Stepping Stones Nursery & Pre-School (Claverdon) CIO

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Children separate extremely well from their parents and show delight at seeing their friends. Every child is warmly greeted by the staff team. Children use a self-registration system on arrival and engage in an interactive display about oral health by brushing a huge set of teeth.

Children are eager to get involved in the range of inviting activities and experiences on offer; they are motivated and demonstrate high levels of engagement in their learning.Leaders have developed a strong curriculum that reflects the needs, preferences and interests of the children. Pre-school children are exceptionally well equipped with th...e skills and confidence needed for successful transition to school.

To support this, items of uniform from local schools are available in the role play area for children to practise their skills. Children demonstrate exceptional perseverance with the small buttons on cardigans.Children develop superb fine-and gross-motor skills; they work cooperatively to transport water in a variety of containers and use it for washing a large tyre with long-handled brushes.

Curiosity and investigation are promoted and encouraged. Children demonstrate enthusiasm for cutting fresh herbs from the sensory garden and crushing them using a pestle and mortar. They are keen to smell their 'mixtures' and compare the scent of their own creations with those of their friends.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

The quality of education for all children is superb. Staff are very clear about what they want children to learn and they skilfully deliver a range of experiences and opportunities that successfully develop and embed skills and knowledge. Staff are highly committed to broadening children's experiences and are joyful play partners.

For example, staff facilitate a creative and exciting forest school day enabling children to participate in a myriad of new opportunities using natural resources.Staff skilfully support and promote children's communication and language skills. As a result of this, children are exceptionally articulate and communicate with confidence.

Children are actively listened to and empowered to use their voice. Playful interaction with language ensures that children are highly engaged and entertained at group times.Children behave impeccably and they demonstrate a clear understanding of the expectations within pre-school.

For example, children confidently communicate the routine for going outside to play in the garden, including where to stop and put their wellingtons on. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), thrive in this nurturing environment. Staff understand and celebrate children's individual needs, and communication with the children is, without exception, respectful and consistent.

Children's independence is successfully promoted and strong partnerships with parents support this further. Children competently wash their hands, put on their own coats and wellingtons and take responsibility for storing their own belongings and lunch boxes. They understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and are knowledgeable about the need to drink plenty of water 'because it is hot and we need to stay hydrated'.

Children respect each other's individuality and embrace diversity. Staff develop a culture of acceptance and respect across the pre-school. Children engage in positive discussions about their similarities and differences.

Families' individual characteristics are celebrated and staff deliver an inclusive and meaningful curriculum using a wide variety of subtle resources and artefacts. For example, African fabric art is used to support a small world play opportunity depicting the story of 'Handa's surprise'.Parents are, without exception, thrilled with the service on offer to their children.

They comment on the caring and nurturing staff team, the inspirational leadership and the huge array of interesting and exciting opportunities available. Parents of children with SEND describe the open, honest and supportive relationships they have developed with their child's key person and the whole team. All parents are delighted with the incredible progress their children have made during their time at pre-school.

Leadership is superb. Staff are exceptionally well supported and feel extremely valued and respected in the pre-school. Leaders have a clear vision and ethos for the pre-school, which impacts positively on the service on offer to children and their families.

Leaders ensure that the local community is valued, and strong links have been developed with other local groups and community members to further enhance the provision.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Leaders have developed an open culture of safeguarding across the pre-school.

Staff access regular training and update their knowledge frequently. They are fully aware of their essential role in keeping children safe and protecting them from harm. All staff recognise risks to children, including extremism, and they know what to do if they have a concern.

Systems for recording and reporting are excellent. Risk assessments are comprehensive and accurately reflect the provision of offer. Leaders are extremely conscientious with regards to safety and make well informed decisions based on their knowledge of the children to keep everyone safe.