Acorn Nursery

Inspection of Acorn Nursery Oakington Manor GM Primary School, Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 6NF

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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

Leaders and staff at the nursery are caring and build close relationships with children. This support helps children settle quickly and feel safe. Children have access to a variety of toys, resources and well-planned activities. For example, toddlers can explore sand and soil and use different tools to scoop and pour. Older children engage in creative play and learn to create models using different materials. Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour and encourage them to be kind and respectful to each other. Children listen attentively to staff and their behaviour is very good.

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The provision is good

Staff know their key children well and take account of their individual needs and interests. They encourage role-play activities based on the children's interests, such as playing doctors, which promotes language and imagination skills. Staff also introduce new words, such as 'thermometer', 'temperature' and 'stethoscope', to expand children's vocabulary. Staff plan challenging activities covering all curriculum areas to motivate and engage children in their learning. Additionally, they use props and resources to read stories expressively, capturing children's focus and attention. Children are confident communicators who use a wide range of vocabulary. Leaders and staff also provide great support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They work closely with parents and professionals to gather all the necessary information and advice to create individual support plans for children with SEND. Children are well prepared for when they

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need to do better?

n Staff plan activities to help children develop their fine motor skills and understand the practical applications of early writing and mathematics. For example, children use chalk, marker pens, and paint to make marks and confidently discuss what they are writing and the different colours they use in their drawings. Children also learn to count to 10 and beyond by playing number matching games with dough, number candles, and small objects. Children have access to many exciting and physically challenging activities outside in the well- resourced and purpose-built playground. However, the organisation of daily routines sometimes means that children's outdoor learning is not fully optimised. n Staff use a variety of strategies to monitor children's learning and development. This includes observing children's play and gathering feedback from parents. Leaders consistently monitor the development of all children to ensure that any

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need to do better?

learning gaps are being addressed promptly. Children make good progress in their learning and development, including children with SEND, and those in receipt of additional funding. n Staff help children acquire the skills they need for the next stage in their

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need to do better?

23 May 2024 learning. For instance, older children participate in daily good quality early literacy sessions, when they are developmentally ready for this stage. Children also develop a love for reading from an early age. They enjoy listening to staff read stories, and participating in singing songs and rhyme sessions. Younger children enjoy construction activities, creating enclosures for animals, which helps them build on their natural exploratory impulses. n Children have ample opportunities to practise and develop their independence. For instance, they are encouraged to take care of their personal hygiene by brushing their teeth, dressing themselves and washing their hands before meals. Snacks and meals provided are nutritious, and children are learning about healthy eating habits. However, staff do not effectively organise some routine group activities to meet all children's needs. For example, during lunch, younger

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need to do better?

children and babies find it unsettling to eat together with the whole nursery. n Leaders have effective systems in place to evaluate and improve teaching and support staff through regular supervision and training opportunities. For example, staff are trained to support children's communication and language needs and to plan individual activity plans for children with SEND. n Good partnerships with external professionals and specialists promote positive outcomes for children. Leaders also value the views of staff and parents, taking their input into account when planning for the future development of the nursery provision and the services they provide. n Leaders and staff build strong relationships with parents. They offer parents detailed information about their children's progress and next steps. Parents receive newsletters every term, suggestions for supporting their children at home, and electronic updates about their children's learning and development.

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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 review routine group activities that are led by staff, such as mealtimes, ensuring that they are appropriate for all children's needs n review the arrangements for outdoor routines to maximise on children's outdoor learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 137751 Local authority Brent Inspection number 10335855 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 65 Number of children on roll 71 Name of registered person Acorn Manor Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 020 8902 2871 Date of previous inspection 29 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Acorn Nursery registered in 2000. It is located in the grounds of Oakington Manor School in the London Borough of Brent. The nursery is open each weekday from 8am to 6pm and operates for 49 weeks of the year. There are 15 staff employed to work directly with the children, all whom hold early years qualifications ranging from level 1 to 4.

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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 leaders and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the nursery. n The managers joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. 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 carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of 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

23 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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