Little Learning Ladder

Little Learning Ladder Unit 1, Chips, 2 Lampwick Lane, New Islington, Manchester, M4 6BU

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 20 September 2017 29 August 2014

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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 a strong focus on safeguarding. They have a broad understanding and are able to implement effective procedures to help ensure children are well protected. Children throughout the nursery are very well supervised.  Every child is warmly welcomed into the diverse and inclusive nursery community.  Children are motivated by a stimulating, well-resourced indoor and outdoor learning environment that effectively promotes independent learning.  Staff work effectively as a team to meet the individual and group needs of the children. Children settle quickly and benefit from secure attachments that promote their emotional well-being and provide a secure foundation for their learning.  Children are enthusiastic learners who confidently pursue their own interests.  The recently appointed manager is well supported by the company directors. Her enthusiasm and drive have helped maintain good provision for children.

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This provision is good

 Parents, staff and children are actively encouraged to share their views and opinions, which help to inform priorities and secure ongoing improvements.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not always discuss with parents when will be the most useful time to complete the progress check for children aged between two and three years.  At times, staff do not give children sufficient time to think and solve problems for themselves.

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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 improve the way the two year progress check is carried out to strengthen partnership working even further  provide children with time to think things through and solve problems independently.

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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 two joint observations with the manager.  The inspector held meetings with the manager and the nominated person.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability of adults working in the setting, looked at relevant documentation, and discussed the setting's self-evaluation and plans for improvement.  The inspector spoke to staff, children and parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Robust recruitment and vetting procedures show that staff have been thoroughly checked by the provider. All staff are alert to child protection issues and are able to implement local procedures to protect children from possible harm. The manager uses her very good knowledge, skills and expertise to guide, coach and support staff. She continuously monitors and reviews staff practice and carries out regular supervision to help manage their performance. A comprehensive online programme of professional development has recently been established. This monthly training has helped improve staff's knowledge of the wider aspects of safeguarding, health and safety and behaviour management. Risk assessments are regularly reviewed. The premises are very well maintained, safe and suitable.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff use information gained from observation and assessment to accurately assess children's level of development and identify the next steps in their learning. Children's individual learning is well supported by staff, who plan suitably challenging activities that children enjoy. Staff enhance the excellent continuous provision effectively to further support children's independent learning. For example, children routinely use writing resources in all areas of their play. Teaching focuses particularly well on supporting children's personal development and their communication and language. Stories are used well to develop children's listening and attention. Staff use interesting props to engage children fully. Skilful questioning is used to confirm children's understanding and to extend their communication skills. The manager monitors effectively the progress of all children who attend. Children who are at risk of falling behind are swiftly identified so that they

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

can receive further support. Parents say they feel well informed about their child's learning and are very happy with the progress they make.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children display a strong sense of belonging. They are very well supported by staff, who help them achieve personal independence, and learn the importance of socially acceptable behaviour. Consistent routines, visual prompts and positive role models help children understand what is expected of them. Children's physical health and well-being are promoted effectively. Children enjoy freshly prepared meals and snacks. They learn good table manners as they dine alongside their friends. Children's physical development is well promoted. Staff make excellent use of the well-designed outdoor hut, which provides good opportunities for children to play in the fresh air in all weathers.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress in their learning and are developing the key skills they need for school. They become confident learners who enjoy gaining new skills within a safe, supportive environment. Children are becoming increasingly aware of the world around them. They play with imagination and use small tools with increasing skill. Children communicate effectively and achieve personal independence.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY460492 Local authority Manchester Inspection number 1113452 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 72 Number of children on roll 88 Name of registered person Little Learning Ladder Ltd

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 29 August 2014 Telephone number 01612056096

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reference number

Little Learning Ladder registered in 2013. The nursery employs 22 members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold qualifications at level 6, one holds level 5 and 18 hold qualifications from level 2 to level 4. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays. Opening times are from 7.30am until 7pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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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