Little Stars Childcare Leek First

Inspection of Little Stars Childcare Leek First Staffordshire County Council, Leek First School, East Street, Leek ST13 6LF

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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 are greeted warmly by kind and caring staff. They enter happily and are keen to get involved in the activities on offer. Staff understand that for children to be ready to learn well, they first need to feel safe, secure and welcome. They provide a stimulating and interesting range of resources and experiences, which children explore with enthusiasm. Staff are responsive to children's needs, and there are strong bonds between staff and children. Staff provide comfort, such as cuddles, to children who need more reassurance.

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The provision is good

Staff use their understanding of children's learning needs and interests to plan and deliver a broad curriculum. For example, children are creative and enjoy exploring varied materials, such as sand and water. Staff promote children's awareness of mathematics effectively, such as by encouraging counting and recognition of numbers. Children demonstrate good behaviours as they interact with their peers and form friendships. Staff are good role models and use gentle reminders to help children learn how to behave. They have high expectations for children's learning and behaviour and are consistent in their approach. Children learn to cooperate with routines, listen to staff and show consideration towards others. All children make good progress in their learning and development.

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need to do better?

n The manager provides a curriculum that builds on children's knowledge as they progress through the nursery. Staff accurately identify next steps in children's learning. As well as developing children's confidence and independence, staff teach the skills that children need later for reading and writing. They focus their teaching on the knowledge children need in preparation for their move to school. n Overall, staff plan to develop children's communication skills. For example, staff model language, sing songs and read familiar stories to children. However, sometimes, during adult-led activities, children are not given sufficient opportunities to develop conversations. This means some children do not use more complex language to consolidate their vocabulary and understanding. n Children develop their imaginations through role play, and staff ensure that children have resources to support their growing interest in technology. Staff talk

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need to do better?

about providing children with real-life experiences, such as visiting nearby shops, that teach them about their local community. n Children develop good literacy skills. They choose to look at books and listen attentively to stories. Staff help children to remember, long term, what has been taught. For example, older children confidently identify the title, author and bar- code on their book. However, sometimes, group sizes are too large to give all children the attention they need to share their thoughts and ideas. This results in some children becoming restless.

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need to do better?

7 February 2024 n Staff want children to develop a positive attitude towards following a healthy lifestyle. Meals and snacks are nutritious and varied. Children have regular opportunities to play outdoors and engage in physical activities, such as pedalling vehicles and climbing up to use the slide. Young children enjoy a lively dance session. In addition, children manipulate play dough and carefully cut paper with scissors to make lanterns. n The special educational needs coordinator is knowledgeable and understands the importance of acting on concerns about children's development. She works well with staff, parents and other agencies to put specific plans in place to support children's development. She offers training and support for staff. This includes implementing support plans and reviewing specific targets for all children. Additional funding is used suitably, including to buy resources and provide

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need to do better?

experiences for the children, to help close any gaps in children's learning. n Partnership working with parents is effective. Parents comment on the positive relationships that their children form with their key person. They compliment staff for sharing regular information with them about their children's learning and development. This includes providing activity ideas for parents to try at home. n The knowledgeable leadership team has a strong vision for the future of this nursery. Leaders value their staff and work hard to give careful consideration to their well-being. The provider leads a robust recruitment, induction and ongoing supervision process for staff.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n help staff to improve their teaching to the highest level so that all activities consistently support children's communication and language development n review the organisation of group activities to enable all children to remain focused and engaged in their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2778005 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10327604 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 24 Number of children on roll 35 Name of registered person Little Stars Childcare Staffordshire Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07984083627 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Stars Childcare Leek First registered in 2024. The nursery employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, except for Christmas holidays. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. 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 setting. n The inspector and the manager completed a learning walk across all areas of the nursery to understand how the early years provision and the curriculum are organised. n A joint observation of a teaching activity was carried out by the inspector and the manager. n The inspector spoke to children, staff and parents at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the setting. n A meeting was held between the inspector, the provider and the manager.

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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 February 2024 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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