St Albans Little Learners C I C

St Albans Little Learners C I C St Albans Church Hall, Finstock Avenue, Blurton, Staffordshire ST3 3JS

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Inspection date 21 January 2019 Previous inspection date 19 July 2016

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

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This provision is good

n The manager demonstrates a dedicated commitment to making improvements and seeks the views of staff, parents and children. She routinely completes and reviews ongoing action plans, setting clear targets to make positive changes for children. n Staff provide a welcoming and happy environment for the children to learn and play. Children have a good range of toys and resources available to them and staff plan stimulating activities to meet their individual needs. n Staff complete precise observations of children's development and track children's progress well. This means that any learning gaps for individuals or groups of children are swiftly identified and addressed. n Staff have good opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills further through professional development. For example, staff have undertaken communication and language training, and use their knowledge effectively to promote the development of

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This provision is good

children's speech. n Parents speak highly of the setting. Staff share information with parents to help them understand how children's learning can be further supported at home. n The manager's systems for overseeing the quality of teaching do not evaluate the impact of staff practice rigorously enough to raise the level even higher. n Staff do not use all opportunities to extend children's early awareness of mathematics.

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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

n evaluate the impact of staff practice with more rigour to enhance the quality of teaching to an even higher level n make use of more opportunities to extend children's early awareness of mathematics as they play.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held a meeting with the nursery manager and spoke with staff and children during the inspection. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the nursery manager. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a secure understanding of their roles and responsibilities to protect children. They know the procedures to follow if they have concerns about children's welfare, including protecting children from extreme views. Staff complete thorough risk assessments to ensure a safe environment. There are effective procedures in place to closely monitor access into the nursery. Staff keep external doors locked and they individually welcome parents and visitors into the nursery. The manager follows effective recruitment and vetting procedures to ensure that staff working with children are suitable to do so. Staff receive a detailed induction process to help them become familiar with the nursery's policies and procedures. Staff share information with schools when children move on, to promote continuity in care and learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff have strong bonds with children. They know how to support their learning and successfully follow their interests. Staff provide plenty of sensory and natural materials, encouraging children to experiment and investigate using all their senses. Children imitate real-life situations when playing in the role-play areas. Staff place a high importance on promoting children's emerging communication skills. They encourage children to engage in conversations, ask questions and suggest ideas. Younger children enjoy interacting with others and staff provide a narrative as they play.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children are happy and they confidently enter the nursery, feel safe and settle quickly. Staff are attentive and kind. They sensitively help young children understand what is expected of them. Older children are polite, well mannered, listen to staff and share. Opportunities for children to develop their independence skills are promoted well by staff. Children confidently make their own choices in play and they are eager to do things for themselves. All children enjoy regular outdoor play, which has a positive impact on their health and well-being.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children develop key skills for their next steps in learning, such as starting school. They make good progress from their starting points. Children play well together, make friends and have good social skills. They approach their play with enthusiasm and are eager to join in. Children listen attentively to stories and join in with familiar songs and nursery rhymes. Younger children enjoy looking at books and pointing to familiar objects, developing their knowledge of the world and early language skills. They explore resources that interest them and are developing their emerging physical skills, such as balancing and walking. Children become effective communicators.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY385005 Local authority Stoke-on-Trent Inspection number 10066124 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 0 - 4 Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 58 Name of registered person St Albans Little Learners Nursery CIC

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 19 July 2016 Telephone number 01782 367470

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St Albans Little Learners CIC registered in 2008. The nursery employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 5, five hold level 3 and two hold level 2. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7am until 6pm.

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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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procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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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T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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