Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School

Inspection of Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Newbiggin Hall Childrens Centre, Newbiggin Lane, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE5 1LZ

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Staff in the nursery are deeply committed to families and the local community. Children are provided with a wide range of opportunities to develop their understanding of the world around them. This includes stimulating off-site experiences, such as community fayres and theatre trips. The curriculum is focused on teaching children to make the world a better place. Children learn how to be sustainable citizens who care for their planet and each other. They proudly explain that they are the 'guardians of the garden', and this means that they take care of the plants. Children are included in community projects, such as making packs for homeless people. This helps to give children an even deeper understanding about their world and how to make a difference.

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The provision is outstanding

The nursery environment provides a wide range of exciting and inviting activities for children to explore. For example, children persevere when using large tongs in the play dough, which builds up their fine motor skills. Babies learn about independence and self-care, such as when they explore water trays enhanced with dolls and flannels. Staff's interactions with children are of the highest quality. They are excellent role models and set high expectations regarding children's behaviour. As a result, all children are busy and absorbed in their play and learning.

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need to do better?

n Children's interests are closely observed by staff, who then skilfully plan a sequence of learning for each child. For example, babies are helped to develop their physical skills and core strength to help them progress from sitting to crawling and walking. Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of age- appropriate activities to support the development of children in each age group. n The curriculum supports children's love of reading through carefully selected stories, songs and rhymes. Toddlers learn to take part in group singing sessions. They demonstrate excellent listening and concentration as they sit in a circle and take turns to choose from a selection of familiar nursery rhymes. Older children benefit from exploring key vocabulary picked from the 'story of the month'. n Staff invite visitors into nursery, including professionals on the dental bus, police officers and a range of animals. These experiences present exciting

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need to do better?

opportunities to develop children's social skills, as well as providing a real-life context to acquire new language and knowledge. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are thoroughly supported. The special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCo) ensures that children with SEND have effective development plans in place. Staff use strategies, including using visual cue cards, to help children understand the routine and expectations for their behaviour. There is active engagement with outside agencies, including health professionals. This helps children with SEND

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need to do better?

28 April 2023 to make progress and prepare for the transition when they leave nursery and move on to school. n Parents are extremely complimentary of the setting and praise the quality of the staff, describing them as going 'above and beyond' to support their children. They state that their children thoroughly enjoy their time in the nursery and have excellent relationships with staff. n The manager is very organised and has clear systems in place to ensure that all staff are suitable to work in the nursery. Her efficient management of the team ensures that all staff receive continuous professional development and support. The high-quality training provided by the leadership team has a direct impact on children's experiences in the nursery. For example, recent training with a focus on 'stretch and challenge' for children in the pre-school has already resulted in improved interactions and activities in this room.

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need to do better?

n Staff use pupil premium funding effectively to support eligible children's next steps in learning. For example, it has been used to fund resources and experiences linked to children's personal, social and emotional development, such as incubating eggs and caring for the chicks once they have hatched. n Staff's well-being is a high priority, and staff report that they feel extremely well supported, professionally and personally. The happiness of the staff is reflected in their interactions with children, who benefit from their enthusiasm, big happy smiles and eagerness to play and interact.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The nursery premises are extremely well maintained and clean and provide a safe place for children to play and learn. Children's safety is ensured through rigorous daily checks and risk assessments. The management team and staff have a very secure understanding of safeguarding and child protection. They are alert to signs and symptoms of abuse and are very confident in their role in reporting and referring any cause for concern. Staff know how to follow whistle-blowing procedures if there are concerns about an adult in the setting. They demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding in following this process.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY336990 Local authority Newcastle upon Tyne Inspection number 10284388 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 79 Number of children on roll 162 Name of registered person Places For Children (PFP) Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 0191 271 3506 Date of previous inspection 19 March 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The Co-operative Childcare Newbiggin registered in 2006 and changed its trading name to Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School in 2020. It is located in Newcastle upon Tyne. The nursery employs 27 members of childcare staff. Of these, 21 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am to 6.30pm. 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 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 inspector viewed the nursery and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they want 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 SENDCo spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation during lunchtime. n Parents and family members shared their views of the nursery with the inspector. n The manager provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

28 April 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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