Ofsted has upgraded First Steps Moorlands Children’s Centre in Bath following a recent inspection.
A child playing | Library image
Last summer, the children’s centre in Moorfields Road had been told it needed to improve in all categories – for leadership and management, quality of education, children’s behaviour and attitudes, and their personal development.
But the latest report, which was published last week, judges the childcare setting to be Good in all areas.
There are 112 children on the roll at the centre, which opens Monday to Friday all year round.
It was first registered in 2004, employs 24 members of staff and takes children up to the age of four.
The inspector, who visited at the end of June, says staff create an “inspiring” learning environment for children.
Her report says: “Children arrive happy and thoroughly enjoy their time at this welcoming setting. They form secure relationships with the kind and caring staff.
“Staff know children well and use their understanding of each child’s interests and development to create a well-sequenced curriculum that builds on their existing knowledge and skills.”
The report recognises that youngsters behave well, demonstrate awareness of healthy routines and have good table manners.
The inspector notes that the leadership and management team has made a number of improvements since the last inspection: “The team works closely to monitor the quality of practice in each room and ensure staff know their responsibilities and professional goals.
“Staff feel supported in their roles and strive to improve. All staff have attended training to further their teaching skills. This has enhanced the enjoyment of teaching and learning in all rooms.”
The report says that staff understand the importance of the use of children’s home language to support their language skills and sense of self: “Staff greet children in their home language each morning and use key words to support their understanding throughout the day.”
Assessments are used to monitor children’s progress effectively and identify areas needing further support.
Staff promptly refer children to professionals, such as speech and language therapists, to address and close gaps in learning.
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are said to benefit from high-quality, individualised support and care, ensuring they make good progress from their starting points and are well-prepared for the next stage in their learning.
The inspector also highlighted the “open and positive culture” around safeguarding at the centre that puts children’s interests first.
