Footsteps Chalfont St Peter Ofsted
OFSTED report praises children’s learning progress in safe and secure environment.
“Children enjoy their time at this homely and welcoming nursery“
Following an inspection in October, Footsteps Chalfont St Peter is proud to receive a “Good” Ofsted report across all areas.
The report stated that “In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff have prioritised children’s personal, social and emotional development. Staff identified that babies would need more support to settle and also understood that some toddlers and older children would be a little overwhelmed to be around lots of other children again. Children show that this approach has worked well. They are now confident to explore and learn.”
The inspector highlighted many other key nurturing features of our amazing team. We are proud that our team is made up of caring and dedicated practitioners. The inspector noted
“Relationships between children and staff are very warm and positive. Staff consistently praise children for what they can do. Children receive lots of encouragement and smiles throughout the day. This adds to the happy and positive atmosphere and helps build children’s self-esteem.”
The Report continued “Those who are more unsettled receive the cuddles and attention they need to feel safe. Soon they are playing as happily as other children. They frequently bring books to staff to read and enjoy snuggling in to listen to stories. This has a positive impact on children’s developing communication and literacy skills.”
They noted that the care was not just emotionally fulfilling but took impeccable care of their physical needs too.
“Staff diligently meet children’s care needs. Staff regularly check and change nappies and remind children about the importance of wiping their noses and washing their hands. Staff ensure that the premises, equipment and resources remain clean and hygienic throughout the day.”
We are dedicated to providing a wide array of resources and equipment which are effectively implemented to support the promotion of learning and development. We strive to support individual children’s ideas and interests ensuring the children make good progress towards the early learning goals.
From Baby Room through to our Little Bigs, we strive to progress skills to develop minds and bodies and prepare them for the future. This progression to independence was noted. “Staff plan well how to build on children’s independence skills gradually as they move through the nursery. For example, babies learn to feed themselves with spoons and forks, and toddlers learn to drink from open cups. By the time children are in the pre-school room, they are confident to serve their own food and pour their own drinks.”
In addition, OFSTED noted the impact of our outside space on their development.
OFSTED reported “Staff provide ample opportunities for physically active play. Children show great delight in spending time outside. They are encouraged to run about energetically and are developing a positive view of an active lifestyle. Staff encourage children to develop other useful physical skills. For example, children learn to throw and catch and to move their bodies around cones and obstacles.”
They report noted the response of parents too. “Parents speak very highly of the nursery and the staff. They praise the ‘family feel’ and the flexibility of staff in meeting their childcare needs.”
We would like to say well done to all the staff and parents who helped to achieve this glowing report.
