Little Stars Day Nursery

Inspection of Little Stars Day Nursery Little Stars Day Nursery, Buchanan Centre, Capper Road, Waterbeach, CAMBRIDGE CB25 9LY

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children at the setting are confident and enjoy meeting new people. They are excited to say hello to visitors and are proud to show them around the setting. Children demonstrate their confidence and language skills through their communication and happy smiles. Children attend settling-in sessions before they begin at the setting. Staff gather important information from parents, such as routines, interests and what children already know and can do. Children spend time with their key person, developing good relationships and helping them to feel safe in their environment.

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The provision is good

Children take part in a variety of well-planned learning opportunities that interest them. When in the garden, children dig in the mud to find different toy insects. Staff name each insect and use a book to extend children's learning. They learn new words such as 'scorpion' and staff extend children's language development further by singing related nursery rhymes.

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The provision is good

Children visit the local community, buying ingredients from the local shops and bakery and visiting the local care home. Children share experiences with others and learn about different people who live around them, giving them a greater understanding of events that they may not experience at home.

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need to do better?

n Staff have implemented a well-sequenced and meaningful curriculum throughout the setting. The curriculum focuses on children's well-being, confidence and language development. Staff are very dedicated and work as a team to implement this curriculum across the setting. There are effective arrangements in place to support children as they transition to each room and, therefore, children are ready for each stage of their learning journey. n There is a big emphasis on language development throughout the setting. Staff record and display new words babies and toddlers learn and use this to extend their development and communication. They repeat words clearly and initiate conversations. Staff create awe and wonder moments that ignite children's curiosity. For example, babies enjoy exploring shiny bowls and scoops in the 'messy' tray. They develop their physical skills and staff introduce new words such as 'wow', 'mix' and 'scoop'.

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need to do better?

n Staff provide many opportunities throughout the setting for children to develop their social skills, for instance through group games and discussions. However, staff do not consistently reinforce high expectations of children's behaviour. For example, children are not always reminded to put resources away or to respect their peers' belongings. n Staff teach children about a range of religious and cultural events. They include

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need to do better?

18 December 2023 festivals that are relevant to the children at the setting. Staff ask parents to share their celebrations from home and children share items from home with their peers. Children learn about the similarities and differences between them and share celebrations from around the world. n Children learn about healthy foods and drinks and staff remind children of the importance of drinking regularly. They discuss healthy foods and have access to fresh fruit at snack times. However, on occasion, staff do not consistently support children to develop an awareness of the importance of handwashing. For example, sometimes children choose not to clean their hands before eating. n Staff demonstrate their high-quality interactions with children throughout the day, for example during story time. They provide exciting experiences for children and they are eager to join in. Staff read a story and together they stand

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need to do better?

up and act out the storyline. Children are excited and staff skilfully calm them by varying the sound of their voice and asking questions. Children focus and fully immerse themselves in their learning. n The manager prioritises staff well-being. Workload is kept minimal and all staff are given time within the working day to complete paperwork. The manager regularly organises team building events and staff report on the wonderful items that are provided for them at the setting, such as thick, comfortable jumpers, treats and toiletries. Staff explain that they feel appreciated and that this inspires them to provide an environment for children that supports children's emotional development, helping them to feel happy and healthy.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have an excellent knowledge of safeguarding young children in their care. They know the signs of abuse and when a child may be at risk of harm. Staff have a clear understanding of the safeguarding procedures in place at the setting and all information and contact details are displayed clearly. This is also shared with parents. Staff attend regular refresher training as well as training for safeguarding issues such as county lines and the 'Prevent' duty. The manager checks staff's knowledge regularly by asking questions and providing updates and training during staff meetings.

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should:

n strengthen the arrangements for helping children learn about the importance of simple hygiene routines, such as handwashing n ensure that there is consistency in maintaining high expectations, especially for older children at the setting.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY469586 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10311857 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 100 Number of children on roll 105 Name of registered person Little Stars Day Nursery Inc Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01223861911 Date of previous inspection 12 April 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Little Stars Day Nursery registered in 2013. It employs 30 members of childcare staff. Of these, 21 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above, including one with qualified teacher status. The nursery opens from 8am until 6pm Monday to Friday, all year round. It 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 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 talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability

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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

18 December 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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