Little Tots Nursery

Inspection of Little Tots Nursery Wick Community Centre, Silva Island Way, Wickford SS12 9NR

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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

Staff have developed warm and trusting relationships with children, and they know their key children well. They are sensitive to babies' needs and alert to their cues. Staff recognise when they are tired and allow them to rest when needed. As a result, babies feel safe and secure. Staff provide older children with regular constructive praise and encouragement, helping them understand what they did well. This encourages a growth mindset and builds confidence and motivation.

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The provision is good

Children thrive in a stimulating learning environment filled with opportunities for exploration. The curriculum is carefully tailored to support each child's unique developmental needs, with a strong emphasis on communication and language. It is thoughtfully designed to foster language development through rich, engaging experiences. Staff plan meaningful activities that enhance vocabulary through storytelling, imaginative play, songs, rhymes and the consistent modelling of new language. For example, stories are brought to life through expressive delivery, sparking curiosity and encouraging children to actively participate and discuss characters and events.

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The provision is good

Staff consistently promote positive behaviour. Children demonstrate a strong understanding of staff expectations, such as sharing, taking turns and using good manners. Children play both cooperatively and independently, showing awareness of boundaries and expectations. These positive interactions support the development of empathy, respect for others and help children build the skills needed to regulate their emotions and behaviour.

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need to do better?

n Children's development is closely monitored by staff, who respond promptly when gaps in learning are identified. They work in partnership with parents and other professionals to plan and provide targeted support. Additional funding is used effectively to meet children's individual needs, helping to close any gaps in learning. As a result, all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress from their starting points. n Staff are trained to deliver targeted communication interventions. Where additional support is required, it is identified swiftly, allowing for timely and effective action. This proactive approach ensures that children receive the support they need early on, promoting secure and sustained progress in their development. n Staff actively encourage healthy lifestyles by ensuring that children spend time outdoors daily, engaging in fresh air and physical activities that promote their

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need to do better?

health and well-being. For example, babies enjoy popping bubbles in the garden, while older children have opportunities to ride bicycles and other wheeled toys.

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need to do better?

5 August 2025 n Staff carefully monitor and organise play spaces based on children's needs and interests. They create an environment and offer activities that foster children's enthusiasm, concentration and active engagement in learning. This extends well to children's experiences and activities. For example, younger children remain engaged for prolonged periods during group activities. However, occasionally, these sessions do not focus on how to maximise all children's focus and sustained participation. n Children benefit from meaningful opportunities to develop an early awareness of healthy habits. Staff support them to use safety knives to prepare fruit at snack time and to practise toothbrushing routines. These practical experiences promote independence and help embed positive, lifelong self-care habits. n Children are provided with a variety of experiences that help prepare them for school. Older children take part in new routines, such as lining up, entering the

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need to do better?

nursery in an orderly way and attending a structured registration session. They practise getting dressed using their local school uniform and learn to recognise their names. Children are well supported to gain the skills they need for a smooth transition to school. n Effective partnerships with parents are a key strength of the nursery. Parents speak positively about their children's experiences and feel that staff have a strong understanding of their children's individual needs. Communication is clear and consistent, keeping parents well informed about their child's progress and next steps. n Leaders offer families opportunities to borrow resources, such as books to share at home, to boost children's vocabulary. They also run workshops that inform parents on how they can support their child's learning at home. n Leaders prioritise the well-being of their small team, creating a positive and supportive working environment. Staff say they feel happy and well prepared for

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need to do better?

their roles, with ongoing support provided through regular supervision. As a result, staff report feeling valued and motivated in their work.

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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 group sessions to maximise children's focus and sustained participation.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY550391 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10407334 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 31 Number of children on roll 47

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Name of registered person

Lorraine Porter and Vanessa Matthews Partnership

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reference number

Telephone number 01268 952 824 Date of previous inspection 6 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

Little Tots Nursery registered in 2017. The nursery employs eight members of childcare staff. Of whom, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery operates all year round. Sessions run from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 8am until 4pm on Fridays. The nursery provides government funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector went on a learning walk around the nursery and discussed the early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector gathered parents' views by speaking with them directly and reviewing emails sent to the nursery for the inspection. n Children engaged in conversations with the inspector throughout the day. n The inspector observed the quality of education, indoors and outdoors, evaluating its impact on children's learning and development. n Staff spoke to the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection, and she took account of their views. n The inspector and the manager carried out a joint inspection of an activity. n Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The manager showed the inspector relevant documentation to review the suitability of staff working at 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

5 August 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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