Little Angels Nursery

Inspection of Little Angels Nursery Elim Hall, Fredora Avenue, Blackpool, Lancashire FY3 9NL

p.1

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision requires improvement

The quality of education is not consistently strong. The provider has not ensured that the manager and staff are always clear on the learning intentions for specific activities. This means they are not always able to adapt the activities sufficiently to accelerate children's learning. Furthermore, they do not fully consider the range of activities provided to help to build on children's previous knowledge. In addition, on some occasions, staff do not give children sufficient time to answer their questions. This does not help to consolidate children's learning. The provider has an understanding of how to keep children safe. However, this is not consistently implemented in practice.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The manager and staff have placed a strong focus on helping children to settle and to build strong attachments with them. Children enter the setting happily and thoroughly enjoy the opportunities to spend time with their friends. Children work well together to achieve specific goals. For example, they offer each other guidance on the design as they build a road out of large bricks. Children behave well. Staff provide guidance when children become overexcited. This helps them to settle and re-engage in their play. A strong emphasis is placed on supporting children's independence skills and school readiness. For instance, children are encouraged to help tidy away their resources and to serve themselves at mealtimes. This helps them prepare for the next stage in their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider has designed a curriculum based on the children's interests and what they like to do. However, the manager and staff are not always clear on the learning intentions. For example, activities to help children learn about volume and capacity are not effectively planned. This is because there are no resources available in the water play. This does not help to build on children's intended learning. n Children thoroughly enjoy listening to stories read by staff. They listen intently and provide a running commentary with the staff, repeating known phrases, such as 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'. This helps to develop children's interest in early literacy. n Children are provided with a language-rich environment. However, occasionally, staff do not give children sufficient time to respond to their questions. This does not fully support children's thinking skills or their development of back-and-forth

p.2

need to do better?

conversations. n Children develop a 'can-do' attitude as they balance on the beams, and crawl through large tunnels. They construct a slide out of large planks of wood and tyres. This helps them to develop confidence in their physical abilities. n Children delight in moulding dough and competently use a variety of tools. For

p.2

need to do better?

17 July 2024 example, they place flour in a bowl using a spatula. Children have access to a range of writing implements, such as chalks. These activities help children to develop the coordination and muscles they need for early writing. n Staff provide opportunities for children to learn about number, shapes and measure. Children confidently talk about who is the 'tallest' and 'shortest'. They also use positional language to describe the placement of bricks. Consequently, children develop an awareness of early mathematical concepts. n Staff encourage children to express their thoughts and ideas. During the inspection, children asked for a bowl of soapy water, so that they could clean up outside. Staff used this as an opportunity to engage children in lively discussion about why the wet cloth would stick on some objects but not others. This successfully supported children's critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

p.2

need to do better?

n Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is effective. Staff work collaboratively with parents and professionals to ensure children receive the support that they need. For example, the provider has purchased threading games to support children's dexterity and coordination. Funding is used successfully to help narrow gaps in children's learning. n Staff help children to learn about the importance of good health and hygiene. For example, staff talk to children about having good oral health. Children understand the importance of washing their hands at appropriate times. As a result, they learn about healthy lifestyles. n The manager and staff have a secure understanding of safeguarding practice. They are aware of who to contact should they have any concerns about a child's safety and well-being. However, on some occasions, they do not identify minor hazards, such as a damaged toilet seat. These hazards pose a small risk, which

p.3

need to do better?

does not help to fully protect children from potential harm.

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

Due date

implement an effective curriculum to give all children the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. 01/09/2024

p.3

should:

n take all reasonable steps to minimise potential hazards to children n help staff to understand the importance of giving children time to respond to their questions.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 2634433 Local authority Blackpool Inspection number 10357111 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 21 Name of registered person MiChild Blackpool Limited

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 01253 375820 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Little Angels Nursery registered in 2021 and is situated in Blackpool. The nursery employs three members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 6. The nursery opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm, all year round. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke to/communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n Staff spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n Some parents were spoken to and the inspector read testimonials during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

p.6

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.6

Inspection activities

17 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.

p.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7