Little Explorers

Inspection of Little Explorers Unit 16, CLEATOR MOOR, Cumbria CA25 5QB

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Staff warmly greet children and parents at the door on arrival and welcome them into the nursery. Children settle quickly when they arrive. Children display strong bonds with staff. They reach out for comfort when needed, which helps them to develop a sense of security.

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The provision is good

Leaders have designed a curriculum that aims to give children a broad range of enriching experiences. Children enjoy trips to see the diggers at the local building site and attend 'centres of excellence' to learn about robots and drones. In addition, they have opportunities to learn about the world. For example, children enjoy listening to 'We're Going on a Lion Hunt'. They learn about different animals, such as lions, and cultural differences, such as traditional dress. This promotes children's understanding of the world and their local community.

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The provision is good

Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are well supported. Staff work in partnership with parents and external professionals, such as early years specialist teachers and physiotherapists, to implement children's individual learning plans. This includes one-to-one support where needed to ensure that all children benefit from the learning opportunities. All children benefit from clear and achievable targets to help them to make good progress from their starting points. They are prepared for their next stage in learning.

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need to do better?

n The curriculum for communication and language is a strength. Staff who work with babies introduce musical instruments to develop their understanding of rhythm and rhyme. For example, as babies delight in shaking the tambourine, staff clap their hands at the same time. Furthermore, staff model and extend language for children. For example, staff introduce new language in play, which helps to build on children's vocabulary. n Staff incorporate mathematics well into children's play. Babies learn to count during song time as they sing about 'Five Little Ducks'. In addition, as older children chop and slice their carrots for snack time, staff introduce words such as 'cube' and 'hexagon' to describe the different shapes children make out of the carrots. Children develop a good grounding in early mathematics. n Partnerships with parents are a strength of the nursery. There is a two-way flow of communication. Parents receive daily feedback and updates on their children's

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need to do better?

progress through conversations and via the online app. They comment on the lending library, where children enjoy choosing books to read at home, and advice on specific topics, such as weaning and potty training. This supports children's continuity of learning. n Children demonstrate positive attitudes to learning. They listen attentively during

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need to do better?

31 March 2025 group times and show high levels of engagement from a young age. Staff give children gentle reminders about what is expected of them and how to behave. For example, babies are taught to take turns and share their toys. In addition, staff give children responsibilities, which they carry out with pride. Children learn to manage risks outdoors with a checklist to ensure it is safe for play. All children behave very well. n Physical development is supported well. Babies develop their small muscles as staff support them to serve themselves using tools such as tongs and spoons during mealtimes. Older children master putting on clothes and develop their large muscles as they navigate the balance bikes in the outdoor area. Children gain an array of physical skills that support their overall development and readiness for school. n Leaders are passionate and strive for continual improvement. Staff feel that

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need to do better?

leaders prioritise their well-being. They receive regular supervision sessions where they can discuss a range of issues. Staff have access to a range of training opportunities to support their continual professional development. However, the monitoring of staff practice is not yet precise enough to address variations in teaching practice and raise the quality of education even further. n Overall, children develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles. Staff encourage children to learn about the importance of good oral health. In addition, children know to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. However, staff do not always encourage children to wash their hands after blowing their noses. Staff do not consistently model this behaviour to children. Consequently, children are not fully supported to understand the importance of this good hygiene practice.

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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 monitoring of staff practice to ensure greater consistency in the quality of education and improve their practice even further n ensure that staff consistently act as good role models and help children to learn about the importance of good hygiene practices.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY544276 Local authority Cumberland Inspection number 10389755 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 50 Number of children on roll 53 Name of registered person Little Explorers Pre-School Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01946 813111 Date of previous inspection 20 June 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Little Explorers registered in 2017 and is privately owned. It is located in Cleator Moor, Cumbria. The nursery employs 12 members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds early years teacher status, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and two are unqualified apprentices. The owner holds qualified teacher status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7am until 5pm. The nursery offers the government funded places for childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. 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 talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector talked to children at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager. n Parents shared their views of the nursery with the inspector. n Leaders provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request, including 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

31 March 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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