Little Explorers Nursery

Inspection of Little Explorers Nursery St. John's Church, Gloucester Drive, London, Middlesex N4 2LW

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Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Inadequate

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The provision requires improvement

The provider and manager have a shared vision for the development of the nursery. However, the arrangements for staffing and quality of interaction with children are inconsistent and this is associated with the recent appointment of several new staff to the nursery. Activities sometimes do not provide sufficient challenge for children, who lose interest and do not settle at activities provided. For example, children enjoyed playing with strawberry foam, but staff did not encourage them to think and talk about what they were doing, to extend their learning and language. Children share toys and take turns with each other. The nursery is small in size, which creates a warm and friendly environment for both children and parents. Children are happy on arrival and quickly settle. Parents are positive about the nursery and are comfortable speaking to staff. Children's creative work and information for parents are displayed throughout the nursery.

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The provision requires improvement

Children respond to requests and instructions from staff. Most children are familiar with the nursery's routines, such as tidy up time and mealtimes, and enjoy taking part.

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need to do better?

n The provider has made positive changes to the nursery since the last inspection. The recruitment and induction of staff are now thorough and individual suitability assessments are now completed. The manager and staff have worked well with the local early years team to meet the actions arising from the previous inspection. n The provider and manager have not considered what roles and responsibilities they each have within the nursery. This makes decision-making unclear and has hindered the process of making improvements to the setting. n Children develop sound relationships with staff and settle well into the nursery. However, during the day, staff do not ensure that all children receive the necessary support and encouragement they require. n The manager and staff find out about the children through observation and talking to parents. However, this information is not used fully to decide and plan activities based on what the individual children need to learn.

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need to do better?

n Staff lack a clear understanding of the importance of supporting children's language and thinking as they play. This does not prepare children as well as possible for their next stage of learning. n Staff teach children how to help each other and keep each other safe. Children patiently line up to wash their hands and prepare for lunch. They identify where they sit and help each other to choose what they want to eat. Children independently serve themselves and confidently make choices. n Children enjoy the outdoor play area. They enthusiastically use the climbing frames and mud kitchen. They enjoy the fresh air and outdoor space. This

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need to do better?

18 September 2019 promotes their physical development. n The organisation of the space available to the children inside is not well planned. Babies are placed on the floor in the baby area next to the home corner. Space for children's mobility and exploration is sometimes limited and not considered enough. n Children do not have enough opportunities to experiment and use natural materials and equipment to broaden their play experience.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The nursery has improved safeguarding arrangements since the last inspection and safeguarding is effective. There is a robust recruitment policy that ensures the suitability of newly appointed staff. Induction is through and ensures all information regarding the nursery is discussed and understood fully. Additional safeguarding training has been planned to further increase the understanding of staff on safeguarding policy and procedure. The risk assessment identifies what needs to be repaired or improved in order to keep children safe.

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Due date

improve senior staffing arrangements to ensure all staff are clear of their roles and responsibilities and provide an effective management structure 04/10/2019

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Due date

improve the use of space to ensure the needs of very young children are met at all times, with particular regard to the changing area and equipment 04/10/2019

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Due date

improve the effectiveness of staff supervision to ensure that monitoring of staff practice is used effectively to promote the interests of children, improve teaching skills and promote a shared approach to continuous improvement 04/10/2019

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Due date

18 September 2019 maintain and share information that is accurate and up to date to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting 04/10/2019

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Due date

provide opportunities for children to experience a language-rich environment to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves and to speak and listen in a range of situations 04/10/2019

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Due date

plan and deliver an enjoyable and challenging range of activities for children to ensure that they are active learners and make good progress 04/10/2019

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Due date

provide a range of natural materials and play equipment that enable children to experiment and explore, to extend their learning and interest. 04/10/2019

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY560586 Local authority Hackney Inspection number 10101659 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 1 to 2 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 10 Name of registered person Aga's Little Explorers Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07494873933 Date of previous inspection 18 March 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Little Explorers Nursery registered in 2018. It operates from a church building in Finsbury Park, in the London Borough of Hackney. The nursery is open each weekday from 7.30am to 6pm, throughout most of the year. There are five members of staff, including the manager. Of these, four hold relevant qualifications at level 2 and above, and the manager holds a level 4 in childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector spoke with parents, who shared their experience and views of the nursery. n The manager and inspector took part in a 'learning walk 'at the start of the visit to discuss the approach to early education. n The inspector and manager carried out a joint observation and discussed how children are learning at the setting. n The provider, manager and the inspector had a short management meeting to discuss improvements made since the last inspection and planning for the curriculum. n The inspector sampled documentation, including risk assessments, staff files, policies and procedures.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

18 September 2019 regulates and inspects to 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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