Aspen Tree Childcare

Inspection of Aspen Tree Childcare 55 Maltese Road, Chelmsford CM1 2PB

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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 are happy, confident learners, who thrive in this nurturing environment. They form strong relationships with staff, which supports their well-being. As a result, children feel safe and are eager to engage in learning. Staff provide a rich sequenced curriculum that supports all areas of children's learning and development. They deliver high-quality interactions and use most opportunities to extend children's learning. For example, staff ask open-ended questions and encourage prediction as children explore how toys work during group-time activities.

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The provision is good

Books are central to the curriculum, with stories integrated throughout the environment. Staff read interactively, encouraging children to talk about what they see and relate stories to their experiences. Puppets are used to bring stories to life, fostering children's love for reading. Staff introduce new vocabulary in context. For example, during water play, children explore size, volume and quantity using mathematical language. As a result, children make good progress in their communication and language.

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The provision is good

Routines are well established, and children transition smoothly through the day, knowing what is expected of them. Staff skilfully promote independence by encouraging children to pour drinks, cut fruit using child-safe knives and dress themselves. Children work together to tidy up and show care for their environment. Staff consistently model and reinforce positive behaviours, helping children learn to play harmoniously with others.

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need to do better?

n Babies access bespoke areas of the nursery tailored to their age. They receive attentive care that mirrors home routines and supports their development. They enjoy a range of sensory play opportunities, as they scrunch sand in their hands, and explore cornflour play, helping to build on their confidence. Staff provide effective support as babies learn to walk, holding their hands and encouraging them to take steps, supporting their physical development. n Staff speak confidently about what children know and what they need to learn next. Although next steps are identified, sometimes staff are not always clear about how they will support children to achieve these. This results in their teaching not always being precise enough to fully support children to make the best progress with their individual learning goals. n The nursery offers a wide variety of extracurricular experiences that enhance children's learning and development. These include, football coaching, music and

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need to do better?

movement sessions, and mindfulness activities designed to help children explore and express their emotions. These experiences are further built on with visits

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need to do better?

23 July 2025 from organisations in the community, such as police officers, helping children to build on their understanding of the wider world around them. n There is a clear and well-considered approach to preparing children for school. Staff place a strong emphasis on developing children's listening and attention skills, which local schools have identified as crucial for school readiness. Staff liaise directly with schools, sharing key information and facilitating visits from teachers, particularly for children with additional needs. n Children enjoy free-flow access to an exciting outdoor area, where free-flow play is facilitated throughout the day. Waterproof clothing and wellington boots are readily available, allowing children to explore in all weathers. Outdoor activities, such as bug hunts and obstacle courses, promote curiosity and support children's physical development. Staff encourage risk taking and support children

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need to do better?

to persist through challenges, such as when navigating over climbing equipment. Children show high levels of determination and resilience. n Parents speak highly of the setting and the care their children receive. They are kept up to date with their children's learning through consistent communication and parent consultations. Parents are encouraged to contribute to their child's learning journey by uploading photos, which staff use to inform planning and reflect children's interests. Parents are offered practical support and advice on topics, such as behaviour management and sleep routines. n Leaders work hard to create a supportive and collaborative team. Staff supervision and development are well structured. Staff receive regular supervisions and have opportunity to build on their professional development with focused training. Evaluation and reflective practice are embedded in the team's approach. Leaders regularly review routines, resources and the learning

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need to do better?

environment to ensure that children receive good-quality education.

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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 develop staff knowledge and skills in working towards children's individual next steps with clear learning opportunities and precise teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2721405 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10398512 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 45 Number of children on roll 44 Name of registered person Burlan, Madalina

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reference number

Telephone number 01245377487 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Aspen Tree Childcare registered in April 2023. The nursery employs seven members of staff. Of these, six hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round, except for bank holidays. The nursery provides care during term time and an after-chool club for children up to the age of six. Holiday clubs are provided during the school holidays. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. 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 carried out a joint observation of a bucket-time activity with the manager. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. The inspector spoke with parents and carers during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of the staff working in the nursery and a selection of other 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

23 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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