Little Stars Pre-School & Nursery

Little Stars Pre-School & Nursery St Luke's Church, Cell Barnes Lane, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL1 5QJ

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 11 November 2016 23 October 2012

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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 have very effective systems in place to support children who have special educational needs or disabilities and for children who receive additional funding. They work closely with other agencies to support children's individual needs and provide targeted support which enables all children to make steady progress.  The key-person system successfully supports children to settle quickly in the nursery. Staff are supportive and sensitive to young children's needs and feelings. They establish close relationships with parents.  Staff evaluate their practice and the learning experiences offered to children on a regular basis. They seek the views of parents and children. These are taken into account when areas for improvement are identified. Staff demonstrate a strong capacity to improve their practice over time.  Children's language and communication is skilfully promoted through staff's positive

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This provision is good

interactions. A number of children who attend the nursery speak English as an additional language. Staff effectively support children to become confident. For example, they talk to them about what they are doing and introduce new vocabulary.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not always notice or respond promptly to children's requests for support with tasks, such as using scissors, so that they can develop and extend their skills.  On occasions, some older children are distracted by others and do not consistently remain engaged and involved in some activities.

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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

 respond swiftly to children's requests for support so that they can consolidate and extend their skills  provide effective support to enable older children to focus on activities so that they remain consistently engaged and involved.

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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 observed and discussed a joint observation with the nursery manager.  The inspector spoke to parents and children during the inspection and took account of their views.  The inspector held a meeting with the nursery manager. She looked at the nursery's self-evaluation process and relevant documentation, such as the nursery's policies and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff have a good understanding about the signs and symptoms that may raise a concern about the safety and welfare of children in their care. The management team regularly evaluates assessments of children's progress and development to identify any gaps in their learning. The management team has implemented robust procedures for the recruitment and induction process of new staff. Managers evaluate staff's ongoing performance through appraisals and supervision meetings. Specific training is identified to support staff to further develop their knowledge and skills. Partnerships with parents are well established. They are regularly informed about their children's progress and achievements. Parents are provided with information and ideas that they can use to further develop their children's learning at home.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff gather information from parents during children's initial settling-in sessions. This is used effectively to identify children's starting points in learning and enables staff to plan accurately to meet their individual needs. Children's mathematical development is effectively promoted by staff. For example, children are encouraged to write numbers one to five and count the correct number of small toy animals to match each number. Their small-muscle skills are strengthened through a range of activities, such as rolling out play dough and cutting out gingerbread men. Children develop their imaginative skills as they enjoy creating stories. For example, they dress up as superheroes and pretend to rescue their friends from danger.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children behave well and staff provide clear and consistent messages to promote their understanding about the differences between right and wrong. They show care and consideration to each other. For example, children share toys and patiently wait for their turn to ride a bicycle. Children learn about keeping healthy. Staff talk to them about what food is good for them, they read books and take part in activities. Children are provided with daily opportunities for exercise. They have fun playing outside, joining in with ball games and using the range of toys and equipment available. This supports their physical development. Children enjoy taking on responsibilities, such as helping to clean and prepare the tables for lunchtime or tidying the toys away at the end of the session.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are becoming eager learners as they enjoy participating in the range of activities offered. They enthusiastically butter their crackers and pour their drinks as they develop their independence skills. Children start to sing familiar songs as they eagerly play musical instruments. They have fun exploring and listening to the different sounds these make. Children make good progress from their starting points and learn the necessary skills in readiness for moving on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY384344 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1059825 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 53 Name of registered person Caroline Ann George

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 23 October 2012 Telephone number 07824774102

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reference number

Little Stars Pre-School & Nursery was registered in 2008. The nursery employs nine members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold qualifications at level 3 and above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday term time only. Sessions are from 9am until 3pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The nursery supports children who have special educational needs or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

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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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