Little Learners Day Nursery

Inspection of Little Learners Day Nursery Booth Lane, MIDDLEWICH, Cheshire CW10 0JL

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are eager to arrive at this setting. They bounce through the door and are welcomed by enthusiastic and friendly staff. Children are happy and settled. The setting has recently undergone several changes, including the introduction of a new management team. Parents comment on the positive impact this has had on their children. For example, the setting now offers more structure to children's learning.

p.2

The provision is good

The curriculum is designed to encourage children's skills of investigation and exploration. Children are delighted as they fill containers with leaves, twigs and bark. They use these to 'bake'. Children discuss the ingredients with each other, pouring in 'milk' and adding 'more flour'. Staff encourage children's understanding of mathematical language, such as 'heavy' 'full' and empty'. Children learn language that supports their future learning. They engage well. For example, children demonstrate good concentration as they scoop shaving foam into cake cases. They develop their small muscles and dexterity as they work with their friends to decorate the 'cakes'. Staff consistently model kind and caring behaviour. As a result, children's behaviour is good. They listen to each other and generally respond to staff's requests. Staff talk to parents to gather relevant information about children, for example, they ask about health needs, such as allergies. This

p.2

need to do better?

n Managers and staff review and adapt provision. For example, they note that a group of children currently learn best when engaged in more physical activities. Staff have adapted the rooms to allow these children more space and easy access to the outdoor area. This has resulted in children being calmer and better engaged in learning. n The setting has recently increased the number of permanent staff employed to work with children. As a result, the key-person system is improving. Children have an allocated member of staff who knows them well. This helps staff to support children's individual needs. However, sometimes children attend the setting on different days to their key-person. Systems are not embedded to fully support children's learning on these occasions. n Most staff demonstrate a good understanding of child development. This helps them to provide learning that consistently builds on children's current stage and

p.2

need to do better?

ability. Children make good progress. However, occasionally, staff with less secure knowledge offer learning that is too difficult. For example, children are asked to use scissors before they have developed the dexterity to hold or manipulate them. On these occasions children enjoy their play but they do not build on their existing skills. n Staff help children to consider healthy lifestyles. For example, they discuss with

p.2

need to do better?

2 May 2025 children why they might need a hat when playing outdoors in the sunshine. Children talk about needing to drink plenty of water on sunny days. They recall previous learning, remembering the word 'hydrate'. Children begin to develop good habits and routines to keep themselves healthy. n Transitions to school are carefully planned. Teaching staff from local schools are invited into the setting to meet the children. Pre-school staff have established a routine which children know and follow with enthusiasm. For example, children are eager to take turns in shaking the tambourine. They confidently announce to their friends that it is 'tidy up time'. Children learn to listen and to follow instructions. They work together with friends on tasks. Children behave well. They demonstrate good social skills, that are needed for their eventual transition to school. n Staff work in partnership with parents. They speak with parents on arrival and as

p.2

need to do better?

children leave the setting to gather and pass on information. Parents are invited to share information about children's achievements at home. However, the setting does not focus as effectively on discussing children's current targets and next steps. As a result, learning is not always consistent between the setting and home to further support children's progress. n Staff work closely with outside agencies who offer support to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). As a result, children with SEND benefit from structured support and consistent approaches to their care. Furthermore, additional funding is used with careful consideration. For example, the setting has purchased resources that enable children with SEND to access story telling activities.

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 strengthen the Key-Person processes, so that all children are consistently supported by staff who know them well and can effectively support their learning n improve staff knowledge of child development, so that all staff provide learning that is sharply focussed on supporting children to make progress from their current skills and ability n increase partnership work with parent to include planned next steps for children's development, to enable children to benefit from consistent and continuous learning between the setting and their home.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY458157 Local authority Cheshire East Inspection number 10402216 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 108 Number of children on roll 100 Name of registered person The Little Nursery Group Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01606841174 Date of previous inspection 6 July 2021

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Little Learners day Nursery registered in 2012 and is located in Middlewich, Cheshire East. The setting employs 14 members of childcare staff, of whom seven hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3, and six at level 2. The setting opens from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, all year round with the exception of the Christmas holidays and bank holidays. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

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 nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector spoke to children, to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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

2 May 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.

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