Lawn Lane Day Nursery School

Inspection of Lawn Lane Day Nursery School Lawn Lane, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 7PP

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children thrive here due to highly qualified staff who use their expert knowledge and skilful interactions to create a safe and enriching environment for all children. Children are happy to start their day and are greeted by kind and enthusiastic staff. All children quickly become engrossed in activities of their choosing which have been carefully planned and developed to suit all learners. This creates a warm, nurturing and highly stimulating environment.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Leaders have developed a unique curriculum, which is clear and ambitious for all children. In each room, there is evidence of this curriculum, including areas for children to practise their communication skills, be curious, cooperate with one another, be creative and develop their thinking skills. Staff expertly encourage children to explore their emotions through a range of activities and resources such as colour monsters to help children talk about how they feel.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Staff have developed close bonds with children and their families and work exceptionally well together to celebrate children's 'wow' moments, which are then proudly displayed in the foyer. Children have complete trust in the adults who care for them. This helps build children's confidence in their abilities from a very young age, which encourages a positive attitude to learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders are passionate in supporting staff and ensuring all aspects of nursery life are the very best they can be. There is a highly effective training and support programme for all staff. For example, apprentices work alongside more experienced staff to learn about the ethos of the nursery. They gain a deep understanding of how children learn and their role as educators. Leaders actively encourage all staff to broaden their knowledge with 'champion' roles in areas such as mathematics, food and nutrition. Leaders have created a passionate and dedicated staff team. As a result, staff are self-motivated and confident and are exemplary role models for children. Staff report morale is high, and they are proud to be part of a team that puts children at the heart of what they do. n Staff gather a wealth of information about the children before they start. This enables them to plan for children's individual needs immediately. Children's

p.2

need to do better?

progress is diligently tracked as leaders are aware of the benefits of early intervention. Parents are fully informed about their children's development at all times and are advised how they can support their children at home. Support is sought from other professionals when required. This ensures that all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make excellent progress from their starting points. n Staff understand the links between children's learning and their sense of pride

p.2

need to do better?

24 July 2025 and self-confidence. Leaders plan the curriculum with the input of other staff members so children can revisit learning often, ensuring it is fully embedded. For example, children learn about growing fruit, vegetables and flowers through stories and group discussions. They also plant vegetables and tend to them until they are ready to be harvested. Children are rightly proud to explain to visitors all they know about the care of plants. They then use this knowledge in their curiosity activities, for example using potatoes they have grown to practise their fine motor skills by peeling and cutting. By ensuring that learning is practical, fun and memorable, staff ensure that children are developing a thirst for knowledge and a positive mindset for learning. n Children are supremely self-sufficient and adept at doing things for themselves. They take on the roles of helpers and assist staff in laying the table and

p.2

need to do better?

reminding all children to wash their hands before lunch is served. Children competently serve their food at mealtimes and use cutlery while displaying impeccable table manners. Staff encourage children to be independent when finding and using resources. For example, children find an apron to wear when playing with the water and do their very best to put it on as staff encourage and celebrate their achievement. This helps build children's confidence and resilience. n Parents say they feel exceptionally valued. They appreciate how staff support their children and value the communication they have with their child's key person. Parents overwhelmingly share positive feedback about the nursery's nutritional food offerings and support with life events happening outside of the nursery such as a new sibling. As a result, parents feel involved, listened to and welcomed.

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

Setting details

Unique reference number EY472646 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10407305 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 44 Number of children on roll 71 Name of registered person Seymour House Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01245346643 Date of previous inspection 3 January 2020

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Lawn Lane Day Nursery School registered in 2014. The nursery operates from Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, 51 weeks of the year. There are 15 members of childcare staff, nine of whom hold early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery provides government funding for all eligible children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. 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 The inspector and the manager carried out a joint observation together. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke with the managers about the leadership and management of 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

24 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.

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