Alpha Day Nursery

Inspection of Alpha Day Nursery 198 Woodside Green, South Norwood, London SE25 5EW

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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 enjoy their time at the nursery. They are greeted by friendly, warm and attentive staff, who take time to listen and speak to them as they arrive. For example, staff speak with children about what they have seen before arriving at nursery. Parents are warmly welcomed by leaders as they arrive. They receive reassurance from staff as their children settle in. Staff give lots of cuddles to new children during activities. They are good role models. Staff help children to respect each other's feelings and understand the importance of sharing. This encourages children to interact well with their peers and staff.

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The provision is good

Staff provide well-sequenced activities. For example, babies enjoy singing and dance time. This helps to develop their early language and social skills. Older children sit nicely during story time and happily take part in discussions. They have lots of opportunities to develop counting skills through singing number rhymes. Older children have opportunities to visit the local shops. This helps them to understand more about their local communities.

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The provision is good

The nursery has developed good relationships with local schools. This helps school staff understand how children learn best. Children settle well into their new schools. Parents are invited to yearly graduations to celebrate their children's achievements.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and staff know their children well. They provide a curriculum that builds on what children already know. Staff plan effectively for children's next steps in learning, and children progress well from their starting points. Very occasionally, staff do not encourage children to make the most of learning opportunities as they settle. n Key persons develop strong relationships with parents. This has a positive impact on children's development. Parents speak positively about the help they receive to support their child's development at home. They notice the good progress their children make and value the daily communication about their child's development. n Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. They regularly remind children to use 'kind hands' and play with toys safely. Children wait patiently for their turn and follow instructions well. For example, older children respectfully wait for their friends to finish speaking during discussions about melting ice.

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need to do better?

Staff help younger children to understand how to keep themselves safe on the slide, and children willingly take turns. n Children enjoy a healthy balanced diet that reflects their backgrounds. For example, they enjoy jollof rice for lunch. Staff help children understand different

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need to do better?

12 June 2024 cultures and traditions. Children use resources that reflect a range of communities, and staff acknowledge different religious events, such as Diwali and Christmas, as part of the curriculum. n Overall, staff help children to develop their communication and language effectively. Older children take part in back-and-forth conversations with staff as they talk about what they are eating for lunch. Staff skilfully introduce mathematical concepts during story times. Older children speak confidently to staff about their new schools. However, staff in the baby room do not always consider the impact of unnecessary dummy use on children's communication and language development. n Children's independence is supported well. Staff encourage younger children to feed themselves. Older children help to prepare tables and tidy up after lunch. They confidently pour their own water to drink and know to wash their hands

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need to do better?

after toilet use and before meals. n Staff provide effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They work closely with parents and professionals and implement suggested methods to help close gaps in learning. For example, staff use picture cards to help children with SEND understand routines and engage in activities. n The manager has worked hard to prioritise the well-being of children and staff. For example, they plan regular social activities to develop stronger bonds within the team. The introduction of yoga for children has contributed to increased social skills for some children. Staff have attended some training to improve their knowledge and skills. However, the manager does not yet use the regular supervision meetings with staff to discuss any further professional development opportunities that they may benefit from.

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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 put children interests first.

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should:

n support staff in the baby room to develop a greater understanding of how to promote children's communication and language skills n use information from the monitoring of staff supervisions and practice to further their professional development more precisely.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY283938 Local authority Croydon Inspection number 10346989 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 45 Number of children on roll 51 Name of registered person Osonaike, Yetunde Adedotun

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reference number

Telephone number 07956 813 466 Date of previous inspection 14 August 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Alpha Day Nursery registered in 2004. It is located in South Norwood, in the London Borough of Croydon. The nursery is open each weekday, from 8am to 6pm, for most of the year. There are 19 members of staff who work with children. Three staff members hold qualifications at level 6, and the manager has a qualification at level 4. All other staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or level 3. The nursery receives funding for the provision of early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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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 discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke to and communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. 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

12 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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