Little Scholars Nursery

Inspection of Little Scholars Nursery Madina Academy, 1 Swindon Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF13 2PA

p.1

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Little Scholars Nursery is a special place to be. Passionate leaders and staff have a dedicated vision to ensure that all children and their families succeed. Children benefit greatly from the rich, well-equipped environment, supported by knowledgeable adults who have high expectations for them. This helps all children to make excellent progress from their starting points.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

There is a harmonious atmosphere where children feel safe and secure. They have formed strong attachments with staff and their peers. Children demonstrate their positive self-esteem and confidence as they exclaim 'look what I did!' when achieving their goals. Children say that they feel excited to come to nursery. Feelings such as happy, angry and scared are explored through the 'Colour Monster' story. Children share ideas on how they can make others happy by carrying out kind deeds, such as inviting them to play. This helps every child feel embraced in the inclusive environment.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children are confident communicators. Every conversation is a learning opportunity. Staff take time to introduce new vocabulary. For example, they discuss the meaning of new words such as 'harmless' when describing spiders. Children use words such as author and illustrator when exploring books. They describe their 'juicy' fruits at snack time. This helps them develop an extensive vocabulary and understanding ahead of moving on to school.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff are meticulously clear about what children already know, and what they need to learn next. They have an impressive knowledge of child development. The ambitious curriculum is seamlessly embedded. It helps children to make accelerated progress from their starting points. Learning is regularly revisited in different ways, to ensure that concepts are understood, and children get countless opportunities to practice skills. n Staff questioning is highly effective in promoting children's critical thinking skills. For instance, children speculate and problem-solve as they explore symmetry while painting. They predict what might happen when colours mix. Children have an admirable love and thirst for learning. n Children showcase mathematical knowledge above their expected targets. As they roll dough to make currant buns, they discuss what will happen to the amount if they sell one. They use mathematical language such as hexagon as

p.2

need to do better?

they play. At group time, children count how many children are present at nursery. Older children then identify the number that they have counted. n Children have a wide range of experiences to support their physical development, both indoors and outdoors. Since the last inspection, leaders have

p.2

need to do better?

1 March 2024 placed a focus on developing the outdoor area. Here, children immerse themselves in the environment, climbing up slopes and practicing using steps. Staff teach skills such as using tongs to pick up pom-poms, and young children scrunch paper and roll dough. This helps to develop their small-muscle control and early writing skills. n Staff prioritise promoting children's good health. Children talk about what they have learned and remembered. They discuss how cavities can cause holes in their teeth. Supervised toothbrushing helps to promote good oral hygiene further. Children show a determined independence to complete tasks themselves such as squeezing the toothpaste on the toothbrush. n The plentiful experiences that this nursery provides children, and their families is exceptional. Children learn about being responsible citizens who contribute to society through charity drives. Together, children and their families attend trips

p.2

need to do better?

to museums on the train, visits to soft-play centres and horse riding. The curriculum is further enhanced with science workshops and library visits, where families are supported in accessing library memberships, so they can continue to enhance children's love of reading at home. n All parents are unanimous in praise for this caring nursery. They say their children are extremely happy here and flourish. Parents are warmly embraced in all aspects of children's learning journey. They attend regular workshops on topics such as supporting speech and language and reading sessions, where they learn how to support children's early literacy development. This helps to promote continuity between the nursery and home and supports children to make rapid progress. n Inspirational leaders adopt a reflective approach. They have an excellent understanding of staff's practice. They ensure that the curriculum is embedded

p.3

need to do better?

and skilfully implemented. Coaching and mentoring inspire staff to be their very best. Training opportunities are sharply focused. For example, staff complete phonics (letters and the sounds they represent) and mathematics training, which positively impacts on the quality of education.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY471982 Local authority Kirklees Inspection number 10308447 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 56 Name of registered person Madina Academy

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01924 731007 Date of previous inspection 12 March 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Little Scholars Nursery registered in 2014. It is located in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. The nursery opens Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, term time only. There are currently 11 staff members working directly with the children. Of these, seven hold qualifications at level 3 or above, including one with early years professional status. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The deputy manager, manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. 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 manager, deputy manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation during a group activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

1 March 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6