Little Companions

Little Companions 172-172A, Biscot Road, Luton, LU3 1AX

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 7 October 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

 The management team is ambitious. They continually evaluate the nursery provision, using support from the local authority and feedback from parents. Since registration, the management has implemented specific changes that have improved outcomes for children.  Children are confident and independent. They form strong relationships with staff and their good behaviour shows that they feel safe and secure. Children are interested and get involved as staff provide a welcoming and stimulating environment.  Effective support is provided for children who speak English as an additional language and those who have special educational needs or disability.  Partnerships with parents are well established. There are good two-way systems for sharing information about children's needs and achievements. Staff keep parents well informed about children's development. Parents are very positive about the nursery and

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This provision is good

the staff. They comment that their children are happy and make good progress.  Staff observe and assess children's learning and progress. They track individual children's achievement in all areas of learning and identify any potential underachievement.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The programme for the professional development of all staff is not yet highly targeted, in order to strengthen the quality of 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

 extend the programme of professional development for staff so that it is sharply focused on developing an expert knowledge of teaching and learning.

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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.  The inspector held a meeting with the management team.  The inspector looked at relevant documentation, discussed self-evaluation and viewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.  The inspector spoke to a small number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The management team is passionate and committed to providing a good service for children. Staff are well qualified and experienced, which has a positive impact on the quality of teaching. The progress of different groups of children across the nursery is well monitored. As a result, any gaps in learning are effectively addressed. The nursery establishes good partnerships with external agencies. Safeguarding is effective. All staff complete regular safeguarding training. This enables them to identify the signs or symptoms that may indicate a concern in relation to children's welfare. The manager ensures that all staff understand their roles and responsibilities through effective induction and supervision arrangements.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff provide a wide range of interesting resources inside and out. Children clearly enjoy their time in the setting. There are opportunities for children to be creative and use their imagination, such as exploring painting with cotton buds and 'going on a bear hunt' in the garden. Staff are skilful in following children's interests as these emerge through play. They promote children's language and communication skills particularly well. Regular opportunities for signing words helps children to develop speech and confidence in their use of language. Toddlers investigate the play dough. They mould, shape and roll the dough using a wide variety of tools to create pretend ice cream. Older children are keen to show their writing skills as they make marks on a white board. They compare numbers, shape and colour and enjoy reading books alone and with others.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The staff team presents a happy and welcoming environment. Children's emotional well- being is given high priority. Settling-in arrangements and transitions to school are well planned and facilitated according to the individual needs of the child. The key-person system is well established and effective. This helps to foster positive relationships with children and their parents. Children behave well and show kindness, concern and respect to others. Staff encourage children to share and take turns using strategies, such as timers. This helps children develop good personal and social skills. Staff help children to develop self-help skills by providing opportunities for them to do things for themselves. For example, children serve their own snack and clear away plates and cups. Staff provide healthy snacks. Children follow good hygiene procedures and are learning about healthy teeth.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are developing a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards learning. Children of all abilities, including those who receive funded education and children who speak English as an additional language, are making good progress. They are well prepared for starting school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY478814 Local authority Luton Inspection number 991730 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 46 Name of registered person Ovais Ahmed

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reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 01582413607

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reference number

Little Companions was registered in 2014. The nursery employs eight members of childcare staff, of whom, all hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2, 3 and 6. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 8am to 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education two-, three- and four-year-old children. The nursery supports children who speak English as an additional language and those who have special educational needs or disability.

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reference number

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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reference number

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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reference number

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reference number

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reference number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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