Little Acorns Childcare Ltd

Little Acorns Childcare Ltd 34 Sheep Hill Lane, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 7JH

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 7 March 2016 20 November 2015

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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

 The management team and provider have made considerable progress in identifying and effectively targeting weaknesses found at the last inspection. This has resulted in a focused approach to restructuring and a strong staff team is in place for leading the provision. They are now very clear about their roles and responsibilities to support children's learning and development.  Partnerships with parents are successful as they are fully involved in their child's learning. Assessments are shared with them and their wishes are taken on board to complement the learning taking place at the setting.  Staff are motivated to improve teaching and practice. They have a good knowledge of how children learn and develop. Staff ensure planning, observation and assessment are precise, accurate and up to date.  Staff have a strong relationship with their key children and this helps them to be very happy, confident and active learners who display a sense of fun and laughter in their

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The new systems in place and changes made to practice are not yet fully embedded or monitored to measure their impact on maintaining and improving the quality of the provision.

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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

 review and embed the impact of changes made to practice and teaching, and ensure they are successful in raising standards and improving outcomes for children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector undertook a tour of the premises.  The inspector observed activities and the quality of teaching in all of the playrooms and outdoors.  The inspector sampled children's assessment records, planning documentation and a range of other records, policies and procedures.  The inspector conducted a joint observation with the nursery manager.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability and qualifications of staff working with children, the provider's self-evaluation and improvement plans.  The inspector took account of the views of children, staff and parents spoken to on the day of inspection.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The provider and management team have made significant progress since the last inspection. The actions set have been addressed successfully. Teaching has improved and the tracking and assessment of children's progress is good. Information regarding children's learning is used to plan challenging activities to enhance their overall development. Systems for the supervision and training of staff are much improved. An example of this is the regular, focused staff supervisions, peer observation, training and team meetings that help enhance teaching and practice. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff have attended training and are confident of the action to take to protect children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The progress check for children aged between two and three years has been improved since the last inspection and is robust. This check helps to identify gaps in children's learning and is shared with parents and health visitors to provide a consistent approach to the assessment of children. Additionally, external support can be sought quickly, if needed. Starting points in children's progress are clearly identified and contribute effectively to the assessment of their good progress. For pre-school children, staff positively support learning as they sensitively introduce mathematics, early writing and reading as children play. Babies are helped to practise their physical skills as they delight in rolling on the floor. Additionally, staff's consistent conversation helps to develop their speaking skills. Toddlers enjoy deciding if they want to be indoors or out, as they enjoy activities freely and make choices in their play.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children benefit from good routines that support their developing independence and emotional well-being. Children are helped to manage their hygiene needs and delight in singing the washing hands song. Staff help children manage their physical needs and appropriate risk as they play outdoors. For example, children enjoy the benefits of sensory experiences, such as, digging, balancing and climbing. They giggle and run freely in the well-planned outdoor environment. Staff praise children as they play and help them to feel valued and respected. Children learn to manage their behaviour and are supported to manage their feelings as they make friends and play together.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress across all areas of learning, in accordance with their starting points, age and capability. They are developing key skills ready for their future learning and move to school. Children practise their communication and language skills as they learn to express their wishes and make their needs known. Children are keen and active learners who enjoy exploring and making choices about their play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY136994 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 1033556 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 55 Number of children on roll 96 Name of provider Little Acorns Child Care Limited Date of previous inspection 20 November 2015 Telephone number 01772 696288

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Setting details

Little Acorns Childcare Ltd was registered in 2002. The nursery employs 16 members of childcare staff. Of these, 14 hold appropriate early years qualifications ranging between level 3 and level 4 and a further member holds Qualified Teacher status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm.

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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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