Little Acorns Hindley Green

Kate's Kindergarten 74 Smiths Lane, Hindley Green, WIGAN, Lancashire, WN2 4XR

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 11 January 2018 23 February 2017

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires Improvement

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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

 Since the last inspection, the provider and manager have worked hard to implement substantial and successful changes to improve outcomes for children. For example, they have developed the planning of children's activities to enable staff to provide focused, individual support for children and subsequently improve the quality of teaching and learning.  Children demonstrate high levels of self-esteem. They are confident and motivated learners who enjoy all aspects of kindergarten life. They choose what they want to play with and are continuously encouraged to explore and investigate.  Partnerships with parents are very good. The manager and staff keep parents fully informed about children's progress and guide them on how they can support children's learning at home. Parents comment that the manager and staff are very supportive. They value the care and learning their children receive.  The provider, manager and staff team have worked hard since the last inspection,

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This provision is good

addressing all actions and recommendations raised. They effectively evaluate the kindergarten regularly and recognise strengths and any areas for further development in order to maintain children's good outcomes.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The manager has not yet fully analysed the progress that different groups of children make to help extend children's learning.  Occasionally, staff do not utilise spontaneous opportunities that occur during children's play to maximise their learning and development.

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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

 strengthen the monitoring of children's progress further to include different groups of children  maximise opportunities as they arise to further extend children's learning and development.

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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 kindergarten manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager and provider. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the kindergarten's action plans and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the kindergarten.  The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Considerable changes have been made to the support that staff receive. For example, regular and purposeful supervision meetings are held to discuss their practice and identify any training needs. Furthermore, the manager frequently observes staff and ensures that they understand their roles, offering coaching as required which improves their practice and advances outcomes for children. Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a robust understanding of their roles and responsibilities in protecting children from harm. They have a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms with regard to child protection and who to report their concerns to. The manager and staff team understand the importance of working together to address any gaps in children's learning. Staff liaise effectively with external partners and local schools. This supports quick and seamless interventions for children who may require additional support.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff have recently attended training to help to bring about improvements to the observation, planning and assessment of children's learning. They record purposeful observations and use this information to identify challenging next steps for children. Staff are skilled at supporting children's emerging language skills. They offer a running commentary during play and ask open-ended questions that encourage children's language and thinking. Staff model how to use tools, for example, when playing with dough. They talk about shapes, colours and introduce simple mathematical concepts, such as counting. Children concentrate and persevere on their chosen activities, for example, as they master the use of scissors.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Flexible settling-in sessions and a successful key-person system help to ensure that children settle quickly and their emotional needs are met well. Children's behaviour is good. Staff offer clear and consistent reminders and are good role models. Children relish the responsibilities they are given as they help to tidy away and serve meals and snacks. They learn about the importance of developing a healthy lifestyle and take part in regular outdoor play. Babies enjoy baby movement sessions to music that help to develop their senses, balance and strength. Older children confidently manage risk as they negotiate the space available in the large and well-resourced garden. They balance on planks and climb small tree stumps, developing their physical skills.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are making good progress in their learning and development and are developing the skills and attributes required for the next stage in their learning and school. Babies delight in sensory activities as they explore the texture of sand. Toddlers emerging literacy skills are nurtured through interactive stories and rhymes. Older children begin to listen for letter sounds as they recognise familiar objects. Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend in this warm and welcoming kindergarten.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY343063 Local authority Wigan Inspection number 1086677 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 0 - 4 Total number of places 49 Number of children on roll 60 Name of registered person Kate's Kindergarten Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 23 February 2017 Telephone number 01942 259 870

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reference number

Kate's Kindergarten registered in 2003. The kindergarten employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, nine hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including two at level 5. The kindergarten opens from Monday to Friday, 51 weeks of the year. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. The kindergarten 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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