Little Owls Nursery

Inspection of Little Owls Nursery Mackworth Estate Community Hall, Prince Charles Ave, Derby DE22 4FN

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are welcomed warmly into the nursery. Staff prepare the rooms with activities that they know children will enjoy and which will meet their learning needs. Children have lots of opportunities to build on their physical skills. Staff teach babies to scoop up foam and pretend to make an ice cream. Older children learn to use spades and trowels as they dig in the garden. Staff teach children how to problem solve, asking them to come up with their own solutions to problems, and staff support them with decision making. Young children enjoy listening to stories and turning the pages of books.

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The provision is good

Staff show immense pride in the emotional literacy skills they teach children as a focus of their curriculum. Older children show the impact of this as they calmly explain to staff when and why they are feeling sad. They clearly articulate what would make them feel happy again, and staff are reactive to their needs. Babies and younger children seek out their familiar adults when they need a cuddle or reassurance. Children behave very well and follow the rules that staff provide. They listen carefully to instructions and follow them with ease. Older children are very confident talking to visitors and show an inquisitive nature as they ask questions in a friendly manner.

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need to do better?

n Leaders have a well-defined intent for their curriculum. They have clear expectations of the life skills they want children to learn. Staff deliver the curriculum well and provide a range of activities which help children build on their independence. Children demonstrate that the curriculum has a positive impact on their development. Children soon leaving to start school are very confident and ready for their next stage of learning. Children are independent with self-care needs, such as blowing their noses and washing their hands. They sit happily at the table with their friends, serve themselves lunch and confidently pour drinks. n The arrangements to help children settle in are effective. All the children are calm and happy. Staff conduct a home visit before each child starts at the nursery. These help staff build relationships with children and enable them to discuss their routines at home. Staff understand that children need to feel safe

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need to do better?

and secure before they can progress in their development. They thoughtfully plan transitions and deploy staff effectively to give children time to bond with their new key person before moving to the next group room. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. Staff demonstrate a good understanding of children's expected stages of development and know when a child is not meeting the milestones they would expect. They swiftly make referrals when needed and seek support

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need to do better?

1 July 2024 from external agencies. Staff provide a range of targeted intervention plans for children at risk of falling behind in their development. As a result, children with SEND make excellent progress from their starting points. n Overall, staff focus on helping children to develop their communication and language skills. Staff narrate children's play, and some staff model new words clearly for children to copy. They ask thoughtful questions and give children the time to use their critical thinking skills. However, less confident staff occasionally ask several questions in quick succession and do not give children enough time to process and respond to the question. In addition, younger children are sometimes encouraged to say words such as 'tar', which does not help them understand or use the correct vocabulary for thank you. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The management team are passionate

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need to do better?

about involving parents in their children's learning. They offer many opportunities for parents to visit the nursery and participate in reading mornings and other family events. All parents know what their children need to work on next. Parents state staff share information about how to help children achieve this. Staff also provide learning sacks that families can borrow. These include tailored activities to help children meet their next steps. Staff also offer a library for families to borrow children's books. Leaders and staff support families who struggle to complete forms such as SEND or school application forms.

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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 strengthen staff skills to help them consistently support children's communication and language development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2742799 Local authority Derby Inspection number 10354281 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 61 Number of children on roll 117 Name of registered person Little Owls Nursery (Derby) Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07758953596 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Owls Nursery re-registered in 2023 and is situated in Mackworth, Derbyshire. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, term time only, from 7.30am until 5pm. It employs 15 members of childcare staff. Of these, 13 hold relevant early years qualifications at level 2 or above. 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 deputy manager, 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 talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual about the leadership and management of the nursery. 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 spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. 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

1 July 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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