Little Folks Day Nursery

Inspection of Little Folks Day Nursery Edward Parry Centre, Coventry Street, Kidderminster DY10 2BP

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 Requires improvement

p.1

The provision is good

Staff create a calm, welcoming environment that helps children feel safe, settled and eager to join in. They greet children warmly on arrival and offer sensitive reassurance to those who find it harder to separate from their parents. For example, when children struggle with goodbyes, staff use familiar routines and comforting distractions to support their emotional security.

p.2

The provision is good

Overall, leaders and staff have worked together to create a curriculum that sets out what children need to learn in each room. Staff use everyday routines such as making play dough or serving snacks to teach language, number and social skills. Babies explore through touch and movement, toddlers learn to share and talk about feelings and older children practise speaking clearly, counting and getting ready for school. In the baby room, areas are adapted to support both non-mobile and mobile babies, with carefully chosen resources that promote exploration.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff use children's interests to make learning fun and meaningful and set up spaces that spark curiosity, independence and conversation. Children are motivated to join in, try new things and build positive attitudes to learning that prepare them well for school. Leaders and staff have designed the dining room to offer a calm, social space, where furniture is tailored to suit different age groups. Children eat together comfortably and develop independence during mealtimes.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders have provided clear direction and strong support to help the staff team improve the quality of education and care. Since the last inspection, they have taken purposeful steps to raise expectations, introduce new systems and ensure staff understand the curriculum. Overall, regular checks on planning, observation and teaching help leaders identify where further support is needed. Staff are confident in their roles, and children benefit from quality education experiences. n Leaders ensure that staff receive training which links directly to their roles and their professional development needs. Recent training has supported staff to focus on helping children resolve conflicts, with the aim of not stepping in too quickly. Staff at all levels are well supported by leaders. n Overall, an effective key-person system is in place. Leaders promote positive relationships with families and encourage regular communication about

p.2

need to do better?

children's care and learning. Many staff share useful updates and suggestions to support children's learning at home, and parents speak warmly about the setting's welcoming approach. However, not all staff provide the same level of opportunity for back-and-forth discussions. This means some parents are not as well informed about their child's progress as others. n The curriculum places a strong focus on communication and emotional

p.2

need to do better?

25 July 2025 development. Staff have clear direction to build children's language and support them to express feelings, make friends and manage daily routines. The physical development curriculum is well constructed for babies with opportunities that support early movement and coordination at various stages of their development. However, for older children, the progression is more generic. The curriculum for children's physical skills over time is less clear, reducing the opportunity for challenges. n Staff use observations to get to know children and plan activities linked to their interests. In most cases, they identify next steps that support children's progress well. However, assessment is not yet used consistently across the team. Some learning targets are too broad, which makes it harder to check what children have learned or what they need to learn next. This reduces the precision of teaching and means some children do not benefit as well as possible from

p.2

need to do better?

sharply focused support. n Throughout the day, staff consistently model respectful, calm interactions. They support children to manage their emotions, take turns and play cooperatively. Staff use gentle reminders and positive language to guide behaviour, and they help children think about how their actions affect others. Children demonstrate that they feel safe, show care towards their friends and are confident to join in and contribute to group activities. n Staff promote an inclusive environment where children learn to respect and value differences. They use books, stories and conversations to explore family life, cultures and beliefs in ways that are meaningful to children. For example, staff support children to talk about their own backgrounds and notice how others may celebrate in different ways. These open discussions help children develop positive attitudes and a sense of belonging in a diverse community.

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 support key persons to provide more consistent two-way communication with all families about children's progress n refine the physical development curriculum to identify precise progression and challenge for toddlers and pre-school children n enhance the use of assessment information so that all staff identify clear, specific next steps that precisely reflect children's learning needs and support planning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY539961 Local authority Worcestershire Inspection number 10369632 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 85 Number of children on roll 55 Name of registered person R & J Nurseries Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01562861000 Date of previous inspection 23 September 2024

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Little Folks Day Nursery registered in 2016 and is based in Kidderminster. The nursery employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 2 or above, including one at level 5. The nursery is open from Monday to Friday, all year round, except for one week at Christmas. Sessions are from 7.30am to 6pm. The setting provides funded early years places.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The 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 Children interacted 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 the nominated individual/registered individual about the leadership and management of the nursery. 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 carried out a joint observation with the manager. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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

25 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.

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