Ellie's Little Kingdom

Inspection of Ellie's Little Kingdom 127 Sweets Way, London N20 0NX

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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 provide a welcoming learning environment in which children are secure and confident to express themselves. Staff build strong attachments and fully understand their role as key persons, ensuring that babies are well cared for and have the attention and support they need. For instance, babies and the youngest children have a very flexible settling-in period, which is personalised for each child and benefits their personal development. Children have familiar routines and experiences, which helps to structure their day.

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The provision is good

Staff are led by what children want to do and are actively engaged in their play and learning. Children know that they can ask for resources that are not out. Children have access to a variety of media to support their expressive arts and design skills. For example, babies enjoy making sandcastles, while older children concentrate hard cutting paper and gluing feathers, pom-poms, and pipe cleaners to make their own art. Children are comfortable at the nursery. Some children excitedly talk to staff, and some are quieter, with beaming smiles. Leaders and staff have an ambitious learning programme in place. Staff skilfully adapt activities to meet the individual need and age range of the babies and children. This has a positive impact on the quality of education that all children receive, including, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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need to do better?

n The proactive leaders implement a well-focused, challenging curriculum that effectively supports children from their starting points. Staff use what they know about the children to plan interesting and stimulating activities that are rooted in their interests and help them develop the key skills needed to be ready for school. n Leaders embed a consistent approach to behaviour management. Staff set clear expectations to help children to understand how to share and take turns when they are learning together. This approach has a positive impact on all children's behaviour. Staff show a high levels of respect for children's achievements and give meaningful praise for their efforts. All children behave very well. n There is a strong focus on supporting children to engage in expressive arts and design. Staff plan creative activities to help babies and children to explore various sensory textures. For instance, babies delight in hiding, as they play a

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need to do better?

"peekaboo" game with staff, using coloured scarves. Older children make their own decisions about what they create. They pour, measure and mix the various ingredients needed to make their blue play dough. n Staff engage children in regular conversation. They chat to babies and older children as they play and introduce new vocabulary. For instance, staff maximise spontaneous opportunities to develop young children's speech, as they see a

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need to do better?

26 July 2023 passing aeroplane. Toddlers repeat the word and wave to the aeroplane saying, "Bye bye", as it disappears from sight. Staff read books and explain the meaning of new words to older children. Although, at times, staff working with older children ask several questions, they often answer them or move on before children have had time to think and express their own responses. n Children learn about the importance of good hygiene routines and are encouraged to have regard for their own personal hygiene needs. Children are familiar with the consistent routines, promoting their confidence and sense of belonging. Overall, children develop good levels of independence. However, on occasion, staff tend to complete tasks for children. For instance, they hand out plates at snack or tidy away resources that have dropped on the floor. This does not support children to learn to complete tasks on their own.

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need to do better?

n The management team implements an effective programme of supervision and appraisal for all staff to manage their performance and foster a culture of mutual support. Staff are supported in their professional development. They maintain mandatory training and some staff are working towards early years qualifications. n Partnerships with parents are successful. Parents are kept very well informed through electronic and daily verbal communication. Parents have a very high regard for the nursery and describe it as a 'home from home'. Staff are committed to working closely together with them to ensure continuity of care and learning for their children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

All staff complete training in child protection to ensure that they are aware of the local procedures for safeguarding children. Staff are aware of the indicators of abuse. They understand how to support vulnerable families who may be at risk of harm from extreme behaviours and views. Staff carry out risk assessments to ensure that children are kept safe. There are effective recruitment and selection procedures in place to help ensure that those working with children are suitable for their role.

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should:

n strengthen teaching skills so that staff consistently give older children time to think, solve problems and express their own responses to questions n strengthen opportunities for children to consistently develop their independence and manage tasks by themselves.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2639154 Local authority Barnet Inspection number 10301234 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 65 Number of children on roll 72 Name of registered person Ellie's Little Kingdom Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07730682464 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Ellie's Little Kingdom registered in 2021. It is located in Whetstone, in the London Borough of Barnet. The setting is open each weekday, from 7.15am to 6pm, for 48 weeks of the year. The provider is in receipt of funding for children aged two, three and four years. The provider employs 17 staff, 8 of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications from level 3 to level 6.

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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 setting. n The provider and manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n Children communicated with 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 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 carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n The inspector gathered views from parents letters, and spoke to parents, who shared their views of the nursery.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector took a tour of the nursery and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector had a long discussion with the provider, and the manager and sampled relevant documentation, such as 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

26 July 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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