First Little Steps Day Nursery Ltd

Inspection of First Little Steps Day Nursery Ltd 379 London Road, Mitcham CR4 4BF

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Staff greet children and parents warmly when they arrive at nursery. Children are eager to play and seek out their friends. The manager and staff care deeply for the children, always treating them with kindness and respect. Children form secure attachments with staff, which helps to promote their emotional well-being. Parents comment that the nursery and staff are 'amazing'. They say their children are progressing well, particularly in social skills and speech. Parents report that the staff are caring, welcoming and friendly. They say the nursery is like a family and has a respectful culture. Staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities effectively. They work well with parents and other agencies to put steps in place to help every child make progress in their learning and development.

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The provision is good

Children are well behaved and learn to play cooperatively. For example, they build a tower with boxes together, taking turns to place a box. They laugh together when it falls. Staff manage children's behaviour sensitively and praise and encourage positive interactions. For example, they say 'good waiting' when a child waits for their turn. The routine and activities offered help children to follow instructions, follow the rules and be patient. This supports children to play harmoniously together and gives them skills they will need for school.

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need to do better?

n The provider is passionate and committed to providing an inclusive and nurturing environment. Good and reflective self-evaluation is in place to enable continuous improvement. For example, they changed the organisation of the nursery rooms after learning about hot and cold spots at an environment training session. n The well-organised environment promotes a curriculum that is appropriate and ambitious for all children. Staff build on what children know and can do and the skills they need for their future learning. The provider works tirelessly with parents and other professionals to ensure that all children get the support they need. n Staff morale is high. The manager supports staff effectively to ensure their well- being. Recognition for their hard work, such as 'employee of the month' and team outings, enables all staff to feel valued. The manager helps staff to build on their skills and knowledge through effective training and good support.

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need to do better?

n Staff place a strong emphasis on developing children's speech and language skills. Small, targeted language groups help children's communication skills and confidence. Attention and listening skills are promoted through games such as 'in the bucket'. Children enjoy stories and are encouraged to borrow books from nursery to share with their parents. Children learn to sign, and staff use visual

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need to do better?

7 June 2023 communication to support some children's understanding. n Staff support children's understanding of mathematics throughout their play. They explore quantity and weight during play with sand and water. They count when kneading dough and notice that the cress has grown 'bigger'. They sing number songs and delight in using the props. n There are clear routines throughout the nursery day. However, sometimes, the transitions between play time and lunchtime are not planned as effectively for the youngest children. This means that some children become restless and disengaged. n Children have interesting experiences to help them learn about the world around them. They watch eggs hatch and care for the chicks. They grow cress and learn that plants need water. They visit the local fire station and meet the firefighters. Children stroke, feed and learn about animals when a farm visits the nursery. n Children develop good physical skills. They have daily access to a well-equipped

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need to do better?

outdoor garden area. Children persevere when ascending the climbing wall. They balance on crates and confidently negotiate the space in their wheeled toys. However, the large number of children using the garden at the same time is overwhelming for some children. n Oral health is promoted through themed activities. For example, children bring their toothbrushes into nursery to clean the teeth they have made. They read a book that explains why they should brush their teeth and dental visits are encouraged. n Staff offer children a nutritious menu and advise parents what to provide in a healthy packed lunch. Older children's independence skills are supported as they choose when to have their snack and place their plates and cups in the bowl when finished. Children learn good hygiene habits and wash their hands appropriately.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The nursery is organised to safeguard children. For example, every nursery room is kept locked, and staff are vigilant. Staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities. They know what to do if they have concerns about a child's welfare or a colleague's behaviour. The experienced provider is knowledgeable about how to protect children and support their families. The provider ensures that all staff complete regular safeguarding training to keep their knowledge up to date. For example, they have completed training to understand female genital mutilation and issues around witchcraft. The provider follows robust recruitment procedures to protect children.

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should:

7 June 2023 n review the planning of transitions from play time to mealtimes in the baby room to better support children's engagement n review the organisation of outdoor play for toddlers and pre-school children to maximise all children's learning opportunities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2661540 Local authority Merton Inspection number 10286192 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 80 Number of children on roll 94 Name of registered person First Little Steps Day Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07730481449 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

First Little Steps Day Nursery Ltd registered in December 2021. It is based in Mitcham, in the London Borough of Merton. The nursery is open from 8am to 6pm, all year round. There are 16 staff working with the children. Of these, nine have a level 3 qualification and five have a level 2 qualification. The nursery receives funding for free early years education for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting 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 setting. n The inspector held discussions with children, staff and parents at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The provider and inspector carried out a learning walk across all areas of the pre-school to understand how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n A joint observation was carried out by the inspector and provider to observe the quality of teaching. n The inspector looked at a sample of documentation. This included staff suitability checks and qualifications. n The inspector observed interactions between the staff and children.

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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

7 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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