Little Acorns Childcare Ltd

Little Acorns Childcare Ltd 34 Sheep Hill Lane, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, Lancashire PR6 7JH

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Inspection date 19 February 2019 Previous inspection date 7 March 2016

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Outstanding 1 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Outstanding 1 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Outstanding 1

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This provision is outstanding

n Managers are highly reflective and extremely passionate about continually raising the quality of service to the highest possible levels. Together with their dedicated staff team, they conscientiously evaluate all aspects of the provision to identify and consistently make sharply targeted improvements. n Staff complete exceptionally effective observation and assessment methods that focus on children's individual needs and all aspects of their learning. They know precisely the progress and attainment of every child, meaning any small gap or delay in children's learning is swiftly recognised and addressed. n Staff have high expectations of what children can achieve and teach with passion, energy and purpose. They help them to make excellent progress in their learning, including being well prepared for school. n Staff are extremely successful in creating rich and well-resourced learning environments, both indoors and outside. Children confidently choose from the highly

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This provision is outstanding

stimulating resources set out in a very relaxed and homely atmosphere. They have plenty of opportunities to explore and investigate indoors and outside, and their creativity is supported exceptionally well. n Children's behaviour is superb. They show exceptional care and concern to their friends, the resources and the environment. For example, they alert their friends of their presence when using wheeled toys, so they do not crash into each other. n Relationships with parents and other professionals are exceptionally strong. Parents feel valued by the staff in supporting their children's learning. The highly effective communication systems ensure that parents are fully aware of their children's experiences and how to continue this support while at home.

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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 continue to nurture children's love of outdoor adventure, sensory play and unique experiences in the natural environment.

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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 spoke with staff and children during the inspection. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke to a number of parents and read written statements provided by parents and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is outstanding

The managers are highly experienced and qualified leaders. They offer staff targeted support and training to expand further their knowledge of high-quality early years practice. For example, following training, staff redesigned the environment to successfully enable children to develop their own ideas, inspire their curiosity and imagination and explore the world. Safeguarding is effective. Staff are extremely well trained in child protection issues and are highly confident about what to do should they have any concerns about any child in their care. Managers follow rigorous procedures to ensure staff's suitability. They thoroughly evaluate every aspect of the provision to continuously improve outcomes for children. Action plans show targeted improvements, such as continuing to nurture children's love of outdoor adventure, sensory play and unique experiences in the natural environment.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

Well-qualified and experienced staff carry out regular assessments of children's learning and development. This provides them with an exceptionally clear understanding of children's interests and their next steps in learning. Children's interests and areas of development are consistently used to plan the environment and activities. For example, in the baby room, there is a strong focus on enhancing speaking skills and in the toddler room staff focus on mathematical learning. Staff nurture children's imagination, creativity and curiosity while handling and exploring natural and real-life objects. Staff nurture children's enjoyment of books while reading stories aloud with them and they sing nursery songs using props. Staff enable children to take the lead in their play, to 'have a go', interact and build on their strong desire to learn. For example, children confidently name colours, enjoy counting objects and recognise numerals they find submerged in

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Staff constantly praise children's achievements. This contributes to the high level of confidence and independence children display. They learn to listen to others and join in routine activities, such as sweeping the floor and setting the table. Children's physical development is well supported. For example, young children develop good control of their movements as they clamber up steps and ramps. Children access well-organised outdoor play areas and use a wide range of resources. Staff place the utmost priority on children's health, hygiene, welfare and well-being. Babies are relaxed, settled and secure in the care of nurturing staff. Children enjoy regular walks and outings outside of the nursery, and staff use these opportunities to further broaden children's experiences of people and communities.

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Outcomes for children are outstanding

All children make excellent progress given their starting points. They develop many important skills that help prepare them for their future learning, and they are exceptionally well motivated and eager to learn. Children are extremely successful at learning to do things for themselves, such as preparing fruit snacks and pouring drinks.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY136994 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10073037 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 0 - 4 Total number of places 55 Number of children on roll 93 Name of registered person Little Acorns Child Care Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 7 March 2016 Telephone number 01772 696288

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reference number

Little Acorns Childcare Ltd registered in 2002. The nursery employs 16 members of childcare staff. Of these, 13 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above, including one who holds early years professional status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday for 51 weeks a year, except for bank holidays. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. 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.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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