Appy Little Plums Ltd

Inspection of Appy Little Plums Ltd 2 Alma Street, Leigh WN7 5JL

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 Good

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children settle exceptionally well at this awe-inspiring nursery. Staff have created an oasis of calm in which children are safe and secure. Children arrive eager to learn. They hand over their dummies and bottles to staff as they enter and greet staff with a smile and a hug. A culture of respect is evident in this nursery. Staff address parents by their names and chat to them offering reassurance, guidance and hugs, when needed. Staff expertly use children's interests along with what children need to learn next to plan exciting learning adventures for the day ahead. Younger children visit the park. They safely walk barefoot on the grass, smell flowers and listen to the gurgling river and the songs of birds. They develop their listening skills and delight at nature in the local environment. Staff plan activities for older children to discuss their emotions, say positive affirmations and participate

p.2

The provision is outstanding

in a yoga session. Staff provide meaningful learning. When outdoors children develop their physical strength and coordination as they use real tools to make bird boxes. Staff consistently extend children's learning. They seize every opportunity to extend children's vocabulary. They read exciting stories, sing songs and engage children in conversations throughout the day. The quality of interactions are outstanding. This helps children develop new skills.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Staff have unwavering high expectations for all children. They are excellent role models who are excited to complete their roles with enthusiasm and compassion. Children learn to follow rules and understand how to keep themselves safe. Older children help to identify and minimise any potential risks in activities. The incredible environment allows children to play, explore and become immersed in their learning. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders noted significant gaps in the emotional development of some children. They have engaged in extensive professional development. The result is a curriculum that is focussed to ensure all children are exceptionally well prepared for next stage in their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leadership is inspirational. Managers ensure consistent evaluation, self-reflection and collaboration put children's needs at the heart of every decision. The arrangements for professional development are plentiful. Staff identify their interests and strengths. Staff access training opportunities that will directly benefit the children. Staff are highly skilled and knowledgeable. Their commitment ensures all children thrive. n Staff are extremely well supported to complete their roles. They have access to focused supervision sessions. They discuss their well-being and receive specific feedback to help improve their practice. The manager has created an effective and extremely supportive system for staff. As a result, teaching is consistently of the highest standard. This means children benefit from inspirational activities.

p.2

need to do better?

28 June 2024 n Managers and staff are committed to removing barriers that children face in learning. Staff complete thorough assessments of children's development. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get rapid and targeted support to help them thrive. Managers have created robust links with external professionals. Staff work closely with parents and carers. They swiftly put interventions in place to ensure all children make excellent progress. n The ethos in the nursery is based on respect and professional love. There are children who have had significant adverse early life experiences. Staff work tirelessly to ensure all children feel loved and valued. They want children to enjoy their time in the nursery. Children are pampered as they participate in nursery spa days and have relaxation sessions. Children develop self-confidence and believe that they are special. n Staff seize every opportunity to help children learn new skills. Mealtimes are a

p.2

need to do better?

social occasion. Children beam with pride as they put fresh flowers on each table. Independence is promoted from they very start. Staff sit and hold meaningful conversations with children as they eat. Children enjoy healthy food. They are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their learning. n Children are mesmerised by the inviting experiences on offer in the wonderfully designed environment. The curriculum is planned to enrich the early experiences of every child. Children learn to grow and harvest vegetables and to cook healthy food. Staff and children complete acts of kindness, they give flowers and chocolates to local residents. Children leave reading books in the park for others to find and enjoy. These acts make others feel happy. Children develop high levels of self-esteem and essential skills to help them flourish. n Children learn about community. They visit a nursing home and have fun with

p.3

need to do better?

their older friends. Staff create meaningful opportunities for children to celebrate cultural events. Visitors help children learn about people who help them. Police, a dentist and firefighters are recent examples. These experiences help children to develop respectful attitudes and understand differences. Children are exceptionally well prepared for life in modern Britain. n Parents are overwhelmingly grateful for the support that staff offer them. Staff provide advice and guidance to parents. This has a positive impact on the well- being of the children. Parents are provided with information to help their children learn at home. They love the home learning packs. Parents speak highly of the nursery library and appreciate the high-quality books on offer. This helps children develop a love of reading. Every parent is invited to place a wish for their child on the wish tree. Managers use the views of parents to set up facilities to help

p.3

need to do better?

families access clothes, nappies and food from the nursery. This approach makes a significant difference to the well-being of families.

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 EY483066 Local authority Wigan Inspection number 10347059 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 54 Number of children on roll 95 Name of registered person Appy Little Plums Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01942 602 010 Date of previous inspection 15 August 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Appy Little Plums Ltd registered in 2014. The nursery employs 16 members of childcare staff who hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or level 3. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7am until 6pm. It also provides before- and after-school care, from Monday to Friday. These sessions run from 7am until 9am and from 3.15pm until 6pm. 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 nursery received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the nursery. 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 Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. 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 special educational needs and disabilities coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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 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.

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