Little Pumpkins Nursery

Inspection of Little Pumpkins Nursery 48 Sydenham Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2EF

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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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Children quickly settle into the arms of the friendly, caring staff and are happy at the nursery. They receive plenty of praise and encouragement and beam with pride when staff acknowledge their achievements. Children excitedly hop up and down as staff clap their hands and offer 'high fives'.

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The provision is good

The exciting and well-organised environment promotes children's natural curiosity and willingness to learn. Staff support this by planning interesting opportunities that engage children well. For instance, older children spend time outdoors at the 'potion station', exploring natural items such as petals and herbs. They learn to share and take turns to cook. Staff support children's developing knowledge by encouraging them to talk about their play. They take opportunities to introduce new words such as 'mix', which helps increase their vocabulary and enhance their understanding.

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The provision is good

Staff interact very well with babies and know what activities they enjoy. They love to sing and dance, which staff skilfully incorporate into activities. For example, as children explore the sensory duck pond, staff sing 'Five little ducks'. This is a gentle introduction to mathematics. Babies understand the routine. They excitedly flap their hands and kick their feet when the cook enters the room with their meal.

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need to do better?

n Since the last inspection, leaders have implemented a well-planned and sequenced curriculum. Staff are aware of the purpose of the activities they provide and how this links to the developmental needs for each child. Children benefit from a broad range of activities that support them to make good progress. However, staff do not yet work closely enough with other partnerships and professionals to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to support them to achieve even more. n Despite earlier challenges, leaders have strived to establish a consistent team. They value their staff, making sure that they feel supported. The manager works alongside staff, modelling good practice and organising regular training to develop their practice further. Staff say that they are excited to complete Makaton and Yoga training, to further support children with SEND and to develop self-regulation skills.

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need to do better?

n Children are developing their independence skills. They confidently wash their hands before and after meals, feed themselves and wash their faces. Children's growing independence contributes to them becoming ready for school. n Staff collect important information from parents about children's current needs, routines and interests when they join. This enables them to support children's transitions into the setting. Although children are allocated a key person on

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need to do better?

17 February 2023 entry, recent staff changes and varied shift patterns have meant that children do not yet have consistent opportunities to build strong attachments. n Children's literacy skills are promoted throughout the nursery. Babies enjoy joining in with songs and rhymes and spend time looking through the books on offer. Older children explore different texts, such as magazines, non-fiction books and some that link to the local area. These are placed in and around the nursery to enhance the different areas of learning. n Overall, parents are happy with the setting. They note the impact of the recent staff changes but say they are committed to supporting the nursery and have started to see an improvement. Parents feel that their concerns are listened to and that they receive a good level of communication from staff. n Children benefit from a range of freshly prepared nutritious meals and fresh drinking water. Staff ensure children's dietary requirements and allergies are

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need to do better?

fully catered for. At mealtimes, staff take opportunities to develop children's understanding about being healthy. For example, they explain to children where vegetables come from and explain the importance of eating healthy meals. n Children benefit from daily opportunities to play and exercise in the fresh air. They access a range of exciting activities that support their physical development. For example, children behave very well as they confidently navigate the garden in wheeled vehicles and roll balls down the guttering into the crates. Children enjoy taking care of the plants and accurately operate spray bottles to water them.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff monitor visitors in the secure setting to keep the premises safe. Robust recruitment procedures are in place to ensure all staff are suitable for their roles. They complete safeguarding training as part of their induction. Staff understand their role and responsibility to keep children safe. They know what procedures to follow if they are concerned about a child's welfare or the conduct of a colleague. Staff deployment is effective, which contributes further to keeping children safe. Checks are carried out to support staff's ongoing suitability.

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should:

n work closely with external professionals to ensure that children with SEND receive the support they need n continue to establish the key-person system with new staff to ensure children form secure attachments and their emotional well-being is supported effectively.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2597518 Local authority Croydon Inspection number 10242930 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 96 Number of children on roll 28 Name of registered person Little Pumpkins Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 0203 489 4880 Date of previous inspection 14 April 2022

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Information about this early years setting

Little Pumpkins Nursery registered in 2020. It is situated in the London Borough of Croydon. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, all year round. The nursery employs eight members of staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications from level 3 to level 2. The nursery provides funded early education for two- and three-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk. The manager spoke to the inspector about the curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and completed a joint observation with the manager, assessing the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector talked to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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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

17 February 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.

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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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