Little Adventurers Forest School

Inspection of Little Adventurers Forest School Sherbrooke Scout Camp, Mansfield Lane, Calverton, Nottingham NG14 6HP

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children are highly motivated and excited to follow their interests in the woodland. They laugh with friends as they hurry to activities that spark curiosity. When challenges arise, children are confident to ask for help and reassurance. This shows the strong bonds they have with friends and staff, giving them a sense of belonging. These positive relationships boost children's confidence and encourage them to try new experiences. As a result, children develop high levels of independence and are exceptionally well prepared for new adventures.

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The provision is outstanding

Children display excellent attitudes towards their learning. Staff know each child extremely well and tailor their teaching to provide meaningful support. This keeps children highly engaged and maximises their learning potential. Staff create fun and meaningful learning experiences based on children's interests. For example, when children discover worms, staff skilfully guide them in building a wormery. Staff model new skills and ask thought-provoking questions that ignite interest. This helps children improve their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They remind each other of the behaviour staff expect when waiting for a turn. Children show patience and consideration while waiting to cross the plank. These secure social skills and positive attitudes ensure that children are prepared for life beyond the setting.

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need to do better?

n Children thrive in the forest school. Staff have created an inspiring curriculum that builds a strong base for future learning. It also prepares children for new experiences. For example, children jump from a pallet to push away water pooled on a tarpaulin. They repeat the activity until all the water has gone. This demonstrates perseverance and confidence in tackling new challenges. As a result, children make rapid and sustained progress from their starting points. n Children have an excellent understanding of their feelings. They choose highly effective strategies to manage them. Staff understand the importance of calm spaces. They create dedicated areas, where children can regulate their emotions. For example, children are drawn to the music tree, where pans and utensils chime in the breeze. This calming sensory experience enables children to develop exceptional self-awareness and emotional control. Consequently, they

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need to do better?

show resilience and return to learning without delay. n Staff consistently display great skill in supporting children's communication and language development. They engage children in purposeful conversations. They use expression, tone and repetition to introduce new vocabulary. For example, when constructing the wormery, staff help children sound out the word 'wormery'. Children pronounce the word accurately. They identify the letter 'w'

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need to do better?

18 September 2025 and write it without help. This shows that children develop secure links between spoken and written words. As a result, children are making rapid progress in early literacy. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make exceptional progress. Leaders and staff have high aspirations for all children's learning. They work closely with outside agencies to create highly effective, personalised plans. For example, staff help children find their place in line by holding their hand and using simple language. They reinforce expectations with praise. This inclusive approach helps children with SEND to follow routines with confidence. As a result, they can fully take part with their peers and achieve excellent outcomes. n Children display great confidence in their physical abilities. Staff provide a wide range of opportunities to build strength, coordination and control. For example,

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need to do better?

children use a rope to pull themselves up a bank. They also remove the shell of a horse chestnut with precision to reveal the seed. These activities refine both gross and fine motor skills. As a result, children are exceptionally well prepared for future learning. n Staff expertly extend children's mathematical knowledge though meaningful play. For instance, children climb a tree and count 23 branches with accuracy. Staff then encourage them to calculate 'one more'. This highly effective teaching ensures that children develop deep mathematical knowledge. As a result, children can apply their skills in real-life contexts. n Leaders are inspirational. They ensure continuous improvement and strive for the best outcomes for all children. They encourage and support staff in completing additional training and qualifications. Leaders use funding strategically to enhance resources and experiences for children. As a result,

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need to do better?

children thrive with consistent support. They reach excellent outcomes in all learning and development areas.

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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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Setting details

Unique reference number EY548926 Local authority Nottinghamshire County Council Inspection number 10407480 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

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Total number of places

Number of children on roll 77 Name of registered person Little Adventurers Forest School Ltd.

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reference number

Telephone number 01159559971 Date of previous inspection 9 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

Little Adventurers Forest School registered in 2017 and is located in Calverton, Nottinghamshire. The setting employs 17 members of childcare staff. Of these, seven hold qualifications at level 6, including two with qualified teacher status, and six hold qualifications at level 3. Sessions are from 8.45 am until 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. The setting provides funded education for nine month, two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and owners completed a learning walk and discussed all areas of the provision, including the early years curriculum. n The inspector communicated with the children throughout the inspection. n The inspector communicated with parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager carried out a joint observation of a planned activity with the inspector. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The 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

18 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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