Little Seeds Playgroup and Preschool ltd

Inspection of Little Seeds Playgroup and Preschool ltd Ponteland memorial hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 9NX

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Overall effectiveness Inadequate

The quality of education Inadequate Behaviour and attitudes Inadequate Personal development Inadequate Leadership and management Inadequate Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is inadequate

Most children form positive relationships with staff and settle when they arrive. This is particularly relevant for older children. However, some young children often become upset due to staff knocking on their room door and walking through it to access other areas of the setting. This constant disruption makes it hard for babies and young children to feel safe and calm.

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The provision is inadequate

The provider works with parents and other agencies to seek advice and guidance for children who may need additional support. However, staff do not always understand each child's individual needs, especially those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Older children show that they understand the rules of the setting. For example, staff offer gentle reminders, such as 'walking indoors'. Another strength of the setting is that staff help children to become independent. Children wash their hands, pour drinks and peel fruit on their own. Older children show enjoyment as they make their own orange juice. These activities help children to learn about healthy living. Staff also take children to places like residential care homes and parents are invited into the setting to join in with events, such as Mother's Day. This helps children to learn more about the community and world around them.

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need to do better?

n Staff work closely with parents to understand what children know and can already do when they first start at the setting. This includes gathering information from children about children's early development, including toilet training. However, staff do not accurately identify what children need to learn next. Some assessments are too advanced for younger children. For example, staff teach younger children initial letter sounds too early. n Staff working with babies and younger children use holding activities while staff prepare lunches. For example, when waiting to wash their hands staff blow bubbles to children, however, they are not engaged, leading to them becoming distressed and frustrated. This result's in children's emotional needs not being met. n Activities are not adapted or challenging enough, both indoors and outdoors, for the older children in the setting, For example, older children access the same

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need to do better?

activities outdoors as babies and younger children with no adaptations, meaning these activities do not extend children's learning. n Children show a love of books, and bring these to staff. However, books for babies and younger children are in poor condition. For example, books not cared for are torn and left on the floor. This does not encourage a love of reading. n Older children enjoy singing. They use songs to indicate changes in routine. For

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need to do better?

12 June 2025 example, the setting has a 'tidy-up' song and a 'handwashing' song. n Older children experience opportunities to support their social skills. For example, they enjoy sitting with their friends at snack time. Staff role model good table manners, encouraging children to say please and thank you. n Staff are kept up to date with safeguarding training, and the provider regularly checks knowledge and awareness. The provider follows safer recruitment procedures to ensure the suitability of staff. Induction takes place for new staff, including training. Staff complete mandatory training, for example safeguarding and first aid within three months of starting induction. n The provider observes staff working with the children and provides feedback. However, when setting targets to improve practice these do not enhance the quality of teaching, which impacts on children's learning. n Although ratio requirements are met, staff deployment and organisation impacts

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need to do better?

children's individual needs. This includes weaknesses in the setting's key-person policy. Staff are deployed to work with children with SEND but do not know enough about their interests and individual needs while their key person is deployed elsewhere in the setting.

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

Due date

ensure younger children are well supported through transitions, and that staff are more prepared to ensure children's emotional well-being needs are met at all times 08/08/2025

p.3

Due date

design a curriculum that is ambitious for all children, including those with SEND, taking into account the individual needs and interests of the children 08/08/2025

p.3

Due date

increase staff knowledge and understanding of identifying children's next steps and that they are age- appropriate 08/08/2025

p.3

Due date

12 June 2025 ensure activities and experiences reflect the range of developmental stages of all children and that these are adapted and are challenging for all children 08/08/2025

p.3

Due date

ensure resources and books are in good condition to help to promote children's love of books 08/08/2025

p.4

Due date

strengthen the key-person approach so key staff are working with key children, especially those children with SEND 08/08/2025

p.4

Due date

review supervision arrangements to ensure these help to enhance the overall quality of interactions. 08/08/2025

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2738654 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10404871 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 50 Number of children on roll 28 Name of registered person Little Seeds Playgroup and Preschool ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07712220401 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Seeds Playgroup and Preschool ltd registered in 2023. The pre-school employs six members of childcare staff. Four staff hold appropriate early years qualifications. The setting is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, term time only, and 9am to 3pm during summer holidays. The provider receives funding to provide early education for eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The registered individual/ manager joined the inspector on a learning walk. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with the registered individual/manager about the leadership and management of the setting. 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 registered individual/manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation during snack time. n The inspector reviewed parent letters, where they shared their views of the setting testimonies. n The registered individual/manager provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

12 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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