Little Learners Day Care Ltd

Little Learners Day Care Ltd Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY357086 Inspection date 20/01/2011 Inspector Lilyanne Taylor

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Setting address Park Lodge, Clarkes Road, Fratton, Portsmouth, PO1 5PR

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Telephone number 02392 756104 Email eburnett1978@tiscali.co.uk Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as

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you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Little Learners Day Care Ltd has been registered since 2007. It is a privately owned day nursery and operates from premises situated alongside St. Mary's Park in a residential area of Fratton, a suburb of Portsmouth. The premises are owned and used solely by the nursery. The whole of the ground floor is used for children and there is a fully enclosed outdoor play area.

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Description of the setting

The nursery is registered to care for a maximum of 33 children under eight years at any one time; all of these may be in the early years age group. Currently there are 60 early years age group children on roll. Care is also able to be provided for children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The setting supports children who speak English as an additional language and they are in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education to children aged two, three and four.

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Description of the setting

The owner employs seven members of staff, all of whom hold early years qualifications, one at level 2, five at level 3 and one at level 4. One member of staff is currently working towards achieving a level 3 to enhance her existing qualification. The nursery operates in line with the HighScope educational philosophy. They are also the linked day care provider for Fratton Children's Centre.

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Description of the setting

The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm all year round.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for by a well established staff team who have a good understanding of each child as an individual which enables them to meet all children's needs effectively. Policies and procedures required for the safe management of the provision are effectively implemented. Overall an inclusive environment is provided and most aspects of children's learning are effectively promoted across all areas of the nursery. The staff team continuously strives to improve the provision they provide for children. The building of an additional room has enabled children under the age of two years to be cared for in their own base room.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 provide a physical environment that includes resources that positively reflect This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 all children's cultural identity  increase the opportunities children have to gain an awareness that print carries meaning.

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the early years provision

Children are fully safeguarded. Staff have a good understanding of child protection and the procedures in place should they have concerns regarding children's welfare are secure. Robust procedures are in place for the recruitment and vetting of staff and new staff are appropriately inducted. In addition the ongoing suitability of staff is confirmed. Security is given a high priority and children are very well supervised at all times. Written risk assessments are in place and visual checks carried out daily ensure all areas children access remain safe.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for by a consistent, qualified and experienced staff team. The day to day running of the nursery is delegated by the owner to a very competent manager. Through the systems in place to appraise staff, areas for further professional development are highlighted. Thus ensuring their knowledge remains up-to-date.

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the early years provision

Children have access to an extensive range of resources and equipment which is well organised, kept clean and maintained in a safe condition. Children are able to move freely, selecting resources of their choice which increases their independence and builds their confidence.

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the early years provision

All children are respected and treated as individuals. Staff effectively communicate with children who are learning English as an additional language; they find out from their parents how to pronounce key words and phrases in their home language. Although resources show positive images of diversity and children learn about some of the cultures of others through various activities, the physical environment does not reflect the culture of all children in attendance.

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the early years provision

Staff work in partnership with parents to ensure all children reach their full potential. Each child has a key person who has regular meetings with parents to discuss the individual progress children are making and what the plans are for their next steps in learning. Home link books are written for younger children. These provide parents with information of the care their children have been provided, how they have spent their day and any achievements they have made. New parents are provided with a detailed prospectus which gives them information about the staff team, the operational procedures of the setting and the types of activities their children will be involved in to enable them to make progress in all six areas of learning of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The nursery has close links with the local Sure Start Children's Centre providing short notice respite care for children. They also liaise with other agencies to ensure the care and learning

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the early years provision

needs of all children are met effectively.

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the early years provision

The staff team strive for constant improvement through regular meetings and by attending training. Recommendations raised at the last inspection have been This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 addressed which has had a positive impact on the outcomes of children.

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the early years provision

Through self-evaluation staff have highlighted their strengths and are aware of areas they wish to develop further. For example, their priority is to provide children under the age of three years with their own outdoor play area and to commence operating a breakfast and after school club for older children in order to meet the needs of working parents in the community.

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and outcomes for children

An established routine and the effective implementation of the key person system help new children to settle. Children show high levels of confidence and feel safe and secure in the care of the staff. Babies and toddlers become attached to their key person and snuggle up for a cuddle when tired. They enjoy playing games such as peep bo and have the opportunity to play with various items contained in a treasure basket.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very well occupied throughout the sessions and are making good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of their learning and development. Staff interact very well with the children and they have a very good understanding of their individual interests. Observations staff make on the children are used well to monitor their progress and highlight the next steps in their development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are given time to create and express their intentions and to reflect on their experiences. They generate their own learning by confidently choosing equipment and toys they wish to play with or through expressing to staff activities they would like to have provided.

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and outcomes for children

During cookery sessions children take turns to measure the ingredients using spoons and they discuss the texture and changes as they occur during the making and cooking process. Children enjoy having responsibilities and are keen to act as the daily helper. They assist staff in the preparation of snacks and under close supervision learn how to handle utensils safely.

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and outcomes for children

Through the playing of educational games on the computer children are gaining good control of the mouse and learning basic functions such as clicking and dragging. Children's communication and language is progressing well which helps to develop their skills for the future. They are good at listening to others particularly during review time where they share with others what they have been doing. Children are very sociable and play well together. They are good at taking turns and sharing and the use of a sand timer enables them to gain a concept of time. Children learn how to handle books carefully. However, because not all resources and wall displays are consistently labelled children have limited opportunities to gain awareness that print carries meaning. Older children are able to recognise their names when they self-register. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about their own safety through guidance they receive from staff and their regular involvement in the practising of fire drills.

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and outcomes for children

Children are becoming aware of healthy eating through the range of nutritious snacks provided and cooking activities they engage in. Children follow good hygiene practices and older children brush their teeth after meals.

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and outcomes for children

Children have regular access to the outdoor play area whereby they have the opportunity to develop their large motor skills using a range of equipment such as climbing frames, balancing beams and ride on toys. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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