Little Hands Daycare Amblecote

Inspection of Little Hands Daycare Amblecote Amblecote Christian Centre, 102-104 Brettell Lane, Stourbridge DY8 4BS

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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

Children thrive in this welcoming, safe and secure environment. They are happy to leave their parents and carers and are eager to join in with their learning. Staff meet their care needs in a calm and responsive manner. For example, they change children's clothes and nappies. They offer babies comfort and reassurance when needed. This demonstrates strong attachments and a secure understanding of each child's routine and preferences.

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The provision is good

The exciting and engaging curriculum is well sequenced and builds on children's interests and next stages of learning. For example, children show an interest in the worms they find as they dig in the soil. Staff extend this learning by introducing 'worm spaghetti' in a later activity. They incorporate mathematical language by discussing the long and short worms, or exploring which worms are heavier or lighter. Babies are interested to see what is in the sensory boxes. They show curiosity as they investigate, exploring the contents and using their coordination and fine motor skills to examine the items they take out.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They share, take turns and follow instructions. Staff support them in managing their emotions by discussing feelings and modelling calm responses. As a result, children become confident and secure in their surroundings, often inviting staff and inspectors into their play. Staff offer children regular praise and encouragement, which boosts their self-esteem.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and staff are passionate about providing every child with high-quality early education. They hold regular supervision sessions to set targets and support staff's well-being. Leaders have an extremely strong commitment to training and enhancing staff's expertise. This supports staff to continually improve their practice and interactions with children. n Staff consistently promote communication and language throughout the setting. They engage children in meaningful conversations, introduce new vocabulary and model clear pronunciation. Targeted communication programmes help younger children to develop their listening and speaking skills, while older children build their social and communication skills by chatting with friends in a tent. During story time, staff read with enthusiasm, keeping children engaged as they join in with repeated phrases and actions, which further supports their language development.

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need to do better?

n Children engage in a wide range of activities that support their learning across all areas of development. For example, babies build core strength during supported tummy time. Toddlers develop independence by self-serving their lunch. Pre-school children strengthen their pre-writing skills by manipulating

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need to do better?

2 July 2025 dough and making marks with paint. However, at times, staff do not fully consider how the environment affects children's learning. High noise levels and overcrowded activities can limit children's ability to fully engage and achieve the outstanding outcomes they are capable of. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities or those who may require additional support are identified early. Staff work closely with outside agencies and parents to ensure children receive the support they need, including help with transitions to school. Leaders use any extra funding appropriately to meet the needs of children. n Staff actively promote healthy lifestyles. Children enjoy nutritious menus tailored to their individual dietary needs and have constant access to fresh water. They spend time outdoors each day, benefiting from fresh air and physical activity. Staff teach children about sun safety as part of learning how to care for

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need to do better?

themselves and stay healthy. Visiting sports and music professionals lead sessions that promote physical exercise and reinforce the importance of a healthy lifestyle. n Children benefit from strong links with the local community. They take part in intergenerational dance sessions with older adults, join local litter-picking initiatives and support food and baby banks. Visitors to the setting, such as the 'animal man' and the local authority road safety team, further enrich their experiences. These opportunities help children to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world around them and develop a sense of community involvement. n Partnerships with parents are a key strength of the setting. Parents value both the setting and its staff, and they feel their children make excellent progress in their learning. Staff communicate effectively with parents through verbal updates and an online system. The setting invites parents to attend sessions that support

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need to do better?

children's development, such as toilet training and school readiness. Parents also take part in stay-and-play sessions, giving them the opportunity to observe and engage in how their children learn.

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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 further how staff organise daily activities to ensure that children gain the most from the learning environment and the opportunities available to them.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2724780 Local authority Dudley Inspection number 10410773 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 59 Number of children on roll 97 Name of registered person Little Hands Daycare Group Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01384 441441 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Hands Daycare Amblecote registered in 2023. It is one of four settings owned by the same provider. The setting employs 20 members of childcare staff. Of these, 17 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The setting is open from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and a week during the Christmas holiday period. The setting provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The managers joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with managers about the leadership and management of the setting. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

2 July 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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