Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle

Inspection of Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle Elephant 1, 7 Castle Square, London SE17 1EN

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 Inadequate

p.1

The provision is good

Children's emotional needs are supported well. Babies receive warm attention from caring key persons and experience routines that mirror those from home. Those who are new to the nursery separate easily from their parents and quickly settle in. Children demonstrate positive social skills. They show that they feel secure and safe. For example, children play peekaboo and interact with unfamiliar adults. Children have good opportunities to develop their independence from an early stage. Toddlers dispense their own water when thirsty and self-serve at mealtimes. Older children begin to manage their personal care needs effectively, such as when using the 'snuffle station' to wipe their noses and dispose of tissues.

p.2

The provision is good

Some pre-school children are very confident communicators. They use their imaginations well, such as when adopting different roles for themselves and the toys that they play with. Children who speak a language other than English at home begin to develop their English-speaking skills. Older children persist at challenging tasks during threading activities. Babies run wheeled toys in paint and notice the marks and patterns that they make. They hold the photos of family members close to them and look happy and proud as they show off the photos to others. Toddlers play happily outdoors. They experience different textures as they use sand or create mixtures in the mud kitchen. Children enjoy increased opportunities to plant and grow.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders and managers work together effectively to make improvements. Since the last inspection, they have strengthened arrangements for staff deployment and induction. Parents speak highly of the support and information that they receive from key persons. Children benefit from improvements that have been made to nursery routines and the learning environment. n Staff receive support to gain recognised qualifications and complete training to help develop their professional practice. Those who are new to leadership roles benefit from the knowledge of accessible and skilled mentors. Managers implement induction procedures effectively. They communicate and reinforce their high expectations of staff appropriately. n Staff plan activities that help children to develop their communication and language. Pre-school children are encouraged to recall and discuss events. Staff provide opportunities for children to sing rhymes and enjoy music. They share

p.2

need to do better?

stories and speak with children about what they do. Staff gather key words in children's home languages and speak with children about important people in their lives. n Staff show that they understand how to sequence learning opportunities for children. For example, children strengthen their small-hand muscles as they use

p.2

need to do better?

13 September 2022 water dispensers, scoop sand or manipulate dough. This prepares them well for later writing. Staff help to strengthen the upper bodies of babies. This helps babies to better move around as they develop their physical skills. n At times, staff do not adapt their teaching well enough to match the learning needs of children. For example, the most-able children are not consistently challenged. Less-confident children are not fully involved during adult-led activities. The needs of children who speak a language other than English are not well considered. Despite this, children progress well from their starting points in learning. n Children behave well and show that they acquire good social skills. Children use good manners at mealtimes and play cooperatively with their friends, for example when at the mud kitchen. Children giggle and laugh as they hide inside tyres. They excitedly seek the attention of adults when they notice planes flying

p.2

need to do better?

overhead. n Staff manage children's care needs effectively. Babies are cuddled closely as they feed from bottles. They use comfort items from home and staff gently soothe them to sleep. Staff work together with parents towards successful toilet training. Children enjoy nutritious meals that reflect their dietary needs and staff help them to practise tooth brushing after lunch. n Parents have opportunities to give feedback about the service. They notice the progress that their children make in their learning. Parents appreciate the support and advice they receive, such as how to manage mealtime and sleep routines at home. They receive regular information about their children's experiences. Communication with parents about how to support their children's learning at home is less effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff complete training to update their safeguarding knowledge. They know how to recognise and respond to concerns that a child is at risk of abuse or harm, or if an allegation is made. Managers work effectively with relevant agencies to help keep children safe. They take action to remove hazards, such as removing items that blow into the garden area. Staff are alert to possible risks to children, including exposure to extreme views, unsafe technology or domestic abuse. Managers and staff implement procedures, such as staff inductions and garden headcounts, to help protect children's safety and health. Leaders and managers follow safer recruitment guidance. There are effective arrangements to assess the ongoing suitability of staff.

p.3

should:

13 September 2022 n enhance support for teaching skills, so that staff plan and implement challenging activities that take account of children's individual learning needs n strengthen communication with parents, so that they better understand how to support their children's learning at home.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2500613 Local authority Southwark Inspection number 10243332 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 72 Number of children on roll 46 Name of registered person Little Bear's 4 Limited

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 02073587860/02039475730 Date of previous inspection 17 March 2022

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle registered in 2019. It operates from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, for most of the year. There are 11 staff who work with children. Of these, three staff, including the manager, hold qualifications at level 5 or above, three members of staff hold a level 3 qualification and two members of staff hold a level 2 qualification. The provider receives funding for early education places for children aged two, three and four years.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with leaders and managers and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the nursery. n The manager and deputy showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The manager led the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector talked to staff and parents at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children, and assessed the impact of these on children's learning. n The inspector carried out joint observations with the manager and the deputy manager. n Leaders and managers met with the inspector and discussed nursery improvements. The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

p.6

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.6

Inspection activities

13 September 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.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7