Ashcombe Children's Centre Nursery

Inspection of Ashcombe Children's Centre Nursery Ashcombe Children's Centre, Stepping Stone Walk, Weston-Super-Mare, Avon BS23 3NA

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this excellent nursery. They arrive extremely eager to learn and settle quickly into purposeful routines. Staff greet them warmly and know each child exceptionally well. As a result, children feel very safe, valued and confident to explore.

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The provision is outstanding

Children benefit from a very well-sequenced curriculum that promotes their learning and development across all areas of the early years foundation stage. Staff's high-quality interactions with children extend children's thinking and their vocabulary highly successfully. For example, during snack time, staff introduce new words such as 'quantity' and 'capacity'. Staff encourage children to listen and are extremely responsive to them at all times. Children are curious and focus intently for long periods.

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The provision is outstanding

Behaviour is exemplary. Children understand the clear expectations and follow routines with confidence. They solve minor disagreements independently and show kindness to each other. For example, children negotiate preferred roles when building. They state, 'I would like to do this and then you can have a turn.' Staff model respectful behaviour and consistently emphasise positive social skills. Staff build exceptionally strong, nurturing relationships with children. They respond promptly and sensitively to children's needs, offering consistent reassurance and support. Children feel confident to share their ideas and thoughts.

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The provision is outstanding

The provider prioritises staff development, which ensures consistently high-quality teaching. All children make excellent progress during their time at nursery. Staff work closely with parents and external agencies to ensure that all children receive timely and effective support.

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need to do better?

n Children benefit from a well-thought-out and impressive curriculum that builds over time. Staff regularly assess what each child knows and needs to learn next. They provide the additional support needed to help reduce gaps in learning and to ensure children progress from their individual starting points. For example, staff lead excellent interactive story sessions to build listening and attention skills. They set up challenging obstacle courses to support physical development and targeted small-group activities to encourage children in their personal, social and emotional development. n Staff prioritise communication and language development exceptionally well. They model rich vocabulary, ask purposeful questions and give children time to think and respond. Staff use sign language effectively to support children and help them express themselves with confidence. For example, during group

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need to do better?

24 April 2025 activities, staff use sign language alongside spoken words to reinforce key vocabulary such as 'please' and 'thank you', enabling children to communicate their needs more effectively. Children develop strong communication skills and engage in meaningful conversations with both adults and peers. n Staff use snack time as a valuable opportunity to promote children's social development. Children sit together in small groups, take turns serving food and use excellent manners. Staff model positive interactions and encourage meaningful conversations, helping children to develop confidence and independence. Staff actively promote healthy choices and model excellent hygiene routines. They use daily routines to help children understand how to care for their bodies and make positive decisions about their health. n The provider demonstrates a relentless drive for excellence. They prioritise staff well-being by creating a supportive and respectful environment. Leaders utilise

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need to do better?

daily 'huddles' to support staff and share pertinent information relating to children's learning and welfare. This ensures that children's individual needs are met. Staff report that they feel valued and motivated. n Staff work in highly effective partnership with parents, especially with those families who need additional support and guidance. They share detailed information about children's progress through regular updates, workshops and reports. Staff offer practical advice and resources to help parents extend learning at home. For example, they give families toothbrushes, toothpaste and guidance on oral routines, helping to promote healthy habits beyond the nursery. This consistent approach between home and nursery supports children's overall development extremely well.

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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 EY336518 Local authority North Somerset Inspection number 10388349 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 44 Number of children on roll 82 Name of registered person North Somerset Council

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reference number

Telephone number 01934 426807 (Nursery) Date of previous inspection 8 July 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Ashcombe Children's Centre Nursery registered in 2006. It operates from the site of Ashcombe Primary School. The nursery offers sessional care from 8.30am to 11.30am and 12.20pm to 3.20pm and full day care from 8.30am to 3.20pm, Monday to Friday during term time only. There are 11 staff working with the children, most of whom hold relevant early years qualifications. One member of staff holds a level 7 qualification, two hold a level 6 qualification, one holds a level 5 qualification and six hold level 3 qualifications. One member of staff is unqualified. The nursery is in receipt of funded early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The deputy manager, manager, delivery manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The deputy manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation during snack time. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and the children.

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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

24 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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