Little Hands Pre-School Nursery

Inspection of Little Hands Pre-School Nursery Dengie Community Hall, Dengie Close, Witham, Essex CM8 1DJ

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

All children receive a good quality of education. Key persons establish positive relationships with the whole family and get to know the children well. Staff plan appropriate next steps in learning that build on what children already know and can do. They use their interactions to support children to achieve. They are effective in engaging with other professionals when needed, making referrals to external services and signposting parents to support from other professionals. Strategies are in place to support children and families who speak English as an additional language. This helps to ensure that all children receive the support that they need so they can make the best possible progress in relation to their individual starting points.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff are positive in their interactions with children. They are polite and respectful to them and are good role models. Children play well with each other and have formed friendships. They are kind, considerate, and polite to one another. Staff have implemented positive behaviour strategies. They encourage children to share and take turns, offering support and suggestions when required. Children seek out the staff if they require support with their social interactions. Staff praise children consistently when they behave positively.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders and staff have worked hard since the last inspection to implement the required changes. Staff have been supported through training and staff meetings to meet the actions raised at the last inspection. As a result, they have increased their knowledge of all aspects of safeguarding, which has helped in keeping children safe from harm. Leaders are now aware of their responsibilities regarding the data protection requirements. n Positive changes have been made to the way staff promote children's communication and language skills. Children are given opportunities to develop these skills through stories and singing. Staff provide a narrative as children play and introduce new words, such as 'blossom' ,and explain their meaning. Staff provide information and use explanations to develop children's understanding of different concepts. They ask some questions to extend children's learning. However, these questions do not always encourage children to verbalise their

p.2

need to do better?

own thoughts and understanding. n Children are well supported in learning to be independent. At snack time, children are provided with child-sized jugs so they can pour their own drinks successfully. Additionally, they are taught to wash up their own bowls and cups, wipe their own noses, and wash their hands. Children are encouraged to ask for help if they need support with these tasks. They are praised for both their efforts and achievements. This helps children learn important skills for the future.

p.2

need to do better?

28 February 2024 n Staff provide activities that develop children's physical skills. They develop their large motor skills by playing ball games and parachute games. Their fine motor skills are promoted during activities such as play dough. Daily activities are used to teach children how to keep themselves healthy. For example, oral hygiene is explored through play. Healthy eating is discussed with the children at lunchtime. n There is a strong partnership with parents. Parents speak positively about the setting. Staff are aware of the needs of the individual families. This allows them to support children and families appropriately. Parents are kept fully up to date regarding their child's development and are kept informed about how best to support their children's learning at home. They are given information about children's development, for example, the impact on older children's speech development when using dummies. This helps to establish a consistent approach

p.2

need to do better?

to supporting children's learning. n Staff are well supported by the leaders and each other both personally and professionally. They value the support they receive. Effective supervision and coaching methods are in place to help staff make continual improvements to their practice. Staff strengths and interests are considered when they are given additional roles within the setting. Effective methods of communication are in place across the staff team, this helps the sessions run smoothly. Leaders direct staff practice as required throughout the day. Staff morale is high and teamwork is effective. This means that children are cared for by happy and motivated staff.

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

should:

n support staff to strengthen their questioning techniques to promote children's thinking and communication skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 203764 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10313531 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 43 Name of registered person Little Hands Pre-School Nursery Partnership

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01376 511194 Date of previous inspection 6 September 2023

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Little Hands Pre-School Nursery registered in 1994. It employs eight members of childcare staff. All hold appropriate childcare qualifications at level 2 or above, including one member of staff who holds qualified teacher status. The setting opens Monday to Friday, from 9am until 2.55pm, term time only. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. 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 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 spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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

28 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.

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