Little Discoveries : Nunney

Inspection of Little Discoveries : Nunney Sharon Dobson Building, Catch Road, Nunney, Frome BA11 4NE

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children are at the heart of this child-centred setting. Staff consider everything from the child's perspective and keep children informed about daily plans. Staff nurture inclusion through creating a highly welcoming atmosphere. They have a detailed understanding of each child's unique needs and circumstances. This fosters meaningful connections between children and staff, resulting in children's elevated emotional well-being and self-esteem. Children demonstrate exceptional teamwork and cooperation. They exhibit exemplary behaviour, characterised by respect and kindness towards each other. An example is at tidy-up time when children work together to assist each other in covering a sand tray and collecting their friends' water bottles, before lining up to go indoors.

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The provision is outstanding

The manager and her staff deliver a meticulously planned and inspiring curriculum. Their continuous reflection, expertise, and dedication, ensures teaching maintains high standards. Staff expertly tailor their interactions, activities, and the environment to align with children's individual interests and next steps. Staff find inventive methods to engage, excite, and motivate children to learn. For instance, children explore colours and shapes by investigating kaleidoscopes and creating art projects using unconventional materials like painted broken lasagna sheets. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), progress effectively through carefully designed and targeted steps, equipping them exceptionally well for future learning.

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need to do better?

n The manager and staff deliver numerous initiatives that enhance children's learning. For example, children eagerly engage in interactive focused group sessions designed to improve their language and communication. Young children confidently demonstrate the sign language they have learned to accompany their developing speech. n Staff engage with children sensitively, fostering curiosity and self-expression in children. For example, they sit with children as they explore toy insects with magnifying glasses, sharing their fascination. Children share they are 'making the bugs bigger!' Staff are mindful when to join in with children's experiences. When appropriate, they use thought-provoking questions to challenge and extend children's learning. This nurturing approach from staff encourages children to express new thoughts and ideas confidently. n The manager and staff highly value partnerships with parents, local schools, and

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need to do better?

other professionals, for their crucial role in facilitating children's development. Staff collaborate closely with them, especially for children with SEND, enriching learning experiences and seeking support and funding when needed. n Children have ample opportunities to develop their independence, which they

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need to do better?

21 March 2024 take immense pride in sharing with new adults. Children sign in through identifying their names and hanging them onto a registration tree. They take responsibility for their own belongings using the provided drawers and pegs. Children serve their own food at lunch time, then scrape their plates before washing their faces using a flannel and mirror. This contributes significantly to children's self-care skills. Staff celebrate children's efforts and achievements with certificates to encourage their motivation and progress. n The manager prioritises staff training and well-being, recognising it's direct influence on children's experiences. Her relentless commitment to continuous improvement fosters an environment where staff maximise their skills and knowledge. Staff benefit from regular team meetings and setting evaluations. These aid the identification of training needs and areas for enhancement to

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need to do better?

ensure the highest quality care and education for all children. n Children are well-prepared to become fluent readers through regularly exploring of fact, fiction and rhyming books, independently and in groups. Staff offer children a choice of books for 'book of the week' that they focus on throughout the week. Children demonstrate the vocabulary they are learning as they consistently use big words in their play. While playing in the sand, they narrate their play, announcing they have 'captured a venomous snake!' n The manager and staff take every opportunity to enrich children's understanding and experiences. They utilise local community facilities, for instance taking the setting's recycling to the community bins. Staff teach the children the importance about environmental responsibility and road safety.

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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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Setting details

Unique reference number 2660576 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10333007 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 24 Number of children on roll 40 Name of registered person Little Discoveries Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01373 836353 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Discoveries Nunney registered in 2021 and is part of the Little Discoveries chain. The setting is located in the village of Nunney, Somerset, on the Nunney First School site. It opens Monday to Friday, from 8.30am until 3.30pm, term time only. The provider receives funding to provide early education for children aged two-, three- and four-years-old. The provider employs seven members of staff. Of these, six hold early years childcare qualifications at level 3.

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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. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. 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 and development. n The inspector spoke to children and staff at convenient times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager and inspector carried out a joint observation during a group activity and discussed the quality of teaching and the impact this was having on children's learning and development. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. 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

21 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.

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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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