The Little Lighthouse Nursery

Inspection of The Little Lighthouse Nursery Little Stukeley Village Hall, 14 Low Road, Little Stukeley, Huntingdon PE28 4BA

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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

The nursery is a pack-away setting that offers a main play space, sensory room and vast outdoor area. Children choose between the areas in which they play, making their own choices and engaging in physical risky play both indoors and outdoors. Families are welcomed into the setting, and children demonstrate their high levels of confidence as they say 'goodbye' to their parents and join their friends. Parents praise the excellent communication and partnership working at this setting.

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The provision is good

Staff monitor children's progress closely and communicate with parents about concerns that may arise. Where staff identify children are progressing below what is expected of their age, they quickly implement learning opportunities to help children progress quicker. For example, children take part in reading and singing activities that support their speech and language development well. Overall, children demonstrate excellent language skills and are confident to talk to visitors at the setting.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate an excellent understanding of the rules and boundaries in place, especially when outdoors. Staff talk about being safe, and children listen carefully. For example, children fully understand where they are allowed to go outdoors, even though there is no physical boundary. Children's behaviour is good. They play together in small groups and invite peers to join them. When children have a disagreement, staff intervene and use sand timers to support children to take turns and share resources.

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need to do better?

n Reading is at the heart of this provision. Staff take time to read to children on a one-to-one basis, as well as reading in small groups each day. Children are excited to read with a staff member, and they eagerly choose a story. They listen carefully, ask questions and staff initiate conversations about the pictures they can see. Children develop a strong love of reading and, as they progress, they begin to recognise singular words and sounds. Furthermore, books are displayed in all areas of the provision to spark children's interests and attention, and children enjoy looking at books independently during their play. n The setting is a communication friendly environment, with small cosy areas for children to talk to their peers. Staff are thoughtful about the way furniture is placed to maximise the opportunities for conversation. Staff provide multiple group times throughout the day that focus on language development and

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need to do better?

children's understanding of emotions. Children are excited to share with the group how they are feeling today and are proud of themselves for sharing their own thoughts. They listen to their peers and staff, developing a high level of confidence in their communication skills.

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need to do better?

17 January 2025 n Children develop their physical skills when preparing their own snack. Under close supervision, children use knives to cut their own fruit, develop important mathematics skills when counting the pieces and learn about the world around them as they discuss where the fruit has come from. n Outdoors, children practise their large motor skills as they ride scooters and bikes. They negotiate space and gain core-strength as they balance. Furthermore, staff talk to children about risks, and children learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, staff encourage children to wear helmets, and when riding the scooter over a ramp, staff ask, 'Does that feel safe for you?' Children take time to think and choose a safe option. n The management team is reflective and recognises the strengths in staff's practice. Furthermore, they understand the benefits of discussing their observations with staff to build their confidence and strengthen their practice to

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need to do better?

a high standard. However, at times, the quality of staff's interactions with children is inconsistent, particularly in the sensory room and outside. Therefore, occasionally, children's levels of engagement and attention are not at the highest level. n The management team is passionate about providing children with a vast range of experiences and opportunities during their early years. They provide French and violin lessons, as well as football coaching and many different outings in the local community. Children learn about the world around them, meet new people and learn new skills.

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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 enhance the quality of staff's interactions with children, particularly in the sensory room and outside, so children are supported to remain highly engaged in purposeful learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2696645 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10367879 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 35 Number of children on roll 27 Name of registered person The Little Lighthouse Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number setting no: 07849 770935 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The Little Lighthouse Nursery registered in 2022. They are based in Little Stukeley, Huntingdon. The nursery is open from 8am until 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. It is closed for a week at Christmas and a week at Easter. It also closes on days that the village hall is used as a polling station. It employs five members of childcare staff. Of whom, four hold relevant early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including the owner-manager who holds qualified teacher status. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector carried out joint observations of a group activity with the manager. 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 of staff.

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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

17 January 2025 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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