Ofsted
We are regularly inspected by Ofsted (registration number307139) and have received Good at the last inspection.
A copy of the report can be accessed at via Ofsted's web site here. First Steps was last inspected by Ofsted in November 2019.
Comments from the report include:
“Well-qualified staff nurture and support all children. Children settle with ease and are very happy and safe. They behave well and demonstrate a strong sense of belonging"
"Children are motivated to learn new skills. The outdoor area, in particular, provides them with an extensive range of learning opportunities. Children have fun and are creative. Children make boats, construct walls and roll wheels and ping-pong balls down guttering tubes. They actively search for bugs and wildlife and use magnifying glasses to take a closer look"
"The dedicated manager has high hopes for children and, overall, staff plan activities which help children to make good progress. Staff identify any gaps in children's knowledge and skills and work to bridge gaps, utilising the expertise of other children, staff and parents"
"Staff work closely with other settings. They share meaningful information to help provide consistency for children who receive shared care. Staff liaise with school teachers to support older children's move to school. They mirror activities, such as phonics and send home reading books in bags, in preparation for the transition"
"Staff teach children about different people and the importance of protecting the environment. There is an extremely high focus on looking after the planet. Children meet elderly people and are visited by professionals, such as a local police officer"
"Staff value and welcome parents' input. Methods used to involve parents include an online learning book. Parents particularly enjoy the stay-and-play sessions and helping their children to choose items from home for the daily show-and-tell discussion. Parents express complete satisfaction with the care and learning their children receive"
