St Michael's Church Nursery

Inspection of St Michael's Church Pre- School and Nursery Old Vicarage, 24 North Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8PB

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Staff create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, happy and eager to learn. Children demonstrate a sense of belonging and security. They enthusiastically greet staff, and babies cuddle in for reassurance. Staff nurture children's confidence, which helps them thrive. All children make strong progress because the curriculum is inclusive and tailored to their individual needs. Staff provide a sensory room for children, which helps them to feel calm and regulate their emotions. Staff work closely with parents, taking time to learn about each child. They use this information to plan a curriculum that meets children's needs and interests. This helps children settle quickly, whether they are new to the nursery or moving between rooms.

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The provision is good

Staff support children to play cooperatively and safely. They clearly explain the consequences of children's actions, such as how toy cars can cause injury if not used carefully. Staff promote children's independence by encouraging them to complete tasks themselves, such as serving themselves food. Older children show curiosity in the imagination room. Staff support their thinking skills as they build with blocks and experiment with magnets. Staff help all children to develop strong communication skills. Babies babble in response to staff. Toddlers use new vocabulary as staff narrate alongside them as they play. Older children express pride as they describe their dough creations and confidently introduce themselves to visitors.

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need to do better?

n Leaders value their staff and support their ongoing professional development. They help new team members gain qualifications and provide strong mentoring. Staff have opportunities to lead on key areas such as cultural diversity. This builds their confidence and expertise. Staff feel motivated and committed to giving children the best learning experiences, and team morale is very positive. Staff observe each other's practice and share ideas with other nurseries to keep improving their practice to benefit children. n Staff actively promote cultural diversity and celebrate children's unique backgrounds. They have established a partnership with a nursery in Sudan, sharing videos and experiences to broaden children's cultural awareness. Staff learn words in children's home languages from parents and use these key words with children to support their understanding. Staff share aspects of their culture, such as demonstrating traditional dances. This helps children to learn about

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need to do better?

cultures different than their own. n Staff support children's communication and language development effectively through skilful interactions. In the toddler room, staff read stories to children, allowing them time to process and engage with the words and illustrations. Staff

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need to do better?

30 April 2025 simplify language to aid children's understanding and promote their participation. Older children confidently express themselves. They discuss the activities and collaborate with peers, demonstrating well-developed communication skills. However, in the baby room, staff sometimes sing too fast and use words too quickly, which can make it harder for babies to understand and respond. n Overall, staff prepare older children for school and future learning well. They plan small-group activities to enhance their thinking and listening skills, including memory games and letter sound recognition. However, group times are not as well organised as they could be. Some children join the groups late and the group size increases. This causes some children to lose focus and miss out on important learning opportunities. n Staff's partnerships with parents are strong. Parents value the care and attention their children receive. Parents appreciate being welcomed inside the setting. This

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need to do better?

strengthens their involvement in their child's learning. Staff actively involve parents in enriching children's experiences. They plan visits from a parent's therapy dog to support children's well-being. Additionally, staff provide resources and information to families, such as for tooth brushing and potty training. Staff offer a food bank and children's 'coat swap' to support families with the cost of living. This collaborative approach ensures that children's needs are met through a shared and supportive approach. n Staff provide strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They promptly identify any developmental gaps through regular assessments. They collaborate with parents and external professionals to create tailored support plans. Staff use strategies such as sign language, enabling children to express their needs and understand others effectively. This inclusive

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need to do better?

approach ensures that all children receive the necessary support to achieve their learning goals.

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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 the children's interests first.

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should:

n support staff to enhance interactions and give babies time to process and understand what is said to maximise their communication and language development. n enhance the organisation of pre-school group times so all children remain engaged and children benefit fully from the learning experiences offered.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY364556 Local authority South Gloucestershire Inspection number 10388484 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 62 Number of children on roll 72

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Name of registered person

St Michael's Church Pre-school and Nursery Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 0117 923 6395 Date of previous inspection 12 July 2019

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Information about this early years setting

St Michael's Church Pre-School and Nursery opened in 2008 and operates from a Victorian vicarage in Stoke Gifford, Bristol and is run by a committee. The setting is open each weekday, from 8am to 6pm, all year with the exception of bank holidays and one week at Christmas. The setting employs 28 members of staff. Of these, the majority hold relevant early years qualifications, from level 2 up to level 6. The setting offers government funded places.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and deputy joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector spoke to staff at convenient times during the inspection. n The inspector observed interactions between staff and children. n The manager and inspector carried out a joint observation on teaching together. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager showed the inspector documentation on the suitability of staff.

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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

30 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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