Acorn at Westcroft

Inspection of Acorn at Westcroft 4 Wimborne Crescent, Westcroft, MILTON KEYNES MK4 4DE

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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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

The provider develops a flexible and highly ambitious curriculum to encourage children's healthy development. Outdoor learning plays an integral part of the curriculum, which is very well-sequenced to ensure that all children enjoy the benefits from learning in a natural environment. This includes very young babies, who develop a strong desire to explore the world around them.

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The provision is outstanding

All staff believe that children are capable from birth. Staff give children the confidence they need to explore, take manageable risks and be tenacious when trying new experiences. Many children demonstrate development that by far exceeds expectations for their age. For example, very young children can use the toilet, wash their hands and drink from an open cup. Toddlers are developing into confident talkers who can count up to large numbers, and older children read complicated words by sounding out the letters.

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The provision is outstanding

The nursery is a hive of busy, meaningful learning. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), thrive in the supportive, nurturing care of the highly skilled staff team. Children show that they are settled, feel secure and are eager to engage with adults to share their learning. Children always behave well and show compassion and care for each other, creating a happy and calm atmosphere.

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need to do better?

n Staff across the nursery understand the intent of the curriculum and put it into practice effectively. All staff, from the most highly qualified to staff who are as yet unqualified, show a deep awareness of the curriculum and the children that they care for. They understand exactly what children need to learn and how to help them to make rapid progress in their development. Consequently, children enjoy purposeful learning throughout the day. They test out what they know to embed learning and gain essential skills they need for the future. n Children are collaborators in shaping a curriculum that ignites their enthusiasm and passion for learning. The provider is committed to providing a sustainable, eco-friendly nursery. Staff educate children to be conscious about looking after their local area and wider world. This is presented in learning opportunities that are both motivating and interesting, such as litter picking, recycling and learning

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need to do better?

about local birds and wildlife. n Access to bespoke training within the organisation supports staff and parents to deepen their knowledge and learn together. This helps parents and staff to have a cohesive approach to important matters, such as managing children's behaviour and supporting toilet training. Consequently, relationships with parents are strong and shared care and communication between the nursery

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need to do better?

16 January 2025 and families supports children's excellent development. n Children with SEND make excellent progress at the nursery. Staff are highly alert to what children's needs are and know how to support them. They set realistic targets and next steps for children. By doing so, progress is evident, and planning and reviews move at pace, helping to ensure that children are continually experiencing teaching that keeps them motivated and challenged. n The key-person approach is well organised and ensures that every child has a supportive adult to care for them. Home visits encourage staff to get to know children and their families from the very beginning. Children's home routines are known and understood by staff who follow these precisely in the nursery. Children's dietary needs are met well, and staff supervise young children intently when they eat to ensure their safety. n Staff ensure that they expose children to different experiences and books to

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need to do better?

broaden their understanding of the diverse world that they live in. Staff help children to learn about their local community and gain a sense of belonging. For example, staff play nursery rhymes in children's home languages and talk with children about their families. This boosts their sense of identity. n The provider and senior team have superb oversight of all aspects of the nursery. There is a clear and well-structured development plan for staff that increases their skills and continually improves their practice. The provider motivates staff to undertake further training, and this has an evident beneficial impact on their confidence and knowledge. Staff translate this extensive knowledge into their excellent practice and the exciting curriculum they provide.

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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 EY447038 Local authority Milton Keynes Inspection number 10367595 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 92 Number of children on roll 90 Name of registered person Acorn Early Years Foundation

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reference number

Telephone number 01908 506 793 Date of previous inspection 14 February 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Acorn at Westcroft Nursery registered in 2012. It operates from a purpose-built building in Westcroft district shopping area. The nursery employs 25 members of childcare staff. Of these, 16 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. The setting offers government funded places for children aged nine months to four years and children in receipt of funding for disadvantage.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed the intent of the curriculum and observed its implementation during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint observation was completed and discussed with the manager. n During the inspection, the inspector held a meeting with the manager and senior staff. She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at suitable times throughout the inspection. n Parents were invited to share their views with the inspector. Several parents discussed their views during the inspection, and the inspector took account of all feedback received.

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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

16 January 2025 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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