Little Spuds Day Nursery

Inspection of Little Spuds Day Nursery 31-31a Petersfield Drive, Manchester, Cheshire M23 9PS

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children arrive at this setting excited to start their day. Although new measures are in place in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, children have adapted remarkably well. They understand that parents no longer enter the setting and have gained the skills to do this independently. They leave their parents at the door happily and greet their friends, ready to play. Children are safe and settled here. They approach their key person for cuddles and affection when they need it. They show real confidence and curiosity as they play with the inspector and ask lots of questions about her life.

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The provision is good

Staff support children well. They provide a rich and thoughtful curriculum to help children meet their identified learning and development goals. Children look forward to activities. For instance, they remember toys they have played with before that are out of reach. They take staff members by the hand and point to what they want and bounce excitedly when they receive the requested toy. Younger children begin to explore their senses. They play with sand, water and different sensory toys. They marvel as the different textures rub against their skin. Some pre-school children show off their impressive letter recognition skills. They confidently name letters and begin to spell their own names. This is a beneficial skill to have in preparation for the upcoming move to primary school.

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need to do better?

n Children's early literacy skills are well supported. For example, staff use exciting voices and different levels of volume to build suspension while reading stories. Pre-school children lean in, enthralled. They follow instructions, shouting out loud at the right times during the tale. They giggle and roll around in glee when they get scared by a sudden 'roar' from the staff member reading. Children ask questions about characters within the story and suggest what might happen next. n The manager is very passionate about supporting staff well-being. Staff report that they feel valued and appreciated within their roles. They are happy here. The manager offers support for all staff who need it and regularly evaluates the fairness of staff workloads. This has created an environment which promotes growth, honesty and reflection. n Children behave very well. They are warm, welcoming and kind. Younger children offer the inspector some of their lunch and are keen to show off their

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need to do better?

favourite toys. They eagerly ask questions and listen to instructions from staff. Older children welcome the inspector into their play. They feel secure knowing that their key persons are nearby for reassurance if needed. This shows children feel a sense of security while at nursery. n Staff encourage children to play outside daily. They use outdoor toys, such as

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need to do better?

29 July 2021 ride-on cars and sports equipment, to help develop children's large motor skills. The manager has an ongoing development plan for the outside space. She keenly reflects on all areas of the nursery and staff practice routinely, in order to find areas for improvement. This means the nursery is continuously getting better. n The manager uses additional funding thoughtfully to help secure the best outcomes for children. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are extremely well supported. The manager and her staff team offer a targeted teaching approach for every child, as they recognise every child has different needs. This means that all children make good progress while at this nursery and are ready for the next stage in their learning journeys. n Parents offer very high praise for the nursery. They feedback that working alongside the manager and her staff team 'feels effortless'. They say that

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need to do better?

communication is a strength of the nursery. Parents are content because they recognise that the manager 'really puts children first'. n Staff plan highly challenging activities for children. Most children show impressive focus as they concentrate and try hard. Staff offer their help, but also recognise when children may just need some encouragement to keep persevering. This helps to build children's confidence as they celebrate when they are successful. However, during activities some children wait for a long time for help as they are not yet developmentally ready for the task at hand.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager, who is also the designated safeguarding lead, has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities. She ensures that all staff place a high importance on safeguarding. For instance, she regularly asks staff to complete training courses to refresh their safeguarding knowledge. This helps to create a culture of awareness and safety within the nursery. Staff understand the steps they must take should they have concerns for a child, or concerns with the conduct of a staff member. All staff are first-aid trained. The manager is adamant that all staff should be able to respond appropriately should a child get hurt.

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should:

n support staff to effectively tailor activities to meet the differing needs and levels of development of all children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY561038 Local authority Manchester Inspection number 10190891 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 64 Number of children on roll 61 Name of registered person Little Spuds Day Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07894018139 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Spuds Day Nursery registered in 2018 in the Baguley area of Wythenshawe, Manchester. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, between 7.30am and 6.30pm, all year round. The nursery employs 10 members of childcare staff, all of whom hold a recognised early years qualification at level 3 of above. The nursery offers funded early education to two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. The baby room was closed during this inspection. n The deputy manager and the inspector observed and evaluated practice during two joint observations. n The manager and the inspector explored the curriculum offered to children, and the impact on their development, during a learning walk. n Leadership and management discussions were held throughout the inspection between the manager, the deputy manager and the inspector. n Parents, children and staff shared their feedback with the inspector. n The inspector scrutinised relevant documentation, including first-aid certifications and documents pertaining to the suitability of staff.

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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

29 July 2021 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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