Little Acorns Day Nursery

Little Acorns Day Nursery Lockhart Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 2AX

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 22 May 2018 14 August 2015

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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

 Children, including those receiving funding, enjoy their learning and all children make good progress. Staff make useful observations and get to know the children well.  The relationships between children and staff are good. Children show that they feel happy and content. Babies in particular have very strong relationships with the staff.  The manager and staff accurately identify areas for improvements. The manager understands good practice and is committed to transfer this knowledge to all staff.  Staff are positive role models. They teach children to be kind to each other and show respect. Children are extremely well mannered and independent.  Parents are pleased with the care and learning experiences for children. They comment on the 'approachable' staff and about how much their children enjoy attending. Parents state that they feel fully informed about their child's development.  Children gain skills in making healthy choices. They take great interest in the diverse

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff sometimes overlook opportunities to extend children's thinking skills to higher levels. On occasion, staff do not support children to think about what they want to say before moving on with the conversation.  Although staff track the progress of children, they do not use the information as effectively as possible to ensure seamless progression throughout the setting.

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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 staff teaching techniques further, to support children to think and consider their responses fully  develop effective systems for tracking and monitoring children to ensure transition from room to room is seamless and consistent across the setting.

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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 spoke with staff and children during the inspection.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the nursery manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the manger. She looked at relevant documentation and checked the suitability of staff working in the setting.  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

Staff vetting, recruitment and induction in the nursery's policies, procedures and daily practices are clear and thorough. The manager is conscientious and enthusiastic. She shows a strong commitment to supporting staff in their roles, and actively encourages staff to further their professional development through additional training. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff confidently explain their role to protect children from harm and know what to do should they have any concerns. Parents speak very highly of the care and education their children receive.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff observe children at play to help them to identify what children need to learn next. They plan activities based on children's interests and that, generally, build on what children already know and can do. Staff support early literacy skills well. Older children actively participate in sessions to focus on letter sounds using puppets and songs to reinforce learning. Toddlers use story books to extend learning experiences. For example, reading 'The Hungry Caterpillar' once their butterflies hatched. Younger children enjoy giving meaning to the marks that they make as they create shapes with brushes outdoors. Babies like to explore their environment. They investigate sensory toys as they feel textures and listen to sounds. Children are confident and have a good knowledge of the daily routines from an early age. They enjoy learning about the world around them. For instance, children learn about life cycles first hand as they hatch duck eggs and butterflies.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children learn to be capable and independent in a nurturing and loving environment. They learn to be considerate of each other's feelings and ideas as staff positively support their social and emotional well-being. Children learn well and have fun together at mealtimes. They are eager to get involved in serving themselves and pouring the milk onto their cereal from the jug. Children behave well. Staff celebrate children's good behaviour and achievements at circle time. Children listen to, and follow, simple instructions from staff. Children benefit from playing in the fresh air and the regular outdoor learning activities. Staff share information effectively about children's ongoing care and development with parents and other professionals involved in children's lives, helping continuity of care and teaching.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children in the setting are gaining the skills they need for the next stage in their learning and eventual move on to school. Older children use their imaginations and fine- motor skills to build carefully a landscape for the wild animals. Babies confidently explore the texture of paint. Children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities benefit from tailored teaching and support that enables them to participate fully in nursery life. Children are confident and display positive attitudes to their play and learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY286027 Local authority Surrey Inspection number 1129066 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 5 Total number of places 57 Number of children on roll 77 Name of registered person Emily Clare Towers

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 14 August 2015 Telephone number 01932 864675

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reference number

Little Acorns Day Nursery registered in 2004 and operates from five rooms within the grounds of St Andrews School, Cobham in Surrey. The setting is open each weekday from 8am to 6pm, for 50 weeks of the year. The setting employs 23 members of staff. Of these, 15 hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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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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