Rocking Horse Nursery

Inspection of Rocking Horse Nursery Stables St. Nicholas School, Hillingdon House, Hobbs Cross Road, Harlow CM17 0NJ

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children enjoy their time at the nursery. They arrive happy and quickly part from parents and carers. The bright and airy rooms offer a home-from-home feel, where children demonstrate a comfortable and relaxed approach to their play and learning. Staff provide warm and nurturing care that helps children to feel safe and secure. The robust key-person approach means that children develop secure attachments with trusted adults who know them well. Staff use their deep knowledge of children to provide the most appropriate support for them, including personalised routines and carefully considered next steps in their learning.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. Staff set clear expectations and remind children of them. During play, children engage well with others. Occasionally, low-level disputes occur, such as when children want the same toy. Staff swiftly intervene and use appropriate language that addresses how children feel and helps them to develop an awareness of how their actions affect others. This helps children to develop the ability to resolve conflict peaceably and self-regulate their feelings and emotions.

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The provision is good

Leaders understand child development and how to promote children's learning through a sequenced curriculum. Children enjoy a range of engaging experiences that promote curiosity and discovery. For example, the youngest children play peekaboo under large pieces of material and search for hidden treasure in sensory trays.

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need to do better?

n Staff identify very early on what children can do and plan appropriate learning experiences that support and enhance development. Staff use a range of topics and interests to expand children's knowledge. n Support for disadvantaged children is effective. Leaders and staff quickly identify when there are gaps in children's learning and development. They work in partnership with others to ensure that individual plans support children to make the progress they are capable of. Leaders have high expectations for all children and seek support from the local authority and other professionals to tailor support for individual children. This means that gaps in children's progress are closing. n Staff support the youngest children to develop their language skills. They chat and babble to babies as they play, introducing new and interesting words. Children engage enthusiastically in familiar songs, stories and rhymes. They

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need to do better?

positively join in actions to the song 'The Wheels on the Bus' and explore the story of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. n Physical development is promoted for all children. Youngest children are encouraged to develop essential core strength and balance. Children develop an

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need to do better?

16 April 2025 awareness of personal safety and risk and challenge. They balance on logs and navigate the climbing wall. Staff are close by, reminding children about how to use equipment safely. As a result, children show increased confidence in their physical abilities. n Staff gather information about children and their cultural heritage. However, they do not use it well enough to explore this with all children who attend to help them develop awareness of their similarities and differences and what makes them unique. n Children benefit from outdoor experiences. They enjoy visits to see the ducks and goats. Children explore the school grounds and nature in the muddy area. Staff engage children in the wonders around them. They throw twigs and leaves, and children watch them spiral through the air. Children enjoy making mud soup in the kitchen. Staff take children on magical imaginary journeys in a play

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need to do better?

wooden rowing boat. They 'discover' sea creatures on their way to the beach, where they 'buy' ice creams. n Feedback from parents is largely positive, regarding the progress children make and how happy they are to attend. Parents feel well informed about this and appreciate the quality of feedback received. Parents say they feel welcome and fully supported by leaders and staff. Parents feel that leaders are approachable and respond well to concerns. n Leaders have high standards and strive to deliver the best experiences for children. They are highly reflective and constantly review practice and procedure when they identify areas for improvement. Leaders welcome feedback about the provision and work with local authority partners to develop the curriculum and care practices. n Support for staff is positive. Staff say they feel encouraged and their well-being is fostered. Regular supervision and feedback about performance means that

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need to do better?

staff are able to discuss their own strengths and areas for development. This leads to professional development opportunities and improvements in the quality of teaching.

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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 support staff to provide meaningful experiences for all children to help them learn about their culture and those of others, to support their understanding of similarities and differences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2714760 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10380247 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 47 Number of children on roll 83 Name of registered person St Nicholas School (Harlow) Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01279215965 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Rocking Horse Nursery registered in 2022. The nursery operates 51 weeks a year, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. It employs 19 members of childcare staff, all of whom hold relevant early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The nursery provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector carried out a learning walk and discussed how the curriculum for the nursery is organised. n Parents shared their views with the inspector, and their comments were taken into account. n The inspector and the manager carried out a joint observation together. n A range of documentation was sampled, including evidence of suitability checks. n The inspector observed teaching and learning, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on the children's development.

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Inspection activities

16 April 2025 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 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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