Little Learners

Little Learners East Kent Itec Limited, 99 Victoria Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 1RD

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 9 May 2018 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

 Staff are good role models who provide children with clear rules and boundaries to help encourage them to share and take turns. For example, children use the sand timer to enable them to know when it is their turn with a chosen toy. Children's behaviour is appropriate for their stage of development.  The manager and staff know the signs and symptoms to look out for which may indicate that a child might be at risk of harm and the procedures to follow to help protect them.  Children have access to a wide range of toys and resources, inside and outdoors, that helps support their learning and interests. For instance, children enjoy using different tools with the play dough and adding water to the sand, to explore textures through sensory play.  Staff work very well together as part of a team. The manager effectively deploys them throughout the day to ensure they closely supervise children. Staff carry out thorough

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This provision is good

risk assessments to keep the environment safe. They teach children how to identify risks and keep themselves safe. For example, children are shown how to use climbing and balancing resources safely.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not consistently challenge and make best use of every opportunity to extend older children's learning to the highest levels.  At times, staff miss opportunities to broaden older children's mathematical knowledge, such as helping to support them to be more aware of differences in sizes and shapes.

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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

 support staff further to build confidence in their practice and to help ensure that teaching is of the highest standard  review and improve the opportunities older children have to extend their interest in mathematics.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector discussed with the manager and provider how they evaluate the service they provide to improve outcomes for children and their families.  The inspector carried out joint observations with the manager.  The inspector sampled a range of documentation, including safeguarding policies and procedures, and children's development files.  The inspector observed staff interactions with the children and spoke to the staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector attended a meeting for parents and spoke to parents to gain their views on the service they receive.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Strong recruitment procedures ensure staff are suitably checked before they work with children. The manager follows thorough induction procedures to help new staff and those taking on new roles develop a secure knowledge about their responsibilities. All staff have regular training opportunities and supervisory meetings. For example, they have completed sustained shared thinking training to help develop their teaching practice. The manager accurately monitors and tracks the progress of all children and gaps in learning are quickly identified with appropriate action taken. The manager is enthusiastic and motivated in her role and strives for continuous improvement. There are positive relationships with parents. For instance, the manager holds meetings to support those parents who have children going through to school. Staff have strong links with other early years professionals to provide a continuity of care and learning for all children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff make good use of observations and assessments to help them identify children's interests and next steps in learning. They plan activities which encourage children's imagination, such as using large boxes to build a bus and go on a pretend journey. Children confidently explore the environment and investigate the variety of experiences on offer. For instance, they use paintbrushes and water to make marks on the fence to practise their early writing skills. Children are eager to see the shoots of the flowers they planted grow, and learn about the natural world around them.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children form strong bonds with staff and enjoy their interactions with them. There are secure individualised settling-in procedures that help staff support children's emotional well-being. Children benefit from daily opportunities to practise their physical skills, such as dancing with ribbons and running around outside to develop their coordination and muscle strength. Children manage their personal hygiene and develop their independence. For example, they wash their hands and know where to get a tissue to wipe their nose. Children chatter to staff at mealtimes and learn about healthy options and the benefits of eating nutritious food.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children, including those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language, make good progress from their starting points. Children learn to value and respect the differences between themselves and others. They are keen to help, such as handing out musical instruments. Children follow instructions as they tap the sticks together and listen to the sounds. They acquire the skills needed for the next stage in their learning and eventual move to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY496999 Local authority Kent Inspection number 1039241 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 2 - 4 Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 35 Name of registered person East Kent Itec Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 01843 233433

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reference number

Little Learners nursery registered in 2016 and is located in Margate, Kent. The nursery is open 9am to 3pm from Monday to Friday, during term time only. The provider employs six members of staff, four of whom hold a relevant early years qualification at level 3 or above. This includes the provider and the manager who hold relevant teaching qualifications. The provider receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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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

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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reference number

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our website for news, information and updates at www.ofsted.gov.uk/user.

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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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