Base Zero Bellingham

Inspection of Base Zero Bellingham 109a Randlesdown Road, London SE6 3HB

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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

Staff warmly greet children on arrival into the welcoming nursery environment. They get to know children well from the start through gathering detailed information and settling-in visits. Staff are attentive to children's needs, which builds on and strengthens children's emotional well-being. This nurturing support helps children to develop strong attachments and feel happy, safe and secure.

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The provision is good

Staff promote a strong ethos of wanting children to achieve and be ready for school. They have high expectations for all children, including those with additional needs and/or disabilities, through the nursery's own curriculum. Staff provide a wide range of activities to support children's learning. For example, older children learn the process of planting seeds to grow different vegetables. They crumble blocks of soil and add water, which sparks discussion about the changes in texture. Staff support babies to explore sensory materials, which increases their fine motor and physical skills.

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The provision is good

Staff model expected behaviour. They regularly talk to children about how they are feeling and build on their emotional literacy. Children demonstrate a good understanding of nursery's rules. They share resources and learn to take turns. Staff use praise and encouragement and highlight children's positive behaviour. As a result, children listen and behave well.

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need to do better?

n The leaders and staff team have made recent changes to the nursery curriculum. They ensure that all areas of learning are included and sequenced to help prepare children for their next stage of learning. Staff build on children's previous knowledge and extend their understanding. Regular observations and ongoing assessments help staff to track children's progress. Staff identify children's next steps and share them with parents. n Overall, staff promote children's communication and language skills well. Staff babble with babies and encourage back-and-forth communication. New words are introduced to children as they play, which supports them to extend their vocabulary. Staff provide clear explanations and ask questions, giving children time to think and answer. Staff confidently share stories and use props, which extend children's imaginations and love of books. n Partnerships with parents are a key strength of this nursery. The leaders and

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need to do better?

staff involve parents in their children's learning and host termly reviews. They run workshops and arrange summer play sessions, which include children who only attend during term time. Staff provide home learning packs to help develop children's fine motor skills and a book lending service. The leaders champion the importance of attendance to support children's learning.

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need to do better?

6 August 2024 n Staff promote the importance of physical play and healthy lifestyles well. Babies manoeuvre their sit-on toys and throw balls to extend their coordination. Older children balance along wooden blocks, crawl through tunnels and ride bikes to extend their large muscles. Staff talk to children about healthy foods and oral health, and promote good hygiene routines. However, daily routines, such as transition times, are not always well organised or support children to continue learning effectively. n Parents speak highly of the nursery and caring staff. They state that their children are making good progress, and they value the diversity and inclusion at the nursery. Parents of older children acknowledge that their children are well prepared for the move to school. The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) works closely with parents and makes referrals to ensure that children receive the help they need.

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need to do better?

n Children are encouraged to be independent and try things for themselves. Children put on aprons, set the table and serve their lunch. Children listen well to staff, show a positive attitude to their learning and behave well. Staff praise children for their achievements, which raises their self-esteem. Staff engage with children as they play and extend their learning. They count with children to increase their understanding of numbers. However, other mathematical concepts, such as shape, space and measure, are not regularly included. n The leaders are passionate about managing the nursery and supporting staff well-being. They provide regular supervision and monitor practice to raise the quality further. Staff regularly access training, share ideas and reflect on and review their practice. Previous recommendations have been addressed, and the views of parents are sought to help evaluate and improve the service provided.

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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 interest first.

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should:

n review and strengthen transition times, especially when returning from the garden and at bathroom times, to ensure that children's learning continues n extend children's knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts further by introducing new concepts as they play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY493058 Local authority Lewisham Inspection number 10354935 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 69 Number of children on roll 45 Name of registered person Happy Days After School Club Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 0208 461 3510 Date of previous inspection 12 November 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Base Zero Bellingham registered in 2015. It is located in Bellingham, in the London Borough of Lewisham. The setting is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, for 48 weeks a year. The nursery employs 17 staff, 15 of whom have childcare qualifications ranging from level 2 to level 4. The nursery receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n This is 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 her evaluation of the provider. n The leader, manager and inspector carried out a learning walk together to discuss the curriculum and the setting's intentions for children's learning. n The manager and inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity and discussed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to parents and children and took account of their views. n The inspector held discussions with the leaders and staff about safeguarding and how they evaluate their practice. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including qualifications and insurance, and checked staff's suitability to work with 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

6 August 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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