Little Fishes

Inspection of Little Fishes 4 Molivers Lane, Bromham, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK43 8JT

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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

Staff provide a learning environment that captivates the interests of children. They plan a range of varied activities for the children to explore and enjoy. For example, children use real tools to hammer nails into wood and handle real bricks as they pretend to build a house. Children confidently describe and understand the procedures to follow to ensure they remain safe. Additionally, staff demonstrate to younger children how to fill their buckets with sand. Younger children proceed to copy and enjoy exploring and handling the sand. Children behave well and demonstrate a 'can-do' attitude. They are supported by staff to share and take their turn.

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The provision is good

Staff frequently sing songs with the children, such as 'The Wheels on the Bus', and share stories with them. Younger children are encouraged to look at the pictures of animals and to make the associated animal sounds. They eagerly 'meow' like a cat. Older children listen well. They remember what comes next in familiar stories, answer questions and confidently recite known phrases. Staff provide opportunities for children to develop their mark-making skills. Children use large brushes, water and chalk to make marks on paving slabs. Older children concentrate as they practise writing their name and draw recognisable pictures. They confidently use language to describe their drawings and are able to read letters by saying the sounds of them.

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need to do better?

n The proactive owner is continually looking at ways to make ongoing improvements to the nursery. For example, the room used by younger children has recently been refurbished and further plans are in place to revamp rooms used by the older children. The management team reflects on the provision and recognise the value of training opportunities. However, additional training needs are not yet identified to ensure all staff have the skills to consistently implement the planned curriculum and improve their teaching. n Management and staff structure the curriculum to cover all areas of a child's development. Staff complete ongoing observations of the children to monitor their progress and well-being. This successfully supports staff to understand each child's personality, interests and learning needs. Staff demonstrate that they know the children well and join in the children's play. However, on occasions, some staff do not always use spontaneous opportunities to further

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need to do better?

enhance children's thinking. Additionally, sometimes when questions are asked, children are not given sufficient time to think and respond. n Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They form close bonds with the staff, seeking reassurance, comfort and support as required. This is further enhanced by the effective key-person system. Staff are respectful of each child's

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need to do better?

18 July 2024 individual needs and plan for their future development. n Staff proactively support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They involve parents in discussions and decision-making about their child. Staff work with other professionals, taking account of their advice, and plan specific activities to support the targets set for each individual child. This ensures all children are included and enables them to make progress and have fun alongside their peers. Furthermore, staff support children who receive early years pupil premium. For example, additional funding has been used to purchase additional resources to support the children's development. n The cook and staff demonstrate a good understanding of children's dietary requirements, preferences, and food allergies. Staff closely supervise the children when they eat. They successfully support younger children's weaning

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need to do better?

onto solid foods, and then encourage them to use a spoon and fork to feed themselves. Older children independently serve their own food and pour their own drinks. Activities are also provided to support children to understand the importance of good dental hygiene. n Partnerships with parents are positive. Transitions into the nursery are effective and parents regularly receive ongoing information regarding their child's development and progress. They are invited to consultation evenings and information is shared via an app. Children take home story books to share with their parents. Additionally, parents are invited to join in celebrations, such as the Christmas sing-along and Nativity play. n Staff provide children with opportunities to explore the local community, which effectively broadens their range of experiences. Children visit the local church and purchase stamps for their letters at the post office. They learn about the

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need to do better?

roles of others during visits from the police and celebrate other cultures and traditions, for example Eid, Diwali, Christmas and Easter.

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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 improve the consistency of teaching so that all staff use a range of higher level interactions that encourage children to draw on their existing knowledge and experience n identify professional development opportunities to strengthen existing knowledge and further enhance the quality of teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2659558 Local authority Bedford Inspection number 10344416 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 55 Number of children on roll 46 Name of registered person Tom Boo Day Nurseries Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01234825152 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Fishes registered in 2022. The nursery employs 16 members of childcare staff. Of these, 10 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery opens Monday to Friday all year round for 51 weeks of the year. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. 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 across all areas of the nursery to understand how the early years curriculum is organised. n The inspector observed staff's interactions with the children during indoor and outdoor activities, and assessed the impact this has on the children's progress and achievements. n The owner, manager, staff and children engaged in discussions with the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the owner of the nursery and discussed the children's achievements and teaching observed. n A sample of the nursery documents were reviewed by the inspector. This included evidence of staff suitability.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector took account of the views of parents by speaking to them.

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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

18 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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