Little Meadows Nursery

Inspection of Little Meadows Nursery 29b Harmire Enterprise Park, Barnard Castle DL12 8XT

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

Leaders and managers have designed a curriculum for children that is balanced and sequenced. They have considered how to broaden children's experiences and help them build secure foundations for future learning. Overall, staff are aware of the skills they need to teach children, but they do not focus their teaching to promote children's individual development consistently. In addition, children make several room changes throughout the day, which has an impact on their learning and their ability to settle in. However, staff promote children's positive behaviour and have high expectations of them. They are kind, caring and responsive toward children and provide parents with information about their child's day. This helps to promote continuity and partnership working.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

There are weaknesses in the leadership and management of the nursery that have led to breaches of the requirements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS). For instance, the staff to child ratio requirements are not met in the morning. Despite this, the majority of children are happy on arrival and are keen to come to the nursery. In addition, the procedures for staff to follow when children have individual dietary requirements are unclear in comparison to procedures for children who have allergies or intolerances. Since the pandemic, staff ensure that children regularly visit the local community to become more aware of the world around them. Children take part in local charity events and enjoy trips out of the setting.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders and managers understand the requirements of the EYFS and demonstrates the capacity to make the necessary improvements. Although staff shifts and deployments are organised weekly, this is not effective if children arrive earlier than expected, leaving the nursery under staffed. There are clear action plans in place to drive improvements forward that staff contribute towards, such as developing the outdoor area even further for children who prefer to learn outdoors. n Children benefit from healthy, freshly cooked meals and snacks throughout the day. They sit together at the table with other children of different age groups and enjoy the social aspect of this. Staff support them to self-serve food and drink and show them how to use cutlery. However, during the inspection, staff were not aware of children's dietary needs and preferences. Staff observing swiftly intervened before any food was consumed.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff know about their key children's interests and stages of development. Overall, they provide activities that children are keen to join in with, such as exploring sensory autumn objects in the tray. Babies and young children develop confidence as they play in the water tray, and staff model tipping and pouring

p.2

need to do better?

30 September 2024 actions. Toddlers show interest in books and stories. They listen intently and join in with small-group times to help develop their communication and language skills. However, staff's teaching is not focused enough to help all children make good progress in their learning. n Pre-school children benefit from exciting, challenging experiences that help them to prepare for school. Staff encourage them to use scissors independently and draw shapes for them to cut out. Older children are keen, enthusiastic learners. They show emerging levels of concentration and pride in their own ability as they accurately count the spots on the ladybirds. n The provision for children with special educational needs is positive. Staff understand the importance of making swift referrals to support children with a potential delay in their learning. They demonstrate a clear understanding of the individual learning plans and support children effectively on a one-to-one basis.

p.2

need to do better?

This helps to close gaps in children's learning. n Staff gather information about children before they start. This helps them to meet their care needs and helps them to settle in. Children form positive relationships with staff and are soothed with cuddles and their personal comfort items. However, they move around the rooms in the nursery several times throughout the day, which disrupts their emotional well-being. n Leaders and managers provide staff with regular supervision meetings and access to professional development opportunities. Staff say they enjoy training and have worked hard to develop their understanding of children's behaviour. This has had a positive impact on how they support children's developing social skills and self-regulation.

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

should:

n consider the impact on children's emotional well-being when making changes to rooms and the amount of transitions they make each day n focus staff's teaching throughout the day, so they consistently support children to make good progress

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2721980 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10364924 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 48 Number of children on roll 50 Name of registered person Rascals Playtime Childcare Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01830 200150 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Little Meadows Nursery registered in 2023 and is situated in Barnard Castle. The nursery employs seven members of childcare staff. The manager holds an early years qualification at level 5, and three members of staff hold an appropriate qualification at level 3. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, other than bank holidays. Sessions are from 7am to 6pm. The nursery offers funded early education places.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint observation was completed by the manager and inspector, indoors, during planned group time activity. n The inspector held a discussion with the manager in relation to the leadership and management of the nursery. She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of recruitment, staff's qualifications and their suitability to work with children. She discussed children's learning and development with the staff team and nursery manager. n The inspector spoke to parents and obtained feedback for the inspection.

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

30 September 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