Little Nestlings

Inspection of Little Nestlings 50 Broad Street, Hereford HR4 9AR

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are extremely happy, and they enjoy their time at this vibrant nursery. Staff are kind, caring and affectionate. They greet children warmly, which supports them to separate from their parents with ease. Children are quick to get involved in their play. Throughout the day, there are infectious giggles and squeals of excitement from children. They are confident to approach new people and show them their toys, demonstrating how safe they feel.

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The provision is good

Staff plan and provide an interesting and exciting curriculum for children. They carefully consider what they want children to learn through the experiences they provide. Babies are encouraged to stand to explore sensory materials, which helps them to develop strength in their core and legs in readiness for waking. Toddler- aged children improve their stamina during walks in the local community. Staff support them to look for objects in the local green. They extend the challenge for more-able children by providing two-part instructions, such as finding sticks with branches on. Preschool aged children make their own vegetable soup. They practise using knives to safely cut vegetables. Staff introduce the names of new vegetables, such as a parsnip, and explain where vegetables come from. They talk about those which grow underground and the process of harvesting these before they arrive at the shops, which helps give children knowledge about the world they

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need to do better?

n Managers are highly ambitious about the quality of care and education they provide. They genuinely want the very best for every child. Managers use self- evaluation accurately to monitor the quality of provision. They recognise ways they can strengthen children's experiences further, to build on their already-good outcomes. n The support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is strong. Staff get to know children well and work with their parents to gather information about other professionals who may be involved with their child. Play plans are devised and implemented successfully to help every child to reach their potential. n Staff are skilful in building on children's communication and language skills. Babies are exposed to single words and songs during their play. Staff check in with older children to explain the concepts of words they hear, such as 'beanbag'. They engage children in meaningful conversations, which helps

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need to do better?

children to become fluent communicators. n Children are supported to develop a love for reading through continuous access to high-quality books. They visit the library regularly which broadens the reading materials they are exposed to. Children eagerly sit down for story time and

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need to do better?

29 September 2025 repeat familiar phrases from books they know. Older children are supported to recognise letters and words. For example, they independently find their own name tag at lunch time. n Staff plan and provide varied activities throughout the day. Children select their favourite songs using a smart speaker and dance around to music they hear. They sit down together to sing songs and share stories. However, on occasions, children lose interest in these sessions and begin to fidget. This distracts other children and impacts on their high levels of engagement. n Parents are very complimentary about the nursery. They explain how much their children enjoy attending and particularly praise the experiences they get in exploring the community around them during regular outings. Parents welcome the regular feedback they get about their child's care and development, which helps to provide continuity at home.

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need to do better?

n Staff feel well-supported by leaders and managers. Regular supervision opportunities allow them to discuss any concerns or challenges they face. Staff receive feedback about their teaching and practice, and can access a range of training opportunities. However, some of these professional development opportunities are in their infancy. This means that teaching is not yet consistently at the highest possible level. n Children behave well at nursery. Staff are excellent role-models. They model how to be kind to each other and exercise use of manners in their interactions. Staff offer plenty of praise to children in recognition of their good behaviours. They deal with any unwanted behaviours calmly by explaining to children why certain behaviours may be dangerous. This helps children learn how to keep themselves and others safe.

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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 planning and organisation of group activities to help children remain deeply engaged in their learning n embed professional development opportunities for staff to consistently raise the quality of their teaching to the highest level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2765739 Local authority Herefordshire Inspection number 10422362 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 40 Number of children on roll 68 Name of registered person Little Nestlings Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07762518925 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Nestlings registered in 2023. It is located within Hereford town centre. The nursery opens Monday to Friday for 50 weeks per year. Sessions are from 7am until 5.30pm. There are 19 members of childcare staff. Of these, 14 hold qualifications at level 3 and three hold qualifications at level 2. The nursery is in receipt of funded early education for children aged from nine-months-old.

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Inspection activities

n The provider, manager and inspector completed a learning walk to gather information about how the provision and curriculum are organised. n Parents spoke to the inspector and provided their written views of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching indoors and outdoors to assess the impact of this on children's learning. n The manager and inspector completed a joint observation to evaluate to effectiveness of teaching. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector held a meeting with the provider and manager and looked at relevant documentation and evidence of 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

29 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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