The Old Station Nursery, Marlow

Inspection of The Old Station Nursery, Marlow Foxes Piece School, Newfield Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1JW

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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

Children arrive at this welcoming nursery and settle quickly. They develop close and caring bonds with the attentive staff. Staff praise children, which motivates them and boosts their confidence. Children behave well because they receive clear guidance on managing their feelings and behaviour.

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The provision is good

The inviting and well-organised environment excites children and, overall, they joyfully get involved with the activities set up for them. Children show confidence as they access the variety of resources available. For example, babies enjoy exploring the texture of paint with their hands and use a range of tools to make marks. Toddlers pretend to be builders, wearing their hard hats, using their claw hammers and pretending to use the different materials. Pre-school children design their own obstacle courses and make predictions to test their ideas. For instance, children tell staff if they put their arms out this supports their balance when walking along the beam. Staff play with children and are genuinely interested in what they say and do. For example, children make pretend pancakes in the mud kitchen for staff and visitors. Staff provide good narration during play, so children hear a range of language. Physical development is promoted well. Children make

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The provision is good

their own choices and can choose whether to be inside or outside in the recently refurbished garden. They have opportunities to climb, balance and run freely in the outdoor area. This helps to develop children's large-muscle movements.

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need to do better?

n The nursery has been through a period of change and faced challenges with recruitment, in line with national shortages in the sector. Leaders have addressed this and show dedication and commitment to ongoing improvement. Leaders have a clear vision for the intention of what they want the children to learn in each room. However, staff are not fully confident in recognising the difference between the activities they provide and what they intend children to learn. This leads to some children not gaining the full experience of the intended learning. n Children are confident and are developing their independence skills well. For example, babies make their way to the sink following an art activity, knowing this is where they need to wash their hands, with some support. Toddlers and pre-school children set the table for mealtimes, are confident in self-serving their lunch and use cutlery competently. n Staff overwhelming say they feel well supported at the nursery. Leaders monitor

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need to do better?

staff practice and provide a range of training, observations, coaching and regular supervisions for their team. However, new or less experienced staff are, at times, unclear about how to support children's learning and development effectively. n All children behave well. Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour

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need to do better?

15 July 2025 and are good role models. For example, they teach younger children about using 'kind hands'. Children are caring to their friends and like to help each other. For instance, they help to find favourite toys or help to mix mud in the mud kitchen to make their pretend cakes. n Parents leave glowing testimonials. They say staff are kind and caring and take the time to get to know their children and their families. Staff work well with parents and share information with them about their children's learning and development. In addition, the nursery offers a range of information evenings for parents to attend. This supports the very good partnership working that is in place. n Children form close relationships with their key person, and parents praise staff for the genuine care they show children. Staff comfort children and offer them reassuring warmth and affection. This helps children to feel safe and secure.

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need to do better?

n Partnerships with other settings are strong. For example, all teachers have visited the nursery to meet children who are due to start school in the new academic year. This helps children to settle well into the known surroundings of school when they first start. n Children learn about each other's home lives and talk about the people who are important to them. Staff understand the benefit of encouraging children to enjoy different experiences to learn about the world around them and the different people who live in it.

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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 strengthen the implementation of the curriculum, increasing staff confidence in consistently embedding the curriculum intentions, so all children benefit from the learning experiences and maintain engagement n build on the systems already in place to monitor staff practice and identify areas for improvement, to support children's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY550694 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 10398538 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 64 Number of children on roll 106 Name of registered person DR Arora Enterprises Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01628476672 Date of previous inspection 28 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The Old Station Nursery, Marlow registered in 2017 and operates from Marlow, in Buckinghamshire. The nursery opens weekdays between 8am and 6pm, all year round. There are 13 staff working with the children. Nine staff hold recognised childcare qualifications, with one member of staff who holds a qualified teacher qualification. The nursery receives funding for the provision of free early education to children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector completed a learning walk with the manager through all areas of the premises used by the children. n Parents shared their views through written and verbal feedback. The inspector took these views into account. n The inspector talked to leaders, staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager and inspector carried out a joint observation. n The inspector looked at a sample of documentation. This included evidence about suitability and qualification records.

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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

15 July 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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