Little Owls Nursery Meanwood

Inspection of Little Owls Nursery Meanwood Potternewton View, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS7 2DW

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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 show they feel happy, safe and secure in the nursery. They benefit from strong relationships with staff and develop good levels of self-esteem. Staff celebrate children's culture and individuality. Children develop their own identity and know about similarities and differences. For instance, children know which language they speak and learn about those who speak English as an additional language. Staff support them to develop friendships and help them to manage their own feelings and behaviour. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, staff focus on developing children's communication skills. They offer flexible settling-in sessions to meet families' individual needs. This has had a positive impact on their emotional well-being.

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The provision is good

Children have plenty of opportunities to play and explore outdoors. They develop good physical skills as they run around in the fresh air and use their imagination to become different animals. Staff have high expectations for children. For instance, they swiftly identify areas of potential delay and make plans to minimise any gaps in children's learning. Children benefit from continuity of care and learning. Staff have close relationships with families are communicate effectively to meet children's needs. Parents are happy with the care and learning their children receive. They say their 'children have flourished here' and 'they are happy and safe'.

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need to do better?

n The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Staff have a good understanding of what children already know and what they need to learn next. For example, older children show excitement outdoors in the animal hunt. Staff use repeated phrases from a favourite book to build on children's awareness. This will enable them to join in with the 'story-ballet' sessions in the coming weeks ahead. n Babies benefit from close relationships with staff and the key-person system is effective. For instance, staff who are new to the room find out how to meet their individual care needs and quickly build relationships with children. Staff focus on supporting children's developing personal, social and emotional skills. Children grow in confidence and have good social skills. n Children develop good communication and language skills. This is a key strength of the curriculum. Staff consistently model key words and introduce new

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need to do better?

language to children as they play. For example, staff who work with babies provide a narrative as they play. Toddlers explore the sand and water trays while staff ask basic questions and model actions to them. n Children benefit from fresh air and physical exercise every day. Staff encourage children to explore the environment and provide activities for children who prefer to learn outside. Children develop good physical skills and talk about

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need to do better?

29 November 2022 nature, such as the squirrels who visit regularly. n Children show awareness of routines in the nursery. Staff work hard to promote consistency and good manners. Children wash their hands before lunch and sit together to enjoy healthy cooked meals. However, staff do not support young children to use cutlery or encourage them to get their own drinking water. This hinders their self-help skills, particularly when preparing for the next stage in their learning. n Staff say they feel valued and supported in the nursery. They speak passionately about their work with children. There are a wide range of opportunities for staff to develop their skills to help them support children. The manager has high expectations for staff and children. She provides thorough supervision meetings and encourages reflective practice to drive improvements forward. n The management team provide effective support to staff, children and families.

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need to do better?

A particular strength of the nursery is the arrangements for supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. For example, the deputy manager works alongside staff, parents and other agencies to create tailored plans to help children while they wait for specialist support. In addition, partnership working with parents is highly effective.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The management team provide clear policies and procures to help staff keep children safe. Staff confidently describe the action they will take if they have concerns about children's welfare. They discuss potential signs and symptoms of abuse, including neglect and county lines. Staff use risk assessments to keep areas safe for children to use. They teach children how to manage small risks through play. The management team follow robust safer recruitment procedures. For example, they validate references for new staff and ensure they have Disclosure and Barring Service checks before they start. Managers demonstrate a clear understanding of the role of the local authority designated officer for managing allegations about staff.

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should:

n help children to extend their learning during self-chosen play to deepen their understanding and develop concentration skills n enhance ways for children to further develop self-help skills, particularly at snack and mealtimes.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 512407 Local authority Leeds Inspection number 10265648 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 47 Number of children on roll 75 Name of registered person Leeds City Council

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reference number

Telephone number 0113 2623592 Date of previous inspection 14 November 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Little Owls Nursery Meanwood registered in 1974. The nursery employs 14 members of childcare staff. Of these, 10 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The manager has a relevant level 5 qualification in early years. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round, with the exception of one week betwen Christmas and New Year, and five additional staff training days. Sessions are from 8am 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 setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint observation was completed by the manager and inspector, outdoors during a planned activity. n The inspector held a discussion with the manager in relation to the leadership and management of the nursery. She looked at relevant documentation such as evidence of recruitment, staff's qualifications and their suitability to work with children. She discussed children's learning and development with the staff team and nursery manager. n The inspector spoke to parents and obtained feedback for the inspection.

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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

29 November 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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