Staffordshire University Woodlands Day Nursery

Inspection of Staffordshire University Woodlands Day Nursery Staffordshire University, Off Lordship Lane, Lordship Lane, Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2TQ

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

Leaders and staff put children at the heart of what they do at this nursery. They are passionate about the care and education they provide, and they offer an extensive range of learning opportunities for all children, which helps them to make good progress. Staff understand the importance of building secure relationships with children and are attentive to their emotional needs. They stay close to young children when they appear unsure and provide comfort to them when needed.

p.2

The provision is good

The outdoor space is uniquely designed to provide opportunities for children to learn how to take risks and develop their physical skills in a range of ways. Staff support children to navigate different levels of surface and teach them to climb safely over purpose-built equipment. An outdoor corridor provides children with further opportunities to learn outdoors. Staff read stories to children in this space and organise various other resources for children to play with. Children play in sand and use a range of tools to develop their mark-making skills. The indoor environment is well organised to enable children to be calm and engage fully in the learning opportunities on offer. Children show positive attitudes and are motivated to learn. They display high levels of confidence and are curious to find out more information as they play.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children become good communicators. Staff prioritise the teaching of communication and language skills. They ask children questions about the activities they engage with to extend their knowledge of language further. For example, when children discover that material sticks to their clothes, staff talk to them about the concept of static. This helps children to learn about new concepts and broaden their knowledge of language. n Children are independent. They learn to do things for themselves and gain a sense of responsibility. They tidy up when they finish playing and take it upon themselves to clean up water from the floor when they spill it. n Children learn to be respectful of one another. They are reminded of behaviour rules and respond appropriately to instructions from staff. They learn to play together and share resources. Even very young children find toys to share with their friends. Staff are good role models, and they praise children for showing

p.2

need to do better?

kindness. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. Staff work closely with other professionals and families to ensure that children receive the support they need to make good progress. They consider the individual needs of children and offer play opportunities that all children can engage with. Staff are proactive in finding strategies to support children's learning while waiting for advice from external services. This ensures that

p.2

need to do better?

4 June 2024 children receive the right support at the time when they need it. n Parents speak highly of the care their children receive. They comment that staff are friendly and their children are excited to attend nursery. They appreciate the experiences their children are offered and say they make really good progress as a result of attending the nursery. Leaders value the families they work with. They arrange workshops for parents to attend, which helps them to support their children's learning at home. However, feedback from parents is not always gathered to ensure a better understanding of the improvements needed to strengthen parent partnerships even further. n Leaders have a good oversight of the nursery. They take a hands-on approach to developing practice. They are creative and innovative in their approach to supporting staff's knowledge and skills. As soon as staff begin their employment, managers implement an induction programme that is practical and secures

p.2

need to do better?

knowledge. Leaders make strong links with other settings to ensure that when children are ready to transition to their next stage of learning this process is smooth and fully supports children to manage this change. They constantly reflect on the experiences children have and make improvements that enhance the opportunities they offer.

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 develop ways to gather more feedback from parents to further strengthen partnerships and gain more knowledge of what can be improved.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2697327 Local authority Stoke-on-Trent Inspection number 10344903 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 120 Number of children on roll 116 Name of registered person Staffordshire University

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01782294981 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Staffordshire University Woodlands Day Nursery registered in 2022 and is based in Stoke-On-Trent. The nursery employs 25 members of childcare staff. Of whom, 23 staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, with three staff holding a level 6 early years teacher qualification. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 8am to 6pm. The nursery 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 the nursery's curriculum and what the nursery wants its children to learn. 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 nursery. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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

4 June 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