Stepping Stones Childcare Limited

Inspection of Stepping Stones Childcare Limited Holy Trinity Church Hall, 4 Holloway Road, London E11 4LD

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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 thrive and are well cared for in this safe, nurturing setting. The warm and welcoming staff team has high expectations for children to be happy and independent learners. Passionate leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that is appropriately sequenced for children of different ages and stages of development.

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The provision is good

Staff have a good understanding of the curriculum and what they want children to learn next. Babies spend time settling and building bonds. Staff share sign language, songs and rhymes to support toddler's communication and language. Children learn to listen and respond. Older children think critically and test their ideas as they build bridges and obstacle courses in water for vehicles with their friends. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress from their starting points in development.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They follow strong daily routines with confidence and respond well to instructions. Staff model positive behaviour and gently remind children of the rules. Children delight in the encouragement and praise that they receive from staff during their play. They show kindness and respect towards each other, such as using low voices because their friends are sleeping. Staff use consistent strategies to support children to understand their emotions. Children learn to share, take turns and negotiate with their peers during play.

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need to do better?

n Children settle in at the nursery well. Staff take the time to get to know each child and their family. Staff complete regular observations of children's learning and respond quickly to children's learning needs, including those children with SEND. They carefully consider the resources and activities they provide to ensure that these capture children's interests. This helps children to develop a firm foundation in their learning. n Babies demonstrate a close attachment to their key person. They sit near to staff and lean in for a cuddle. Staff use simple interactions to build on language. Babies giggle as they copy actions to songs and engage in repeated play. For example, they throw a ball and chase it. Staff offer babies a warm and nurturing environment in which to play and learn. n Staff support children to develop their independence. Children carry their breakfast to the table, and they scrape and stack their plates after lunch.

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need to do better?

Children take off their shoes at nap time. They follow the routine to wash their hands. Staff support babies and children to hold their cutlery while eating. Older children take turns to be lunchtime monitors; they help set tables for lunch and serve lunch to their peers. This helps to prepare children for school and their

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need to do better?

19 June 2025 next stage in learning. n Children's ongoing communication and language are very well supported by staff. They model good vocabulary, which helps children to be confident with words. For example, at activities, staff use descriptive language, such as 'crunchy' and 'squishy' when children explore a seaside activity. n Staff help to promote children's healthy lifestyles. They ensure children spend time outdoors each day, enjoying fresh air and physical activity that supports their health and well-being. Children have freshly cooked, nutritious meals. Children learn about oral health through engaging activities and discussions, helping them to understand the importance of looking after their teeth. n Children enjoy reading with staff. They listen and enthusiastically repeat words, such as 'enormous waves' and 'volcanoes'. Children talk about the pictures they can see and develop a love of books. Babies enjoy looking at the large books

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need to do better?

and make the sounds of the animals they can see. Staff display books for children both indoors and outdoors. This supports children's early literacy skills. n Parents speak highly of the staff at the setting. They describe staff as 'caring from the heart'. Staff foster close relationships with parents. They regularly update them on their children's progress as well as providing daily feedback about children's care routines. However, parents are not provided with enough information to enable them to extend children's learning at home. n Leaders value their staff. Regular supervision and robust induction support staff in understanding the expectations of teaching. Staff complete all mandatory training to enhance their skills and knowledge. However, staff's professional development is not always targeted specifically at areas for improvement in order to raise the standard of teaching across the setting to a higher level.

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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 and focus training and professional development for staff to raise the standard of teaching across the setting to the highest level n further enhance support given to parents to help develop children's learning at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2718899 Local authority London Borough of Waltham Forest Inspection number 10388772 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 30 Number of children on roll 28 Name of registered person Stepping Stones Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07422939723 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Stepping Stones Childcare Limited registered in 2023. It is situated in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The nursery is open from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, all year round. The nursery employs eight members of staff. Of these, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery provides government-funded childcare places.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector spoke to the manager about the leadership and management of the nursery. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they were doing during activities. 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 The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n Parents shared their views of the nursery with the inspector.

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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

19 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.

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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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