Little Scallywags Day Nursery

Inspection of Little Scallywags Day Nursery 179 Alvechurch Road, BIRMINGHAM B31 3PN

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children arrive at nursery happy, settle quickly and are greeted by friendly staff. This creates a welcoming environment. Relationships are quickly established and even the newest of parents comment on this. Key-person systems are effective and parents comment on how the setting feels like a family. Staff have a good understanding of how to support children's learning. Consequently, children make good progress. Children show a positive attitude to learning and are motivated to explore and investigate the learning environment. Staff plan activities around the interests of the child, such as making pizzas with play dough and chatting about their favourite toppings with their friends. Children comment that they like coming to nursery because it is fun.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate good behaviour. Staff are positive role models who praise children and encourage them for their efforts. Even the youngest children are independent and take part in self-care activities. For example, they clean their own hands and faces. At lunchtime, children set their own place at the table, take turns and make choices about the foods they want to eat. There are robust systems in place to ensure that all children are included and have full access to the provision, including the outdoors. For example, children enjoy playing with the big parachute in a group with their friends.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and managers are passionate about providing good quality childcare. Managers are supportive and staff's professional development is important. Staff feel empowered and valued because managers support their progression. Staff's well-being is given high priority and staff report feeling appreciated. New staff benefit from a 'mentor pack' that leaders and managers have developed to support the robust induction process. Managers monitor staff practice and supervision is effective. n Staff establish and maintain good relationships with children; even the youngest and newest of children are happy and settled around new people. Staff make every effort to get to know their key children and quickly understand their starting points. n Transitions are good and children appear to enjoy time in their new rooms. However, at times, staff do not consistently encourage children to become fully engaged in group activities.

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need to do better?

n Staff use observations and 'in the moment' planning to determine what children need to learn next. Leaders and managers have introduced an online application to capture the learning and development of children; this is shared with parents. n Staff provide a stimulating and engaging learning environment which is well resourced. Children have access to the resources around them and they are

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need to do better?

31 August 2022 encouraged to make choices in their play, such as through books, instruments and story sacks. For example, children enjoy reading 'The Ginger Bread Man' and younger children enjoy 'Going on a bear hunt'. The stories are familiar and most children join in. n Staff have a good understanding of what children know and can do and their likes and dislikes. However, they are not always clear about what they want children to learn from activities. n Children are provided with activities and experiences that promote school readiness. Staff support the oldest children at mealtimes, giving them opportunities for independence. Children are encouraged to make choices around the foods they eat and staff encourage them to try new things. Meal times are a relaxed and calming social experience and staff facilitate conversations. Children enjoy two-way conversations with both staff and their peers. n Parent partnerships are strong. Parents are complimentary about the nursery

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need to do better?

and feel they are included in their child's learning and development. Parents have access to an online application where they can see observations and assessments of their child, as well as learn about their day. n Staff support children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. The special educational needs coordinator implements individual support plans to ensure children make the best progress they are capable of.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Managers and staff demonstrate a good understanding of their safeguarding duties. Robust recruitment and vetting procedures are in place. Staff benefit from a good induction process. Staff have a good understanding of internal processes and know they must report any concerns about a child's well-being to their designated lead. Staff attend regular training and have sound knowledge of external referral processes in order to help keep children safe from harm. The premises are safe and secure. Staff complete routine checks of the building daily.

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should:

n support staff to have a better understanding and a clear intent about what they want children to learn n help children to become more involved in group activities to ensure they build on what they already know and can do.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY457121 Local authority Birmingham Inspection number 10236039 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 96 Number of children on roll 21 Name of registered person Little Scallywags Day Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01214762541 Date of previous inspection 8 March 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Little Scallywags Day Nursery registered in 2012. The nursery employs 10 members of childcare staff. All staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or level 3. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the nursery received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account. n The management team and the inspector completed a learning walk to discuss the provision and how the environment is arranged. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children throughout the day and evaluated the impact these had on children's learning. n A joint observation was carried out by the inspector and the manager. n The inspector held discussions with leaders, managers and staff at appropriate times during the inspection and considered their views. n The views of parents were obtained by the inspector through discussions and emails. n Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector, including evidence of staff suitability and first-aid certificates.

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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

31 August 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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