First Steps Nursery

Inspection of First Steps Nursery First Steps Nursery, 41 Brown Street, SALISBURY SP1 2AS

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children learn to be confident and independent at this nursery. Key-person systems are well established, and children settle quickly as they form strong attachments with staff. Staff provide nurturing interactions to help children feel happy and secure. The provider ensures a joyful and positive environment that encourages children to engage in play.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff provide support and opportunities for baby's physical development. Babies love climbing and practising controlled jumps. They engage with instruments, shaking and tapping them as part of their sensory exploration. Staff interact with babies, using strategies like playing peek-a-boo with see-through coloured cloths, which effectively capture attention and encourage early communication skills. Younger children enjoy singing songs with actions. Staff lead singing sessions with enthusiasm, ensuring children stay focused and engaged. Older children learn to sustain their concentration by listening to stories. Staff draw their attention to patterns in language, helping them recognise sounds within words and preparing them for future reading and writing skills. Staff create a positive, friendly atmosphere that promotes children's enjoyment and participation.

p.2

The provision is good

Children benefit from healthy, nutritionally balanced home-cooked meals. Staff discuss the benefits of healthy eating with the children, linking food to physical growth and well-being.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider has developed a curriculum that is ambitious for the needs of all children, particularly those with additional needs. Their curriculum focuses on fostering relational attachments between children and staff, as well as encouraging friendships among peers. Children are confident and engage in play and learning activities with their friends. n The provider accurately evaluates what is going well and identifies where they would like to make further improvements. They provide staff with regular training and constructive feedback to enhance their interactions with children. However, sometimes, staff do not consistently plan learning that ensures children sequentially build on what they already know and can do. For instance, while staff provide water play activities that children enjoy, these become repetitive for some children and does not support them to extend their knowledge or skills further.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff know children's needs well. They use assessment tools to monitor developmental progress and identify areas of concern. They communicate well with parents, particularly when they are concerned, and work well in supporting them to recognise gaps in children's learning and provide them with ideas and

p.2

need to do better?

3 June 2025 activities to support them at home. n Staff consistently support children's personal and emotional development effectively. They provide opportunities for children to develop the language and vocabulary needed to identify and express their emotions. Children learn strategies to manage their feelings as staff model calm behaviours, guide them in navigating challenging emotions, and encourage positive interactions with peers. n Staff promote a love for stories and literacy. Children across all age groups actively engage with books and enjoy listening to stories that reflect their interests and experiences. Babies select books and bring them to staff, showing enthusiasm at the stories staff share and talk about with them. Older children explore familiar titles such as, 'The Hungry Caterpillar', using the opportunity to build their counting skills. Comfortable reading areas further encourage children

p.2

need to do better?

to immerse themselves in literacy activities. n Children generally behave well and respond positively to staff instructions, such as using their 'listening ears' when asked. However, during transition times, staff do not consistently provide clear expectations, particularly in routines such as tidying up. While some children assist with cleaning tasks, others lose focus and do not receive the necessary support from staff to fully engage in contributing to the setting's expectations. n The provider effectively communicates with parents, providing regular updates on children's well-being and development through daily discussions and scheduled appointments. Staff promote children's confidence and independence, supporting younger children to settle quickly and form strong bonds with their key person. Staff encourage parents to engage in activities that enhance children's independence and prepare them for school, such as fostering self-care

p.3

need to do better?

skills and developing fine motor abilities necessary for writing readiness.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n strengthen the sequence of the curriculum so that staff can consistently plan activities that build on what children know and can do n provide clear and consistent expectations for children during routines and times of transition between activities so they cooperate, work as part of a group and follow rules and expectations.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY407080 Local authority Wiltshire Inspection number 10388749 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 76 Number of children on roll 65 Name of registered person BBN Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01722 410 456 Date of previous inspection 25 July 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

First Steps Nursery registered in 2010. It is situated in Salisbury, Wiltshire. The nursery is open each weekday from 8am until 6pm for 51 weeks of the year. There are 17 staff employed at the nursery. Of these, one holds an early years qualification at level 6 and 14 hold qualifications at level 3 in early years education. The nursery offers government funded places.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and the children. n The manager and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at the nursery. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection, including how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

3 June 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6