Stepping Stones Day Nursery Durham Ltd

Inspection of Stepping Stones Day Nursery Durham Ltd Suite 15-17 The Crossgate Centre, Durham DH1 4HF

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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

Children are confident, happy and secure at this small and very friendly nursery. They form close bonds with staff who are supportive, warm and kind. New children settle quickly. Staff gather information from parents on children's interests, preferences and routines at home. They use this information to plan individual support that helps children settle and feel welcome and included.

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The provision is good

Staff plan strong support for children's personal, social and emotional development. They support children to share as they dig for shells buried in the sand pit. Children learn to take turns as they build with blocks and play games with dominoes and cards. Children learn about nature through a wide range of exciting experiences. They visit allotments where they learn about composting and growing fruits. Children use magnifying glasses to observe cocoons as they turn into butterflies.

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The provision is good

Children are focused and engaged. They show persistence and are willing to have a try. Staff praise and encourage children. This helps boost their confidence and self- esteem. Staff support children's growing independence well. Children put on their shoes and coats, ready to go out to the park to play. They butter their toast at snack time and learn to pour their own drinks. Staff help children to make simple choices and decisions. For example, which piece of fruit to eat and what to play with next.

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need to do better?

n The very experienced staff team plan a wide range of exciting experiences that stimulate and challenge children. For example, children blow bubbles and enjoy picnics and parachute games. They take part in listening walks and gather sticks at the nearby park. n Staff provide good support for children's developing physical skills. Children learn to use their hands in different ways as they make marks in shaving foam and take part in threading games. They learn to use tools, such as tweezers, gardening trowels and forks. n Children develop their core strength as they take part in yoga and music and movement sessions. They squeal with delight as they stretch and wave material during group games. Children climb and run during daily visits to a local park. They balance on beams and stepping stones. n Staff plan activities that match children's interests and stages of development. They model new skills and skilfully support children's learning. However, staff do

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need to do better?

not always encourage children to solve problems for themselves. For example, by supporting children to think of ways to use available space fairly as they play. n Children enjoy lovely conversations with staff who chat with them about their play. Staff share stories with children and encourage them to take part in singing

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need to do better?

30 May 2024 and rhymes. Staff introduce descriptive words, such as 'bumpy' and 'smooth', to help extend children's vocabularies. n Overall, staff provide strong support for children to help them manage their behaviour. However, they do not always explore with children the impact of their behaviour on others. n Children learn about life outside the nursery through trips, such as to a cathedral and a local cafe. They learn how to stay safe and healthy through a road safety day and visits to a local dentist surgery. n There is strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff are skilled at identifying early any areas where children might need additional help. They understand the importance of working together with other professionals in education and health, to provide a consistent approach to support for children. n Parents speak very highly of the nursery. They praise the supportive, warm and

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need to do better?

friendly staff team and the range of activities and experiences they provide. Parents say staff know their children really well and treat them with individual attention and care. n The staff team are dedicated and hard working. They work very well together. Children know all staff well. This helps to reassure them when they move up from one playroom to the next. There is a strong focus on preparing children well for school or the next stage in their learning. n Staff are motivated and keep their skills up to date. The manager and staff reflect well on activities and experiences for children. They are passionate about their work and have a positive attitude towards the continuous improvement of the nursery.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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should:

n encourage children to think of more ways to solve problems themselves n support children to understand better the impact of their behaviour on others.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY436726 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10347040 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 22 Number of children on roll 31

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Name of registered person

Stepping Stones Day Nursery (Durham) Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01913843471 Date of previous inspection 21 August 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Stepping Stones Day Nursery Durham Ltd registered in 2011. The nursery employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. 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 staff and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the nursery. n The manager discussed with the inspector how staff organise and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. The inspector viewed the space used by the nursery. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact on children's learning. The manager and the inspector evaluated an activity together. n The inspector discussed with the nursery manager how she helps to keep children safe. This included evidence about first-aid training and the suitability of those working on the premises. n The inspector held discussions with the manager and staff. She took into account the views of parents.

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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

30 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.

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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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