Priory Nursery, Stevenage Old Town

Inspection of Priory Nursery, Stevenage Old Town St. Johns Ambulance Hall, Stanmore Road, Stevenage SG1 3QA

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are excited to arrive and enjoy the time they spend in this vibrant, exciting learning environment. The nurturing manager and staff greet children warmly and swiftly engage them in the routines of the day. This supports all children to feel safe and secure in their care.

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The provision is good

Staff plan a wealth of interesting activities and encourage children to follow their own ideas and thinking in play. For example, during sand play, children recall a character in their favourite book. Staff embrace this opportunity and help children to make their own 'Stickman'. Together they discuss the other characters in the book and explore his adventures further. As a result of this flexible approach, children remain deeply absorbed in their learning throughout the day.

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The provision is good

Staff adapt their teaching well to meet the needs of the wide age of children that attend. They skilfully differentiate group sessions to provide focused teaching opportunities. For example, young children learn new words and develop physical confidence in a singing and dancing activity. Older children identify the initial sounds in words, promoting their early literacy skills. This supports all children to make good progress from their starting points.

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need to do better?

n Children are polite and show empathy and kindness towards others. For example, when their friends fall over and become upset, children show concern and rush to reassure them. Children follow instructions well and take on responsibilities in the nursery. They help tidy away resources and take immense pride in helping to look after the nursery's giant pet snails. Staff encourage these positive behaviours by providing praise and acknowledging children's contribution. However, staff do not consistently support children to manage conflict in their play, for example, when there are disputes over resources. n Staff prepare children well for their next stage of learning. They collaborate with schools and mirror the routines children will experience. For example, children serve themselves meals and carefully tidy away their cups and plates once finished. Children develop confidence and pride in their progression to school.

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need to do better?

Staff support this well by encouraging children to explore their new uniforms during craft and role-play activities. n The manager rigorously evaluates all areas of her practice and is committed to enhancing the care she provides. She confidently discusses recent changes to the outdoor environment and how they meet the specific physical needs of children who attend. The manager and her team are very enthusiastic about their future plans and demonstrate a clear and robust vision for improving children's outcomes.

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need to do better?

7 June 2024 n The manager and staff create a safe environment for all children who attend. They complete regular risk assessments and closely monitor any accidents that occur. Children play an active role in keeping themselves and others safe. They complete outdoor safety checks with staff and learn to identify possible hazards in the environment. n Morale is high within this well-qualified team. Staff discuss how well the manager promotes their development and well-being. The manager conducts regular appraisals to identify training opportunities and areas for development. However, ongoing methods of coaching are not yet sufficient. Staff are not always able to identify areas to improve their practice and raise the quality of their teaching to an exceptionally high standard. n Children's language development is embedded in staff practice. Staff provide continuous opportunities for children to discuss their interests. They extend their

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need to do better?

learning further by asking age-appropriate questions and allowing children time to respond. Staff conduct daily group sessions, where all children confidently use Makaton to greet their friends and identify objects in their environment. n Parents talk with enthusiasm about their experiences at the nursery. They deeply value the nurturing care that the manager and staff provide to children and families. Parents appreciate how staff work closely with them when children start. They acknowledge how this enables children to settle well and look forward to attending.

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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 implement strategies that will support children to better resolve disputes and manage conflict in their play n establish more robust methods of coaching, enabling staff to raise the quality of their practice to a consistently high standard.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2667288 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10339461 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 36 Number of children on roll 70 Name of registered person Priory Childcare Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01438 357900 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Priory Nursery, Stevenage Old Town re-registered in 2022. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 5.30pm, for 50 weeks of the year. The nursery is closed for May half-term and for Christmas and New Year. It employs 12 members of childcare staff. Of these 10 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including 2 at level 6. 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 the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector considered the views of parents by speaking to several during the inspection and reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all staff. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and manager completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with staff about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of several children.

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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

7 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.

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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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