Setting EY387824

Report for childcare on domestic premises

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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

Children are well cared for at this setting. They are happy and feel safe and secure. Staff know the children well and check their progress on a regular basis. New children settle in quickly as the process is clear and meets their individual needs. Staff structure the environment well, successfully giving children the confidence to explore and access all areas. Children enjoy hands-on experiences to develop their curiosity about the natural world. For example, they feed the nursery tortoises and collect eggs from chickens each day.

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The provision is good

All children are keen to learn and build positive relationships with adults and other children. They show patience as they wait for their turn and respond to lots of praise from staff. Children make good progress in their communication skills, asking questions and engaging in conversations as they play. Older children enjoy singing and story time. Children learn to focus for long periods, which is a skill that helps to prepare them for next stage in their education. Children learn to develop independence and understand routines from an early age. Younger children have opportunities to make choices, for example at snack time. Older children learn to take care of their toileting needs, put on shoes and aprons and serve themselves at mealtimes.

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need to do better?

n Leaders support staff well. They provide team catch ups where they reflect on the success of the activities and children's interests. Individual staff benefit from supervision meetings and regular training to continually enhance their knowledge and skills. n Overall, children benefit from a well-thought-out and interesting curriculum that covers all areas of learning. Staff skilfully engage with children and capture their interest in activities. They promote the intended learning well. However, staff do not consistently recognise when to offer greater challenge for the most able children to fully extend their learning. n There is a strong emphasis on promoting children's curiosity and encouraging them to learn through discovery and real-life experiences. In addition to caring for the animals, children use real tools and household items. For example, children use hammers and nails safely and successfully in their play. These skills

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need to do better?

have been taught over time by staff. n Children's physical development is promoted well. Staff focus on the core skills that the children need, such as building their muscles and balance. Younger children benefit from a carefully put together plan of outdoor activities at specific times during the day. For example, they enjoy throwing large balls, a low level climbing frame and using the slide. Older children develop coordination skills as they navigate an obstacle.

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need to do better?

17 July 2025 n The management and staff foster children's interest in reading well. Throughout the nursery, children are seen frequently sitting with staff looking at books. Staff make good use of these opportunities to encourage vocabulary in the younger children and listening skills with the older children. In addition, all children have a book bag that they take home each week to further encourage reading at home. n The provision to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is strong. The management and staff use other tools, such as Makaton and visual aids, to aid communication. Children's individual needs are understood and staff work well with parents and other relevant professionals to secure any additional support needed. n Staff celebrate children's different cultures well through the provision of resources and planning of activities. For example, children bring in significant

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need to do better?

items from home to discuss, and staff organise different food tasting events. These experiences prepare children for life in modern Britain. n Partnerships with parents are effective. Parents speak very highly about the staff. There is a good system in place to share information and keep parents informed of their child's progress.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding is effective. Management and staff are clear on the policy and procedures needed to be in place to keep children safe.

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should:

n help staff to know when to extend activities for the most able children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY387824 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10398671 Type of provision Childcare on 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 25 Number of children on roll 37

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 5 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Little Dolphins Nursery registered in 2009 and is located in St. Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex. The setting is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 6pm, all year round. The setting receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The setting employs seven members of staff, five of whom hold a relevant early years qualification at level 3 or above. This includes one member of staff who has a level 4 and one member of staff who holds a degree at level 6.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector completed a learning walk with the manager to discuss how the provision is organised. n A joint observation of the quality of teaching was conducted and evaluated by the manager and the inspector. n The inspector observed children playing and learning and talked to children and staff. n The inspector spoke to a sample of parents to gain their views of the setting. n A leadership and management meeting with the manager of the setting was held to discuss safeguarding arrangements and staff development. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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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 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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