens relationships between home and nursery.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n review deployment of staff during routine tasks to help children to stay focused and engaged in learning n enhance opportunities for those children who learn best outdoors.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2688289 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10343267 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 40 Number of children on roll 29 Name of registered person Albert Bear Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07808552451 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Albert Bear Limited registered in 2022 and is located in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The setting employs six members of staff. Of these, all six staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The setting opens Monday to Friday, all year round, 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 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 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 told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at nursery. 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 Parents and carers shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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 May 2024 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