First Steps Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents

This provision is good • The manager, who is new to her role, is ambitious and experienced. She evaluates the setting well and is and working hard with staff to implement change. For instance, recent developments provide more opportunities for children who prefer to learn outdoors.

• The quality of teaching is good and staff make learning enjoyable for children. They adapt and reshape activities as children's interests evolve. This helps to maintain children's engagement and promote their learning further.

• There are good arrangements to help children settle into the nursery. Children feel confident about moving to the next room and are well prepared for their future mo...ves to school. • Children develop a good understanding of the importance of following good hygiene routines, such as handwashing before meals or baking.

• Partnerships with parents are strong. Staff communicate well with parents, frequently sharing information to help provide consistency for children's care needs. • Children are happy and enjoy being at the nursery.

They forge positive relationships with the staff, who are sensitive and caring in their interactions with children. • Staff carry out regular checks of the environment to ensure it remains a safe place for children. They maintain the required adult-to-child ratios at all times to keep children safe.

• Occasionally, teaching during planned activities does not fully promote all children's engagement. Younger children do not consistently understand the intention of the activity. • Staff are not fully effective in planning for children's next steps using the recently introduced system to plan for children's progress.