Little Bears Playgroup

Inspection of Little Bears Playgroup Little Bears Playgroup, Oulton Abbey, Kibblestone Road, Stone ST15 8UW

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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 are warmly welcomed into the setting, by staff who are kind, attentive and fun to be with. Children who are new to the setting and who may take longer to settle, receive constant reassurance and cuddles from staff. This helps to build their self-esteem and confidence to take part and join in with the activities that are provided.

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The provision is good

Children feel valued and listened to. They are asked for their thoughts and ideas. Children can choose songs they want to sing by selecting puppets that correspond to a nursery rhyme. They choose which books they want to listen to and contribute their thoughts and ideas on what is happening or going to happen. Younger children's communication and language skills are well supported. Staff make flash cards to help promote repetition in words, which supports early language.

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The provision is good

All children love playing outdoors. They practise their developing physical skills in the large, well-equipped open space the nursery has to offer. Children choose whether they want to swing, climb, hoopla or run about. They learn to take appropriate risks under supervision and the importance of sharing with friends and taking turns. Children make a line as they patiently wait for their turn to climb up the playhouse slide. They are reminded it is a 'one-way' system for their safety and those of their friends. On the whole, children behave well.

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need to do better?

n The provider, who is also the manager, leads her small, well-qualified team effectively. Staff are provided with opportunities to further develop their knowledge and expertise by attending training courses. This ensures that the quality of teaching is good. n The provider's curriculum is based around what children can do and what they need to learn next. Staff know the children very well and precisely plan for their next steps in learning. Currently, the provider is trying new ways of planning for the children's curriculum, which is taken from the children's next steps. She evaluates how well this is working and will adapt practice as required. n Children follow a routine at nursery. However, this does not suit the different ages and understanding of some of the children who attend. For example, during circle time, when completing days of the week and finding the day and date, those children who cannot speak or read are not adequately supported.

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need to do better?

Consequently, children can, on occasion, become restless and bored. Staff then spend time trying to manage unwanted behaviour resulting from this, which interrupts others learning. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported in their learning. The manager and staff work closely with parents and other

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need to do better?

8 February 2022 professionals involved in the children's care and provide reports, assessments and observations. This ensures that children make the best possible progress. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents comment that staff are lovely and have children's interests at the centre of what they do. They are kept informed of their child's progress and who their children's keyworker is. n The provider holds play and stay sessions at the nursery for younger children to attend with their parents. This helps children to transition and settle at nursery when they attend on their own. n Children learn simple mathematical skills. They confidently talk about colours, shapes and size. They count and find numbers. Children's emotional well-being is supported through games and activities, such as funny faces, where they choose different parts to make different faces. n Children learn about what makes them unique. Different cultures, faiths and

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need to do better?

celebrations are explored through a wide range of activities and crafts. Children enjoy painting and making their own cards for Valentine's day for their families. n Children follow good hygiene routines. They wash their hands before and after eating and after playing outdoors and messy activities. They are provided with a healthy snack of fruit. However, the provider has not fully considered the high fat, salt and sugar content in some of the processed foods that are served at lunchtime. That said, they are limited to what they can provide due to limited appliances in the kitchen. n There are ample opportunities for children to learn how to be independent. They find their own coats and shoes and put these on. They can toilet independently. They find their own names for self-registration. This supports early literacy skills and recognising letters. Children are making progress in their learning and are

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need to do better?

prepared for their eventual move to school.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The provider has effective systems in place to ensure people who may not be suitable do not have unsupervised contact with children. For example, any work completed on the building or grounds is done when children are not present. In addition, the provider is careful to ensure no unauthorised person has access to any children's records, photographs or files. The provider and staff have good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding. They know the procedures to follow if they have concerns about a child in their care or concerns about a colleague. All staff have completed safeguarding training and hold a paediatric first-aid qualification. Effective risk assessments ensure children are not exposed to any risk of harm.

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should:

8 February 2022 n review the nursery routines, taking into account the different ages of the children and how these impact on children's learning n continue to review the meals provided at lunchtime to ensure they are as healthy as possible.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2638179 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10221826 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 26 Name of registered person Little Bears Playgroup CIC

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reference number

Telephone number 07973364248 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Bears Playgroup registered in 2021. The playgroup opens from Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm, during term time only. The playgroup receives funding for the provision of free early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The playgroup employs three members of staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3.

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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 provider and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The provider and the inspector carried out a joint observation during a craft activity. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of 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

8 February 2022 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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