Little Ducklings Day Nursery and Preschool

Inspection of Little Ducklings Day Nursery and Preschool The Pavilion, Park Place, Seer Green, Beaconsfield HP9 2FJ

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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

Children arrive happy and excited for their day at this setting. They separate confidently from their parents and are greeted warmly by staff. Children confidently explore the environment and choose from a range of activities that staff have planned for them.

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The provision is good

Staff have high expectations of what they want children to learn. They know the children well and plan accordingly for their needs and abilities. Children engage at activities for extended amounts of time. Staff support children through planned and child-led activities, which build on their interests. For example, children enjoy a story about the dentist. Staff then provide toothbrushes and toothpaste. Children excitedly brush the dolls teeth.

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The provision is good

Children play alongside and together with their peers. They share ideas and build on their play. Children are supported by staff to take turns and share, which they do well. Staff are good role models and children understand routines and what is expected of them.

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need to do better?

n Managers have regular supervisions with staff. This helps to identify learning and development needs. Staff are happy in their job roles and how their well- being is supported. n Staff plan for children's age and stage of development. Activities are well thought out to meet the needs of children taking part. For example, older children enjoy an activity to make a 'summer potion'. They follow written instructions, guided by staff. Children listen well and recall previous learning. They share and take turns. Children excitedly support each other as they add and mix ingredients together. However, although children are encouraged to solve problems and share ideas, some staff step in to quickly to give children solutions. n Children's speech and language is supported well. Staff model good language and introduce new words to children's play. Staff ask the children questions and give them ample time to respond. Children develop a love of books. They enjoy

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need to do better?

looking at a book created through their own experiences at the setting. This encourages communication and language, as the children recall events and discuss them with friends and staff. n Staff support children's physical development well. Younger children are encouraged to move independently. Staff help them to stand and support with the beginning stages of walking. Older children take part in planned activities to learn new physical skills. For example, children explore wooded areas, have weekly yoga sessions and take part in planned group physical activities.

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need to do better?

10 August 2023 n Parents praise the staff for the warm and caring environment that they provide for their children. They appreciate the regular feedback they receive verbally and through online communications. Regular newsletters inform parents of what the children will be learning and how to support learning at home. n Staff support the children to learn about their local community and the world around them. For example, children have links with a nursery in Africa. They have learnt about a child that attends and the differences in their lives. Children enjoy visiting the local allotment where they have the opportunity to grow their own fruits and vegetables. They learn about healthy eating and use their produce for activities to enhance fine-motor skills and cooking. n Children's independence is supported well by staff. From a young age, children are encouraged to feed themselves and clear their spaces after lunch. For

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need to do better?

example, younger children scrape leftovers into the bin and put their plates and cutlery into the washing-up bowl. Older children self-serve their food and independently change shoes to get ready for outdoor play. n Staff make regular assessments of children's learning and development. They use these to plan for children's future learning and next steps. Children make good individual progress, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff work with other agencies and parents when needed, to ensure consistency for children. If required, children have individual support plans. n Staff provide opportunities for the children to develop early writing skills. For example, children use resources to draw pictures for their parents and friends and put these in envelopes. Children persevere and support each other when writing names on the front of the envelope.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Managers and staff know their responsibilities in regard to safeguarding children and families. They have secure knowledge of how to identify signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm or abuse, such as physical and emotional abuse. Staff know how to report any concerns and where they can seek advice. Managers review risk assessments to ensure the ongoing safety of the premises and equipment. Safe recruitment procedures are in place and adhered to, ensuring that all staff are suitable to work.

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should:

n strengthen the opportunities to challenge children's thinking and encourage them to solve problems.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2639663 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 10303154 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 29 Number of children on roll 41 Name of registered person Little Ducklings Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01494 677190 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Ducklings Day Nursery and Preschool registered in 2021 and is located in Seer Green, near Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. The nursery opens from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, for 51 weeks of the year. The nursery receives funding for the provision of free early education for children age two, three and four years. There are currently eight members of staff working with the children; the manager holds a Montessori diploma qualification, four staff hold a relevant early years qualification at level 3, one has a level 2 qualification, one has core skills training and two are unqualified.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the nursery received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the nursery and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. 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 Children spoke to/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 special education needs and/or disabilities coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

10 August 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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