Little Tewkes Nursery & Childrens Centre

Inspection of Little Tewkes Nursery & Childrens Centre Tewkes Creek Pavilion, Dovervelt Road, CANVEY ISLAND, Essex SS8 8EJ

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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

Leaders have designed a curriculum that supports children to grow and develop across the seven areas of learning. Children show great happiness and joy as they take part in the exciting and engaging activities on offer. There is a focus on preparing children for the next stage in their education. High-quality teaching offers children the progression they need to build on what they already know and can do. As a result, children make excellent progress in their learning and development.

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The provision is good

Attachments between children and adults are wonderfully secure. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the nursery. There is a robust key- person system in place, which works in conjunction with the settling-in process for new children. Children receive the warm and nurturing care that helps them build emotional security. This enables them to quickly engage in their play and learning. They beam with happiness as kind and caring staff support them in meaningful play that excites and inspires.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They listen to trusted adults and follow instructions. Across the nursery, children show highly positive attitudes to tasks, such as tidying away their toys and resources. Children demonstrate good manners, which are consistently modelled by staff. Children remember to say please and thank you and are polite and respectful to adults and peers.

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need to do better?

n Children show a deep interest in books. They enjoy listening to favourite stories with adults. Staff show an understanding of how to use stories to develop vocabulary and strengthen communication and language. Narration during play further extends the words that children hear. Older children use language confidently in their play and interactions with others. n Staff provide environments that promote curiosity and wonder. Younger children explore a range of sensory activities, such as sand and water. Older children are supported by adults to ask questions and extend their ideas and thinking. n Children are developing an awareness of risk and challenge. Babies climb on wooden cubes and learn to navigate steps. Older children learn to use the slide and safely reach the bottom. Staff help children to manage tools safely, such as scissors. They support children through stages from using safety scissors to

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need to do better?

independent cutting. n Children learn about similarities and differences. Staff plan activities that provide positive discussions about features, such as skin and hair colour. For example, they create portraits of their parents and use mirrors as a start point for identifying features. n Overall, children show high levels of concentration as they engage with skilful

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need to do better?

10 June 2025 adults. They engage in meaningful conversations and interactions that develop their use of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, during large- group activities, such as circle time, the volume is too loud for some children and they struggle to stay engaged in learning. This means that they miss opportunities to be fully engaged in the learning experiences available during these times. n Support for the most disadvantaged children is secure. Staff know the needs of children and work closely with parents and professionals to give children the support they need. This means that children who are at risk of falling behind are supported to close any gaps and are prepared for the next stage in their learning. n Parents speak highly of the setting. They feel that children are well cared for and safe. They particularly highlight the warm and professional relationship they have with staff. Parents say they are well informed and feel involved in their

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need to do better?

children's learning and development. n Children engage positively in physical play. The youngest children enjoy tummy time that develops core strength. Older children successfully navigate stepping stones. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, and regularly drink water to stay hydrated. This helps them to develop positive attitudes to healthy lifestyles. n Children's understanding of mathematical concepts is developing well. Staff apply their recent training with great enthusiasm to broaden and extend the language and concepts for children. Language is rich and meaningful and supports children to develop an understanding of size, quantity and volume. n Leaders place a high priority on staff training and development. This ensures that all staff have the skills and knowledge required to deliver good-quality care and education. There is a positive, open door culture in the nursery that

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need to do better?

promotes strong partnership working and seamless communication.

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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 review the organisation of large-group activities to ensure that all children are able to remain engaged and focused in the learning opportunities provided.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY342933 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10392366 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 78 Number of children on roll 149 Name of registered person Battams, Deborah Jane

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reference number

Telephone number 01268 685435 Date of previous inspection 19 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Little Tewkes Nursery & Childrens Centre registered in 2006. The nursery employs 29 staff. Of these, 18 staff members hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. A housekeeper is also employed. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions run from 7am until 7pm. The nursery provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The deputy manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and interactions, both inside and in the garden. n Parents shared their views with the inspector during the inspection and their views were taken into account. n The inspector spoke with leaders about the leadership and management of the nursery. n The inspector viewed a sample of 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

10 June 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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