Alpha Steps Nursery

Inspection of Alpha Steps Nursery 89 Vallentin Road, Walthamstow, LONDON E17 3JJ

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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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Children arrive happy and eager to start their day, as they are greeted by caring and friendly staff. As the new term begins, all children, including young babies, settle easily and leave their parents and carers smiling and feeling secure. The setting's routines and expectations are understood by the children, who listen to staff and are well behaved. Staff reward good behaviour with stickers, which children proudly show off. Staff reinforce behaviour rules with children as they talk about the golden rules. Leaders and staff have devised an exciting and stimulating curriculum that encourages children to want to play and learn. Staff know the children well and plan effectively for their next steps in learning and development. Children make good progress from their starting points.

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The provision is good

Staff plan for babies to develop their independence skills as they offer them plenty of opportunities to move freely. Babies develop their confidence as they try new activities such as climbing soft furniture and standing at the water tray splashing water. During circle time, toddlers build friendships and develop their communication skills as staff support them to express how they are feeling. Older children enjoy discussions around the table at lunchtime. They share stories about their families and birthday celebrations.

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need to do better?

n The setting has successfully addressed the action set at the last inspection. Leaders have willingly worked with the local authority to improve their practice. This has impacted positively on the standards throughout the nursery. Leaders have developed their oversight of the implementation of the curriculum to ensure an ambitious and creative learning space for children indoors and outdoors. n The setting works effectively with parents who speak highly of staff. From the start, they engage parents with their child's phrased settling-in period and ongoing learning and development. Staff communicate with parents via the online parent app and daily discussions and important information is printed in termly newsletters. n Leaders prioritise staff well-being. Individual staff are nominated weekly for their achievements and receive a voucher to spend. In addition, staff write appreciation cards for their colleagues for the work they have done. All of which

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need to do better?

creates a culture of teamwork and kindness. All staff take part in supervision meetings with leaders and are offered regular training to build their professional practice. For example, staff have completed training for developing their interaction skills for children aged under two years old. n Leaders provide extra-curricular activities such as music, sports and Makaton. All of which help and contribute to children's intellectual and physical development.

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need to do better?

9 September 2024 n Staff interact well with children during group activities. Staff sometimes move on to additional questions and information before giving children enough time to reflect on their activities and learning. This means children have less time to consolidate their learning. n Staff provide healthy food at mealtimes. Children try a wide range of foods with different textures and tastes. They develop their fine motor skills as they twist spaghetti on their forks and scoop up Bolognese and couscous. Children develop independence skills as they follow good hygiene routines. n Staff provide colourful quiet areas for sharing books. They read exciting and interesting stories to children to help develop their early literacy skills. Children learn that print has a meaning and about page sequencing. n Staff play 'what's in the box' activity with children. Children are encouraged to develop their language and communication skills as they name and make the

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need to do better?

animal noises. Children learn to take turns and wait and all join in with the excitement of the game. n Staff value diversity and encourage families to share their individual backgrounds. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff work closely with parents and external agencies to support children to make the best possible progress. n Staff carry out thorough risk assessments, and there is CCTV throughout the nursery. The security at the entrance to the setting is secure. This helps further ensure children's safety and well-being.

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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 allow children time to consolidate their thinking during activities before asking them more questions to help support their learning even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY376104 Local authority London Borough of Waltham Forest Inspection number 10319467 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 50 Number of children on roll 32 Name of registered person Alpha Steps Nursery School Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 02085098838 Date of previous inspection 12 October 2023

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Information about this early years setting

Alpha Steps Nursery registered in 2008. The nursery is open each weekday from 7.30am to 6.30pm, all year round. The provider employs 10 members of staff. Of these, two hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 6 or above and three hold level 3. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year- old children.

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Inspection activities

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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. 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 the inspector during the inspection. 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 a joint observation of a group activity 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

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Inspection activities

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

9 September 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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