Little Squirrels @ Shrawley

Little Squirrels @ Shrawley Walnut Cottage Nursery, School House, Worcester, WR6 6TT

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 8 February 2016 Not applicable

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 Staff provide an interesting and challenging range of activities which is thoroughly enjoyed by children. They provide good opportunities for children to actively learn and give them the independence to develop their own ideas and creativity.  Staff know their assigned key children very well and work closely with parents to identify if there are any gaps in their learning. If necessary, staff take swift action to involve other specialist professionals to promote learning as effectively as possible.  Staff use the routine well and provide good opportunities for children to play together, share and increase their independence.  This highly qualified manager/provider leads a well-qualified staff team that is enthusiastic about the care and education of children. There are robust systems in place to manage any underperformance and ensure practice is good.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 A new observation and assessment system is in place, however, some staff do not set very precise targets to help children make the very best possible progress at all times.  Although the manager/provider uses targeted training to raise the quality of teaching, information gained from observing staff practice is not used sharply during staff supervision to raise teaching even further.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 help staff more confidently use the new observation and assessment system so that they can set even more precise targets and support children to make significant gains in their progress  use more sharply the information gained from observing staff practice to identify and address areas for development and raise the quality of teaching even further.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the nursery manager/provider and held a meeting with the nursery manager/provider and deputy.  The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as the nursery's self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.  The inspector spoke to a small selection of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The manager/provider and the deputy have clear roles and responsibilities. They ensure the programme of activities across the nursery is varied and stimulating and children make good progress. There are robust systems in place to ensure that teaching is consistently good. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. There is a lead practitioner who is knowledgeable and guides staff in relation to child protection matters. All staff have an up- to-date knowledge of safeguarding issues, including identifying signs of possible abuse and the procedure to follow if they are concerned. The leadership team has high expectations of the staff and children. Self-evaluation is used well to identify further areas for development. There are challenging action plans in place to raise the quality of what is provided even further.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff provide good quality activities with a clear learning intention to help children make progress. Staff use what they know about the children's learning and their interests to plan activities and experiences. As a result, children show good levels of involvement. Staff use an interesting range of topics to provide stimulating activities across all areas of learning. For example, pre-school children benefit greatly from a carefully planned activity, which includes a wealth of interesting Chinese resources. Staff use this opportunity well to teach children about differences and similarities. Staff caring for the younger children and babies provide plenty of opportunities for them to extend their physical skills and use their senses to explore. Staff encourage children to communicate well and use touch and their voice to attract their attention.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff make good use of the outdoor area for children to extend their physical skills and continue their learning. Children learn how to keep safe. They learn exercise is good for them and what foods are healthy for their bodies. Staff have close relationships with the children, who are happy and show a real sense of belonging. Staff use positive strategies to teach children about right and wrong. As a result, children are well behaved. Parents report high levels of satisfaction. They are impressed with how well staff know their children and how they meet any medical and personal needs extremely well. There are strong relationships with the local schools that the children transfer to. This aids the sharing of information to help make a smooth transition.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children, including disabled children and those with special educational needs, make good progress from their starting points. Children creatively use what is provided indoors and outdoors to help build on their play and learning. They show a good respect for each other and happily work alongside others. Children show the key skills required in preparation for school and are motivated and interested.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY489584 Local authority Worcestershire Inspection number 1015607 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 5 Total number of places 21 Number of children on roll 37 Name of provider Little Squirrels Ltd Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 01905620498

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Setting details

Little Squirrels @ Shrawley was registered in July 2015. The nursery opens Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year and is closed for bank holidays and Christmas. The nursery opens from 8am to 6pm. There are eight members of staff, which includes the manager/provider who has Qualified Teacher Status. The deputy holds a qualification at level 6 in early years and the other staff all hold a qualification at level 3.

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Setting details

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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.

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Setting details

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Setting details

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Setting details

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