Little Sunshine Childcare

Inspection of Little Sunshine Childcare st. Aidans Rc Primary School, Coniston Road, Wallsend, Northumberland NE28 0EP

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are very happy in the nursery. Staff are vigilant and caring. Parents comment that their children love coming to the nursery. Children demonstrate they are happy as they come to staff for cuddles throughout the day. Parents of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) believe that staff 'go above and beyond' to support them. Children learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy. From an early age, children learn the importance of handwashing. They know they must stay with staff as they move through or leave the nursery building.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff want children to achieve as well as they can. There is a strong focus on physical development throughout the nursery. Children in the baby room are given time to develop their physical skills at their own pace. Two-year-old children are developing their core strength and chairs have been removed to support this further. Children behave well. They begin to learn that they must share their toys with other children. Two-year-old children respond quickly when staff remind them not to climb on things. However, some distractions at story time can have an impact on children's concentration.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager spends a lot of time in the rooms working with staff and observing practice. However, these observations are not yet sufficiently thorough to identify and address all minor weaknesses in teaching. For example, staff miss opportunities to extend younger children's language at snack time. n The manager has identified that the outdoor environment needs development. She recognises that this does not provide high-quality learning opportunities for children who prefer to learn outside. However, the manager has plans in place to develop this and is keen to move forward with this as soon as she can. n Some staff do not help all children to understand the value of books and stories. For example, although staff read books in an engaging way, stories are interrupted as staff give out snack. As children try to listen, empty bowls and water bottles are too distracting for some children. This makes it difficult for

p.2

need to do better?

some children to concentrate and prevents them from fully enjoying the book. n The manager and staff have a very clear understanding of what they want children to learn. They plan suitable activities to develop their learning further. Staff have an excellent understanding of how children develop their skills for writing. Staff plan a range of activities to help children develop as writers. Two- year-old children thoroughly enjoy large writing movements. For example, they draw lines and circles in sand and on large chalk boards or on the wall outside. Older children are encouraged to refine these skills as they use white boards and markers.

p.2

need to do better?

10 November 2021 n Children learn how to keep themselves healthy. They enjoy fresh air and exercise, and older children enjoy playing ring games outside. Children are encouraged to drink fresh water throughout the day. Parents provide lunches for their children. Staff give parents clear guidance on healthy packed lunches. n Children with SEND make good progress. Staff are alert to signs that children are not progressing as they should. They act swiftly to obtain support from other professionals. Staff act on the advice given to them. For example, they use a 'now and next board' to help children who find changes of activity more difficult. They use photos to help children anticipate what is coming next. n Staff have a good relationship with parents and the on-site school. Staff from the nursery meet regularly with school staff to discuss children's learning. This supports a shared approach to supporting children's learning. Staff use a range

p.2

need to do better?

of methods to communicate with parents. They talk to parents at the end of a session and send pictures of activities their children are doing. Parents feel that they know what their children are learning in nursery. n The manager is committed to developing the quality of teaching further. Her plans for professional development are focused on improving practice further. As the numbers of two-year-old children in the setting increases, staff are currently working towards accreditation to support this age group further.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There are good procedures in place to keep children safe. For example, all doors into the building are secure. Visitors are checked through a window prior to letting them into the nursery. The gate from the street into the yard is securely locked while sessions are in operation. This prevents unauthorised visitors accessing the premises. The indoor and outdoor areas are safe and well maintained. The manager and her staff team have a good knowledge of signs and symptoms that may indicate possible abuse to children. They know the procedures to follow should they have a concern about a child.

p.3

should:

n improve observations of staff practice and identify and address minor inconsistencies in the quality of education provided n ensure that the outdoor learning environment provides high-quality learning experiences for all children n increase children's enjoyment of books and ensure that children can concentrate fully during story time.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2541124 Local authority North Tyneside Inspection number 10210559 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 33 Number of children on roll 86 Name of registered person Little Sunshine Childcare Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07971391065 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Little Sunshine Childcare registered in 2019. It operates in the grounds of St Aidan's Primary School in Wallsend. The nursery is open for 50 weeks of the year from 7.30am until 5pm. The nursery employs 12 members of childcare staff. Of these, nine hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 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. n The manager showed the inspector around the nursery and explained how she organises the curriculum. n The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed children playing and learning both inside and outside. n The inspector observed staff interactions and the impact that these had on children's learning. n The manager showed the inspector a range of documentation, including those relating to staff suitability. n Parents talked to the inspector about their views of the nursery. n The manager talked to the inspector about how she manages the nursery.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

10 November 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6