Chelmsford YMCA Day Nursery

Inspection of Chelmsford YMCA Day Nursery Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1NZ

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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

Staff greet children with genuine warmth and kindness. The nursery is fully inclusive and welcoming as the attentive staff ensure the environment and activities capture children's interest, and create a sense of belonging. Children demonstrate they are keen and enthusiastic to learn and try new things. They happily leave their parents with ease and settle quickly to an activity of their choice. Children are provided with a curriculum that is planned around their developing needs, interests and seasonal themes. Staff follow the children's lead and use ongoing planning to ensure they capture children's curiosity, while also implementing some principles of the Reggio Emilio and Montessori approach to learning.

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The provision is good

Children are fully supported to develop the skills they need to become independent learners. For example, older children are positively encouraged to take care of their own personal needs by caring staff who are close by. Children's well-being is the priority for all decisions made. For example, a quiet sensory room with cosy cushions is readily available should a child want to relax, or have a calm moment to regulate how they are feeling, fully supported by staff. Children are encouraged to make choices for themselves, for example, when serve their own lunch. Children excitedly and carefully, peel and chop vegetables ready for the nursery cook to make nutritious dinners. Children establish strong bonds with the nursery staff who are positive role models. They speak with respect and kindness to the children. Children understand the high expectations of the staff and demonstrate a positive attitude toward learning and overall, their behaviour is good.

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need to do better?

n The quality of teaching is good. The management and team of staff have worked hard since the last inspection to improve outcomes for children attending. Therefore, children make good progress from their starting points and are prepared for their transition to school and for their successful future learning. n The curriculum is implemented effectively, ensuring children have good opportunities for learning. This means all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve good outcomes. Their families are well supported. Staff provide children with early intervention strategies to ensure they can actively participate in all aspects of the nursery. n The staff constantly engage children in meaningful conversation and provide running commentaries during activities. They have a clear comprehension of how children develop their conversation skills, and introduce new words to

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need to do better?

increase their vocabulary. Children are aware and talk about noise in the environment. They comment on a passing train as they play in the sandpit. They

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need to do better?

8 April 2025 enjoy games of 'Simon says' and listen intently as they follow instruction. On some occasions, staff do not ask enough questions to encourage children to think critically or solve problems. n A robust recruitment and induction process ensures all staff are suitable for the role and understand the expectations of the nursery. Staff comment they feel well supported with regular training opportunities, supervisions, and team meetings. n Babies and toddlers play in a bright, homely and cosy room. They have a dedicated sleep room where they are closely monitored and made very comfortable when they need to nap. Babies have immense fun as they explore sensory activities. For example, they sit on large sheets of paper as they use they hands and body to make marks and paint. Babies excited 'squish' the paints between their fingers and closely observe what happens when they mix paints. n Parents speak very highly of the 'amazing' staff and the care and learning

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need to do better?

opportunities their children receive. Many comment on the progress their children have made since attending. They say their children are treated with 'utmost respect', they feel listened too and supported as a whole family. n Children relish their time in the nursery garden. They persevere as they fill pots learning the skill of making sandcastles. They are praised for their efforts and make flags to decorate them. Children discuss spiders they find and spend time searching for them. They use flowers in their art work as they paint beautiful creations. However, opportunities for children to explore and learn about bugs and the wider natural world around them are limited. n Staff are positively supported in their professional development. The managers evaluate the service provided to ensure the best outcomes for children. Training opportunities are provided and discussed at supervision meetings to help drive

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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 help staff to improve their questioning skills that enhance opportunities for children to develop their thinking and expressive language skills n strengthen the curriculum to provide further opportunities for children to explore and learn about the natural world around them.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 203765 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10361650 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 32 Number of children on roll 67 Name of registered person YMCA Essex (Trading) Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01245 355677 Date of previous inspection 11 July 2024

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Information about this early years setting

Chelmsford YMCA Day Nursery registered in 1993 and is situated in Chelmsford, Essex,. The nursery employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The nursery opens from 7.30am until 6pm, all year round. It provides government funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed the curriculum and what it is that the team want the children to learn. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n Parents provided the inspector with oral and written feedback at the inspection. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation together. n The inspector spoke with the staff team during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of the 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

8 April 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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