Small Wonders

Inspection of Small Wonders Sutton Road, Peasley Cross, St Helens, Merseyside WA9 3BN

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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 are happy and settled in the setting, and older children are able to talk about how they are feeling. They are supported by staff who know them well and understand their interests, likes and dislikes. Children behave well and understand what is expected of them. Staff use pictures and explanations to help children understand the rules of the setting and reinforce them during children's play. Children have positive attitudes to learning, and they actively make choices about the things they want to play with. This helps children to concentrate and be engaged in play for extended periods of time.

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The provision is good

Children make good progress in their learning and development. Staff have high expectations of what children are capable of and sit with children at their level, supporting them to be curious. For example, children mix different-coloured paints together and explore what happens. Babies are developing their physical skills and hand-eye coordination. For example, they concentrate as they carefully place one brick upon another while building a tower. Children are learning how to take care of their environment. For instance, they help to tidy up the toys when they have finished playing.

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need to do better?

n Staff think carefully about how the environment they create for children supports their learning and development. For example, they set up spaces that are inviting and offer several opportunities for children to extend their learning. This helps children to be stimulated and motivated in their play. n Staff encourage children to develop a love of books. For example, they have added books to each play space for children to use independently. This supports children to use books for a range of purposes and gain new knowledge. n Staff support children to develop their skills and knowledge related to early reading. For example, they engage in fun games where children can identify words that rhyme with each other. This supports children to make good progress in literacy. n Staff have not completed the progress check for all children aged between two and three years. This is a requirement of the early years foundation stage.

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need to do better?

However, this does not have a significant impact, as they monitor the progress of children in their learning and development. They use this information well to identify areas where further support is required and share with parents what children are able to do on a regular basis. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive good support. The special educational needs coordinator works well with the key person, parents and other professionals. This helps to ensure that that there is a consistent approach to meeting children's individual care and education needs.

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need to do better?

5 December 2022 n Staff provide children with lots of praise and encouragement. For instance, they recognise the efforts that children make and tell them how well they have done. This helps to build children's confidence and self-esteem. n The manager ensures that staff complete training that extends their existing knowledge. However, the current systems in place to monitor staff practice are not sharply targeted to provide opportunities for staff to improve their practice and knowledge to an even higher level. n Children are learning about healthy lifestyles. For example, they clean their teeth in the nursery each day. This supports children to develop good oral health practice. n Staff build good relationships with parents. They share information about children's learning and development. This helps parents to continue learning at home. n Staff help children to develop their social skills and work together. For example,

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need to do better?

they encourage children to help each other to find missing jigsaw pieces. This supports children to play well together with their friends. n Children participate in a range of opportunities where they can exercise. For instance, they play outdoors everyday using a range of physical equipment. This helps to have a positive impact on children's well-being.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. This helps them to recognise when there might be concerns about children. Managers check the knowledge and understanding of staff by undertaking a safeguarding quiz. This enables leaders to identify any gaps in staff knowledge and offer appropriate support. Staff are clear about what to do if they have any concerns about the conduct of a colleague. They know who to report their concerns to. Staff create a safe environment for children to play in. For example, they ensure that they are suitably supervised.

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Due date

complete two-year progress checks for all children between the ages of two and three years, to identify whether there are any concerns in their development. 18/12/2022

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should:

n monitor staff's practice more closely to support their ongoing development, in order to raise the quality of education to the highest level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY484584 Local authority St Helens Inspection number 10265939 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 110 Number of children on roll 180

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Name of registered person

Small Wonders Day Care Nursery (Peasley Cross) Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01744759768 Date of previous inspection 9 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Small Wonders registered in 2014. The nursery employs 16 members of childcare staff. Of these, 12 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. 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- and three- year-old children.

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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 manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the manager and area manager about the leadership and management of the setting. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a communication and language activity with the manager. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the

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Inspection activities

suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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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

5 December 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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