Little Learners Preschool

Inspection of Little Learners Preschool Brandram Road Community Centre, Brandram Road, London SE13 5RT

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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

Leaders and staff at Little Learners Preschool create a warm, welcoming environment, where children are happy, confident and ready to learn. Children show excitement and engagement as they join their friends, self-register on arrival and choose their play. Staff provide a range of stimulating and inviting activities, including creative, role play, outdoor, and sensory experiences, supporting children's development across all areas. Staff know children well and form strong, positive bonds, offering support and reassurance throughout the day. This includes encouraging independence through daily routines, supporting turn-taking and sharing using timers and visual aids. Staff also offer cuddles when children are upset, which promotes emotional security and confidence.

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The provision is good

Leaders plan a broad, inclusive and sequenced curriculum, adapting activities to children's individual learning needs and stages. Staff use observations and assessments to inform teaching, helping children develop knowledge, skills and independence in preparation for school. Children demonstrate positive behaviour, understand expectations and follow rules. Staff act as calm, respectful role models, supporting social skills and kindness. For example, staff check children's understanding and encourage polite interactions. Children's views are valued, and staff ensure they are listened to and supported in their learning and daily routines.

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need to do better?

n Overall, the setting has a dedicated team providing high-quality care and education. Leaders offer mentoring, training and curriculum development to staff. Staff state that this boosts their confidence and skills. This ensures children receive consistent support, promoting their learning, development and well- being. n Overall, staff know the children well and provide a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities. Children enjoy exploring resources independently. They develop coordination and early writing skills through activities, such as manipulating pipe cleaners, glue sticks and mark making. Young children explore emotions using picture cards. However, during group times, staff do not consistently engage all children, which can result in some children becoming restless and less focused on the learning experience. n Since the last inspection, leaders and staff have focused on developing children's

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need to do better?

independence. Staff support children to serve themselves at mealtimes, clear their spaces, manage self-care, and put away toys and equipment. These experiences help them become confident, capable learners and foster a sense of responsibility and belonging within the setting. n Staff promote healthy attitudes by holding parent workshops on nutrition and the effects of sugary drinks. They also embed regular drinking sessions into daily

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need to do better?

15 September 2025 routines, reminding children to drink water. This supports children in developing healthy habits and understanding the importance of hydration. n An effective key-person system is in place, and staff have a thorough understanding of each child. They complete regular observations and assessments to inform planning and support learning. Leaders and staff use this information to ensure early intervention is provided, helping all children to make good progress. For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), leaders work closely with parents and external professionals to plan tailored support. This ensures that each child's individual needs are effectively met. n Staff read stories with enthusiasm, effectively capturing children's interest and encouraging participation through acting out narratives. They provide rich opportunities for discussion, questioning and engagement with books. However,

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need to do better?

some aspects of early literacy teaching are not consistently developmentally appropriate. For example, staff occasionally introduce letter names and sounds out of sequence, rather than following the structured progression for teaching children to read. This can hinder children's early literacy development. n The setting has strong partnerships with parents. Parents report that their children are happy, have settled well and are making good progress in their learning and development. Staff keep parents informed about the planned curriculum and provide ideas to extend learning at home. Leaders also invite parents to events and celebrations, fostering a sense of community and involvement in the setting. n Staff lead daily physical activity sessions targeting skills, such as throwing, catching and teamwork, tailored to children's developmental stages. A weekly football coach reinforces turn-taking, kicking and scoring. This develops

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need to do better?

children's core strength, coordination and confidence while promoting active, enjoyable play.

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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 group activities to deepen children's level of engagement and maintain purposeful teaching n review the teaching of early literacy skills so that all children benefit from consistently high-quality learning experiences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY548559 Local authority Lewisham Inspection number 10398681 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 25 Number of children on roll 15 Name of registered person Little Learners Playgroup Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07595120744 Date of previous inspection 5 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Little Learners Preschool registered in 2015. It is located in the London Borough of Lewisham. The pre-school operates during term time. It is open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am until 4pm. There are three members of staff, including the manager. Of these one member of staff holds qualified teacher status and the others have childcare qualifications at levels 2 and 3. The provider offers the government funded places for childcare to eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector carried out a learning walk with leaders to discuss how the curriculum and nursery are organised. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with leaders to evaluate the impact of staff's interactions and teaching on children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching indoors and outdoors to assess the impact of this on children's learning. n Parents spoke to the inspector and gave their views of the setting. n The inspector spoke with staff and the children at convenient times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the information used by the provider to determine staff suitability.

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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

15 September 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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