First Steps @ Lumley

Inspection of First Steps @ Lumley Great Lumley Methodist Church, Front Street, Chester Le Street, Durham DH3 4JB

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This provision meets requirements

Staff safely escort children to the setting after their school day is finished. They count children upon arrival and children wear safety vests, so that they are easily identified. Children demonstrate their independence and willingly help staff during the session. They hang up their coats and line up patiently in preparation for snack time. Children follow instructions well. They behave very well and learn how their actions can impact others. For example, older children are very caring towards the youngest children who attend. Staff are good role models for children. They are polite, warm and friendly. Staff skilfully adapt their levels of support and expectations to each child's age and stage of development. This helps children to settle well.

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This provision meets requirements

The indoor and outdoor areas are very well planned and children enjoy their time at the setting. Staff find out what children have been learning at school and plan a range of exciting activities to ignite children's excitement and interest when they arrive. For example, children become very engrossed as they investigate melting ice. Children and staff laugh excitedly as they talk about how slippery it is. Others enjoy making Christmas wreaths and are keen to show staff and visitors their creations. Staff praise children's efforts and encourage them to be proud of what they have achieved.

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need to do better?

n Staff know children well. Children have a designated key person to help ensure that their well-being, safety and interests are met. These strong relationships help to develop children's self-esteem and confidence. n Children understand and follow the setting's routines. They sign in when they arrive and have a designated place to leave their coats and bags. They serve their own food and tidy up afterwards. This builds on their independence. n Snack times are social occasions, when staff and children clearly enjoy each other's company. Children confidently talk about their experiences at the setting and what they enjoy most. This helps children's personal and social development and supports them to build relationships with a variety of children and adults. n Staff help children to be aware of their own safety. For example, they teach children road safety as they walk back from school. Children proudly tell visitors

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need to do better?

they must 'Stop, look and listen', when looking out for cars. This helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe. n Children have many opportunities to be physically active. For example, they enjoy a game of football in the hall. Staff ensure that children have time to play outside, where they can enjoy the many benefits of fresh air. This helps to promote their physical development and well-being.

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need to do better?

26 November 2024 n The setting has good links with local schools that children also attend. They ensure that parents are informed when school has shared news with them about their children and share relevant information with schools. This helps to ensure that staff know how to meet children's individual needs and promotes continuity of care. n Parents are highly complimentary about the setting. They share written feedback stating that they are confident that their children are safe and happy. They comment that the setting is 'fantastic' and that children form 'strong bonds' with the staff. They value the flexibility that the club provides. n Staff make sure that the setting is welcoming and inclusive for all. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are very well supported. Staff enable all children to access and enjoy the full range of activities. Children thrive in their care. n The setting's leaders have high aspirations. They want the setting to be the very

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need to do better?

best for children and families. Leaders and staff work well together as a team. For example, they have supervision meetings to help identify their individual training needs. Managers use this to implement a programme of professional development. This helps provide children with the best possible experiences at the setting.

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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 2703589 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10368447 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 Out-of-school day care

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inspection

Total number of places 16 Number of children on roll 27 Name of registered person First Steps Nursery (Lumley) Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 0191 3881978 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

First Steps @ Lumley registered in 2022. The out-of-school club is based in Great Lumley in the Chester Le Street area of County Durham. It is open during term time from 7.30am to 8.45am, and from 3pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays. There are two staff who work with the children, both of whom hold a childcare qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with the registered individual about the leadership and management of the setting. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and the children. n The inspector took account of the written views of several parents. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the setting.

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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

26 November 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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