Littlehampton Day Nursery CIC

Inspection of Littlehampton Day Nursery CIC Elm Grove Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 6AH

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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

Children happily arrive at the setting as they are warmly greeted by their key person. Staff support older children to find their photo on the self-registration board and choose where to hang their belongings at the start of the day. This promotes independence and fosters a positive sense of self.

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The provision is good

Children have a good attitude to learning. Older children enjoy being able to have free flow between indoors and the large, well-equipped garden throughout much of the day. Staff skilfully and sensitively manage transitions, which allow children to play and explore for extended periods of time. This supports children to follow their interests and persevere with tasks.

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The provision is good

Younger children demonstrate strong bonds and attachments with staff who know them well. Staff support their independence, for example by encouraging them to use spoons to feed themselves. They talk to babies constantly and encourage them to repeat words as they babble and squeal with delight.

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The provision is good

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well. Staff use simple sentences and signing to communicate and support children with SEND to engage in activities alongside their peers, which creates an inclusive environment.

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need to do better?

n The manager and staff sequence the curriculum to cover all areas of learning. Children have access to a wide range of learning opportunities, and staff skilfully plan the learning environment to follow their interests and build on what they already know. Staff support children's learning and development well through effective assessment and planning of next steps. n Older children learn about the natural world as they enjoy a bug hunt in the garden. Staff support children to identify minibeasts and collect snails in magnifying pots to inspect. Staff skilfully extend the children's learning as they talk to them about insect homes. They introduce new words such as 'hive' and 'burrow' as children set about making habitats with large construction materials. n Younger children benefit from a separate calm and cosy environment. Generally, staff support their development well. Staff read stories, sing nursery rhymes and

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need to do better?

offer a variety of sensory exploration opportunities, including sand and water play. However, occasionally, daily routines are not organised fully effectively to meet all children's needs. For example, on occasion, during tasks such as nappy changing, older babies are left to wait for extended periods without being occupied. Consequently, they become restless, which affects their behaviour. n Children with SEND make good progress from their starting points. The manager,

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need to do better?

12 June 2024 who is the special educational needs and disabilities coordinator, is committed to ensuring that all children with SEND receive appropriate support. She uses additional funding well to meet the needs of all children. n Babies have plenty of space to develop their physical skills and strengthen their muscles as they learn to crawl, walk and jump on the toddler bridge and garden equipment. Older children practise more challenging skills to develop coordination and balance on the obstacle course made of planks and crates. They develop their fine motor strength, for example by accessing threading and play dough activities. n Staff say they feel well supported by the approachable manager, who has an 'open door policy'. The manager places a high importance on staff well-being and professional development. For example, recent training has included communication and language and Makaton training, which has enhanced staff's

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need to do better?

teaching skills. n The staff are excellent role models, and children behave well. Staff use a consistent, calm and gentle tone with each other and the children. This fosters respectful relationships. Staff have high expectations and encourage children to listen to each other, share and take turns. Children respond to consistent gentle reminders from staff, such as to use their 'walking feet'. n Parents report that the staff are very supportive, approachable and have a flexible approach to settling in. They are happy with the progress their children make. Overall, staff work closely with parents. For example, they support home learning by sharing suggestions and tips. However, occasionally, staff do not successfully gather full information from parents about children's home languages to assist with communication in the setting. This means that some children who speak English as an additional language do not consistently receive

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need to do better?

high levels of support. n Staff teach children about healthy eating and the importance of good oral hygiene through a 'healthy eating project'. They share clear messages with parents and children to support their understanding and exposure to healthy food choices. For example, children play a fruit and vegetable matching game with staff who discuss the importance of a healthy eating lifestyle. In addition, children choose from a variety of fruits and vegetables in the snack shed.

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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 interest first.

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should:

12 June 2024 n review and improve the daily routine for the youngest age group to minimise waiting and disruption during times of key tasks such as nappy changing n strengthen parent partnerships further to offer more consistent support for children who speak English as an additional language.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY346116 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10339379 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 50 Number of children on roll 89 Name of registered person Littlehampton Day Nursery C.I.C

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reference number

Telephone number 01903724162 Date of previous inspection 13 July 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Littlehampton Day Nursery CIC registered in 2007 and is situated in Littlehampton, West Sussex. The nursery is open from 8am to 5:30pm, from Monday to Friday, all year. There are 12 members of staff, nine of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at levels 2 to 6. 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 provider. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation. n The inspector observed the interactions between children and staff and assessed the impact of teaching on children's learning.

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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

12 June 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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