Littleelms@catford Green

Inspection of Littleelms@catford Green Dempsey Court, Adenmore Court, Catford SE6 4BS

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children settle exceptionally well in this welcoming and nurturing setting. They build strong relationships with staff that ensure they feel safe and secure. When babies become unsettled, their key person swiftly and easily comforts them. Children benefit from the close relationships staff have with parents right from the start, which helps them to meet children's needs and routines.

p.2

The provision is good

Children develop high levels of resilience to challenges and risk. They actively learn how to assess risks and continue their play safely. When completing an obstacle course, toddlers learn how far or high to step, to safely move through each section of the course. Older children learn balance and coordination as they negotiate an assault course and climb into the 'crow's nest' of their pirate ship. This also supports their physical development.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's behaviour is exceptional because staff are excellent role models. Children follow the clear rules and boundaries in place across the setting. They learn these from the outset and listen to appropriate questions and gentle reminders from staff, as needed.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders have an in-depth understanding of how to support good mental health and emotional resilience in children. They ensure all staff understand the importance of teaching children to understand and communicate their feelings and those of others. This builds children's confidence in speaking about how they feel and promotes their overall well-being. n Leaders create an extremely ambitious curriculum that clearly focuses on what children already know and can do. There are very high expectations for what children can achieve in most areas of learning. Staff plan and carry out activities based on their in-depth knowledge of children's individual skills and learning needs. For example, they seamlessly take over an activity from their colleague and continue the quality learning experience. n Children with additional needs receive high levels of support from staff. Leaders work very closely with support agencies to ensure staff are equipped fully to

p.2

need to do better?

meet the advanced needs of the children that attend. Leaders embed the guidance and strategies from these agencies consistently. As such, all children, including those with additional needs, and those who receive additional funding, make significant progress in their learning. n Staff provide a wealth of opportunities for children to develop their understanding of the community and world around them. For example, staff use stories to teach children about the similarities and differences of people in their community. They discuss how the characters in a story feel when excluded from

p.2

need to do better?

14 February 2022 activities because of the way they look or sound. This helps children understand how to be respectful of others. n Children's attitudes towards their learning are strong. Babies confidently walk over step and ramp apparatus independently or holding the hands of their key person. At times, they may stumble and fall. However, they pull themselves up and continue trying. Older children are patient and understand when others are using resources. They move on to another activity but politely ask their friends to let them know when they can have a turn. n Children are well prepared for the next stages in their learning, including as they go on to school. Staff focus on supporting the skills children will need in the next room. The pre-school leader works closely with the local authority to understand the expectations of local schools. She leads her team to focus on children's independence and emotional readiness for their move to school.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff support children's communication and language skills well. They role model taking turns in conversation and listening to what others have to say. Young children pick up coloured blocks and say the colour name, sometimes incorrectly. Staff repeat back the correct colour and children copy them. Staff praise their achievements. However, at times, staff do not expose older children to as wide a range of vocabulary as they could. For instance, in the pirate ship, some staff tell children that there are lots of new words they can learn about ships, but do not share these words with them.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Leaders create a positive safeguarding culture in the setting. They ensure that all staff have the skills and knowledge required to recognise when children are at risk of or suffering from abuse. There are clear reporting procedures in place. As a result, all staff know how to keep children safe and how to report their concerns. This includes wider safeguarding issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty guidance. Leaders and staff use risk assessments effectively for the environment and management of allergies to consistently ensure children's safety. Leaders use robust recruitment procedures, which mean that all adults in the setting are suitable to work with children.

p.3

should:

n further support staff to introduce children to an even greater range of unfamiliar words, to build on their vocabulary.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2510407 Local authority Lewisham Inspection number 10221879 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 63 Number of children on roll 109 Name of registered person Little Elms Daycare Nursery Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 02038148016 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Littleelms@catford Green registered in January 2019 and is open Monday to Friday, all year round. The setting is based in the Catford area of Lewisham. The setting receives funding to provide early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. There are 22 staff employed at the setting. Of these, 10 hold a childcare qualification at level 3 or above.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting 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 setting. n The inspector and leader carried out a learning walk together. n The inspector observed staff and children at play and spoke with staff at convenient times. n Parents spoke to the inspector and shared their views. n A meeting was held with the leaders about the leadership and management of the setting. n The inspector reviewed documents relevant to the inspection process.

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

14 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.

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