Little Duckling's

Inspection of Little Duckling's One Pool Farm, Dyers Lane, Iron Acton, BRISTOL BS37 9XU

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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children are eager to enter the setting. They separate from their parents, and staff greet them warmly, which enables them to settle quickly. Older children follow routines independently and organise their belongings on arrival. For example, they hang coats on pegs and place their water bottles on drinking stations. This promotes children's independence and self-awareness to look after their belongings.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are happy and confident. They spend a prolonged period in self-chosen activities, indoors and outdoors. Staff skilfully support them. They encourage children to develop their social interactions, communication skills and physical development. Children make good progress from their starting points.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are good communicators. They learn Makaton, which further enhances their interactions with each other. For instance, children confidently use the signs for 'more', 'please' and 'thank you'. Children behave well. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. Children react positively to staff as they remind them to take turns or share resources during play. They are polite and kind to their friends and visitors. For example, they confidently bound over to visitors to ask, 'What's your name?' and engage them in conversation.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff know children well. They use effective assessment and planning to design activities that children will engage with. Staff often challenge them by extending their learning. For example, older children explore sensory play and staff extend this to create 'slime'. Staff allow children to explore a range of textures and colours, mixing them and linking key vocabulary such as 'fluffy, soft and squishy like marshmallows' to extend their language skills and imaginative play. n Staff encourage children to develop a love for books and reading. They select books that they know children will enjoy. Babies show interest in the illustrations and help to turn the pages. Older children show confidence to join in with the repeated phrases from familiar stories that they enjoy. However, during these key times, group sizes can have large numbers of children, meaning some children cannot hear or see the story and, therefore, do not gain the same

p.2

need to do better?

learning experience as others. n Staff are good role models for the children. They talk to the children with respect and are attentive to their care needs. For example, staff ask if the children would like help getting their shoes on, or if they would like help cutting their snack, and then they wait for a response. This encourages the children's independence and supports their emotional well-being. However, there are times when staff do not hear children asking for help due to noise levels. This leaves

p.2

need to do better?

10 January 2023 some children waiting for long periods and, therefore, they miss the beginning of activities and learning experiences. n Early mathematical language is emerging through children's play. Children and staff count as they splash through puddles in their wellington boots. Others learn about things being 'heavy' and 'light' as they explore 'loose parts,' such as buttons, stones and metal items. n A strength of the setting is the commitment to ensure all children are included and supported. Children with special educational needs/and or disabilities (SEND) receive the early help and support that they need. Staff work together with parents and other professionals to identify and target support, to help close any gaps in children's learning. Children with SEND willingly engage in the wider range of small-group sessions that staff provide. They are developing increasing confidence to engage with their peers and to seek comfort and support from

p.2

need to do better?

staff across the nursery. n The manager is new to her role and has high ambitions for the quality of care and education. She promotes an open-door policy for staff and will take time to seeks their views. The manager actively encourages staff to contribute to and take the lead on proposed changes. Action plans are reviewed regularly. n Parent partnerships are positive. The manager works hard to build strong links with the children's home. For example, she provides a 'swap shop' outside the provision for parents to utilise. This includes clothes, books and household items to support them should they need it. Home-learning bags are promoted. These are to provide 'easy-read information' around topics such as allergies and online safety. Staff take the time to provide detailed, personalised feedback to parents about the care and activities provided to their children during the day, which is well received.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The manger and staff ensure the environment is safe for children to play. They assess any risks and put steps in place to minimise potential hazards. The manager and staff demonstrate a good understanding of their responsibility to safeguard children. They can identify the signs and symptoms that a child may be at risk of harm. Staff know how and when to record and report their concerns to other professionals, such as the local authority. The manager and staff work alongside other professionals to support families when needed. The manager checks the ongoing suitability of staff working with children.

p.3

should:

n reduce group sizes during activities so all children can experience the same

p.3

should:

10 January 2023 learning opportunities n review the noise levels within rooms to ensure all children can express themselves and be heard.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2655160 Local authority South Gloucestershire Inspection number 10270492 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 52 Number of children on roll 50 Name of registered person Little Duckling's Iron Acton Limited

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 01454 222767 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Little Ducklings registered in 2021. It operates from premises in Iron Acton in South Gloucestershire. The nursery opens daily from 8am until 6pm, throughout the year. The owner/manager, who holds an early years qualification at level 3, employs 16 staff to work directly with the children. Of these, nine hold early years qualifications at level 3 and two hold early years qualifications at level 2. The nursery is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early years education for children aged two, three and four years.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk of the nursery. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the manager and together they evaluated this. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing in the nursery. n The inspector observed practice in the room and spoke to staff at convenient times during the day. n The inspector reviewed relevant documentation, including the suitability checks of all adults working in the setting. n The inspector spoke with several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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

10 January 2023 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