Anston Stones Early Years

Inspection of Anston Stones Early Years Anston Park Infant School, Park Avenue, Dinnington, Sheffield S25 2QZ

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children are excited and happy to arrive at this calm and exceptional nursery. Staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic as they welcome families. Staff speak to families each day so that they know about the children and help families to feel valued and have a sense of belonging. Children start the day by greeting each other, singing songs and settling in. They sit cosily with staff on the mat together. Staff share focused stories with children so that they develop a love of books and reading. Staff gleefully read the familiar story of 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears.' Children enjoy joining in with counting, measuring and remembering what they have learned. Staff skilfully encourage children to think and develop language by asking how the bear might feel. Children learn about each other as they take turns and listen.

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The provision is outstanding

Children benefit from free-flow access to outdoors. Children develop their independence and physical skills, such as by changing into wellington boots. Staff have created outdoor play areas inspired by children's needs and interests, such as a 'fairy garden', a reading circle and a construction area. Children are actively engaged and interested outdoors. As a result, they have things they are eager to talk about. Staff sit at children's level. They listen to children and ask open questions. This helps all children to feel valued and important. All children make excellent progress from their starting points in development.

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need to do better?

n Staff have high expectations of all children. They design an ambitious and creative curriculum that is sequenced and adapted for each child. Staff understand and interpret the curriculum exceptionally well. They are passionate about their work and plan in the moment so that they can respond quickly to children's interests. n Staff create activities that excite children and engage them in their learning and thinking. For example, children become deeply engaged when making 'potions' and 'spooky' sensory experiences. Staff closely monitor each child's progress and work tirelessly to improve the outcomes of all children. Staff and leaders collaborate constantly and take advice from a variety of professionals to support children's learning. n Leaders recognise the importance of early intervention. They develop individual learning plans for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and carefully monitor their progress. As a result, each child has clear next steps in

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need to do better?

development, and staff target children's learning to meet their individual needs. n The nursery is carefully organised and curated. Staff make the most of every opportunity to create learning opportunities. Staff's interactions with children are inspirational, interesting and targeted to extend each child's learning. Staff listen

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need to do better?

22 October 2024 to children and give them time to process information and respond. Staff repeat children's words so that they hear the correct pronunciation. n Children sit together to share snacks. They follow instructions, make choices and use tongs to serve grapes. Children learn to take turns and talk about healthy eating. They develop independence, and their behaviour is excellent. Children are kind to each other. They recognise that they are individuals and develop friendships. Staff promote diversity, inclusion and equality in their interactions with children. n Parents speak glowingly of the setting and say that their children make astonishing progress, especially in their language and communication. Parents say that staff go 'above and beyond' what is expected and that they feel 'lifted' by the kindness of the staff. n Leaders say that well-being is at the core of their practice. Staff are engaged

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need to do better?

and highly motivated. They say that they are invested in their work and feel supported. Staff share information, activities and ideas so that parents are involved and can support learning at home. n Leaders collaborate with staff to spend additional funding effectively. For example, they have created a sensory area and provided resources, such as dinosaurs, to entice more reluctant children outside. n The key-person system is extremely strong. Staff know families well and conversations are open. Staff take time to get to know children well and build on what children know and can do. Children are happy, and staff consistently engage them in high-quality learning experiences.

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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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Setting details

Unique reference number 2701763 Local authority Rotherham Inspection number 10367746 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 32 Number of children on roll 45 Name of registered person Anston Stones Early Years Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01909212190 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Anston Stones Early Years registered in 2022 and is located in the Dinnington area of South Yorkshire. The provider employs 12 members of childcare staff. Of these, six staff hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 3, one member of staff at level 5 and two staff at level 6. The provider is a registered charity and operates independently on the site of Anston Park Primary School. The nursery operates during term time, from 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. It offers government- funded childcare for two-, three- and four-year-old children and receives specific funding for disadvantaged children.

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Inspection activities

n Leaders showed the inspector the areas used by the nursery and explained how the provision is organised. n Leaders explained the curriculum and how it is implemented. n The inspector held a number of discussions with leaders and staff. n Leaders showed the inspector relevant documentation. n The inspector observed planned activities and play indoors and outdoors. n The inspector observed interactions between children and adults. n Leaders participated in a joint observation of staff with the inspector. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

22 October 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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