Little Learners Childcare

Inspection of Little Learners Childcare Occupation Road, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 1EE

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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

Children are at the centre of everything staff do at this nursery. Staff greet them in a warm and caring way and provide cuddles and reassurance. Children confidently talk about their skills to visitors, such as explaining how they make clay insects, demonstrating that they feel safe and secure.

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The provision is outstanding

The knowledgeable staff provide children with a rich set of stimulating experiences to develop their talents and skills. Babies are curious to experiment with brushes and paint as they make marks on a large garden mirror. Older children regularly attend the on-site forest school. They excitedly explore the willow archways together and use leaves and sticks to make clay faces on a tree. Older children talk about an imaginary pirate, 'Captain Black Beard'. They create stories and pictures together as staff inspire the children to extend their ideas.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They confidently show their understanding of why behaviour rules are in place. For example, they talk about safety as they sit around the fire pit. Children explain why it is safer to use a one-way system to enter the area and why there is a water bucket next to the fire. Staff explain how oven gloves protect their hands from the heat as they remove crumpets from the fire.

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need to do better?

n Leaders have high expectations for children. Staff understand the curriculum focus and what children need to learn well. They skilfully build teaching based on what children already know. As a result, children make rapid progress in their learning. For example, staff teach children mathematical language such as 'taller' and 'tallest'. Children lie down and draw around each other. Staff teach them to practise reading out numbers as they use a tape measure to measure their body shapes and sizes. n Staff consistently use every available opportunity to develop children's language and understanding. For example, they allow babies time to say their first words as they look at toy animals together. Staff introduce new words, such as naming parts of the animal's body, as babies listen with delight. Staff encourage older children to talk about how their bodies work as they use play dough to make a model of a person. Staff use books to extend children's knowledge and introduce

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need to do better?

words such as brain, nerves, and skeleton. n The special educational needs coordinator meticulously works with staff to create an environment that includes all children. She swiftly seeks support from external agencies for children who need extra help. She applies strategies from other professionals and creates targets to support children to make the best possible progress.

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need to do better?

5 June 2023 n The remarkable experiences provided by staff ensure that children's concentration is consistently positive. Behaviour across the setting is impeccable. Children show kindness and respect to their peers. They play together, collaborating and taking turns. For example, they use large building blocks to make a model bridge and tunnels for their train track. Staff encourage children to work together to collect little people to add to their construction. n Staff build on developing exceptional independence and self-care skills as children progress through the nursery. Older babies are keen to climb up the steps to wash their hands and sit themselves at the table for lunch. Toddlers learn to serve their lunch from a bowl and eat with a knife and fork. Toddlers wipe their noses and throw their tissues in the bin. n Partnerships with parents are inspiring. Parents talk of the wonderful relationships with staff. They state that children thrive in a stimulating

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need to do better?

environment, making excellent progress. Parents of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities talk about staff being there every step of the way to support their child's learning. Leaders involve and support families throughout. For example, they create a safe space for families to meet and speak in the community garden and plan events for the whole family to enjoy. n Leadership is exceptional. Leaders' meticulous self-evaluation and reflection means the provision for children is continually adapted and extended. For example, leaders plan to employ an artist to expand children's creativity. Staff state that they feel highly supported by leaders, who provide regular well-being reviews and listen to their ideas. Staff regularly access high-quality training to improve the already impressive curriculum.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a sound knowledge of safeguarding and know what signs of abuse to look for. They are aware of their responsibilities in keeping children safe. Staff are confident in recording and reporting any concerns to the relevant professionals, including if there is a concern about a staff member. Staff speak about safeguarding concerns in the local area. They are aware of the 'Prevent' duty and county lines and understand the signs to look out for. Leaders strengthen staff's safeguarding awareness through regular training, such as safer sleeping. They provide information for parents on e-safety.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY417494 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10285937 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 105 Number of children on roll 190 Name of registered person Little Learners Childcare LLP

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reference number

Telephone number 01536 264422 Date of previous inspection 25 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Little Learners Childcare registered in 2010 and is located in Corby, Northamptonshire. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, 51 weeks of the year, from 7.30am until 6pm. It employs 35 members of childcare staff. Of these, 32 members of staff hold appropriate early years qualifications between levels 2 and 6, two hold early years professional status, one holds early years teacher status and two have qualified teacher status. 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 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 The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the managers about the leadership and management of the nursery. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of

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Inspection activities

their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the 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 June 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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