Little Tots Nursery

Inspection of Little Tots Nursery 59 Prince of Wales Avenue, READING RG30 2UJ

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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

Staff support children to settle into their busy learning environment. Children are happy to be there and are ready to start their day. The staff's warm interactions help children feel secure, and they develop a sense of belonging. Staff support their personal, social, and emotional development well. If conflicts occur and children become frustrated with each other, staff encourage them to talk to each other about their behaviour and how this makes each other feel. Staff speak kindly and value children's feelings. This effectively supports children to resolve their issues and regulate their emotions.

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The provision is good

Staff plan activities that have a clear intent for learning and support the curriculum. They know what it is they want children to learn. The learning goals are well- thought-out, appropriate, and achievable for children. For example, staff effectively promote equality and inclusion during an activity where they learn about each other and their different backgrounds. Staff encourage children to talk about the similarities and differences between them. They look at each other's eyes and hair colour and talk about what makes them the same and how they are different. The staff talk about everyone being unique and respecting and being kind to one another. Children improve their understanding of the world they live in and recognise and appreciate different cultures.

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need to do better?

n Managers and leaders have an accurate view of the strengths of the setting. They understand where their attention and support are best placed to enhance practice and provision further. Managers and leaders are reflective and dedicated to their roles. They have recognised the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on children and supported them in specific areas. Managers and leaders understand their responsibilities to meet requirements and have effective oversight of the service they offer. This has a positive impact on the care and learning the children receive. n The curriculum in place supports children to enhance their skills across all areas of their development. Staff gather a wealth of information to inform them of children's starting points. Through their observations and assessments, they recognise where children are at in their learning. Staff understand what they are teaching children and why this is important. Children make good progress in line

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need to do better?

with their abilities. n Overall, children's behaviour is supported well. Children are polite and generally kind and caring to one another. They seek each other out to share their experiences with and hold hands as they walk around the setting. Staff praise children for their achievements, which gives them a sense of pride. However, they are not always consistent when they reinforce what children can and

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need to do better?

14 May 2024 cannot do, such as running up the slide or sitting on tables. The inconsistency when imposing rules and boundaries can be confusing and does not fully support the children to learn what is right and what is wrong. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive the support they need to become successful learners. The staff are knowledgeable about their needs and know the children well. Children develop well with the targeted support that is in place for them. The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) is dedicated to her role and effectively works with the children's key person, parents, and outside agencies. She seeks guidance and support where needed. Parents of children with SEND express their children are progressing well with the support they receive. n Arrangements to support children's speech and language are effective overall. Staff speak clearly and give children who speak English as an additional

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need to do better?

language new words to communicate their needs and develop their skills. Children demonstrate confidence to share their feelings and talk to staff and each other. However, during some discussions, staff do not always give the children time to process what they are telling them before giving more information and asking questions. This does not fully support them to reflect and respond to information and build on their communication and language skills. n Parent partnership is effective. Staff share information with parents about what their children are learning and value parents' thoughts and opinions. They understand that working collaboratively with parents gives children the support they need to progress well. Parents communicate that they are extremely happy with the care and support they receive. They are aware of who their child's key person is, and work closely with them on shared goals that support children to

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need to do better?

develop. Children are happy and secure in their environment.

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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 support staff to implement consistent expectations for children's behaviour, so that children increasingly learn to follow rules and boundaries n strengthen skills in recognising when to give children more time to process information to support communication and language even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY349641 Local authority Reading Inspection number 10343558 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 44 Number of children on roll 66 Name of registered person Little Tots Nurseries Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 0118 959 1371 Date of previous inspection 4 October 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Little Tots Nursery registered in 2007. It is a private nursery, which follows the Montessori ethos. The nursery is situated in the west of Reading, Berkshire. It is open from 8am to 6pm each weekday, for 50 weeks of the year. The nursery is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three, four and five years, and offers a holiday club for under-eights. There are 18 members of staff working directly with children and all but three hold relevant qualifications.

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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 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 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 manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation on a group activity. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff. n The SENCo spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND.

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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

14 May 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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