Little Oaks @ The Parish Rooms

Inspection of Little Oaks @ The Parish Rooms St Margaret's Parish Rooms, Church Road, Penn, Buckinghamshire HP10 8EG

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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

Children arrive eager and happy, demonstrating that they feel safe and well cared for in this nurturing environment. They settle quickly each morning, greeting staff with smiles and engaging in daily routines. Some children join group activities straight away or choose their favourite toys, while others separate calmly from their parents, reassured by familiar staff. Strong attachments with staff support children's emotional well-being. Children confidently seek comfort and reassurance, inviting staff to share a book or asking for a cuddle when needed. Staff respond warmly and listen attentively, offering encouragement and helping children feel valued.

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The provision is good

The staff enable seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas, ensuring children move safely and confidently as part of the daily routine. Free flow access is firmly established, allowing children to choose their play and take age-appropriate, supervised risks. For example, walking on the balance beam encourages curiosity, independence and strengthens children's gross motor skills. Opportunities like these support children's physical development in a safe and nurturing environment.

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The provision is good

Parents report high levels of satisfaction with the setting. They consistently praise staff for their caring and nurturing approach. Parents describe the environment as safe and secure, and note that staff are approachable, professional and attentive to each child's needs.

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need to do better?

n The strong leadership team are experienced, knowledgeable and understand how children learn and develop. They are passionate about their setting and have a clear vision for the future of the nursery. Managers encourage staff to use children's interests as a guide when planning experiences that are challenging and stimulating. Staff comment that leaders are always accessible and are on hand to offer well-being assistance and professional advice as needed. n Staff develop strong links with other settings. For example, they visit other nurseries to share best practice. They develop positive relationships with staff at other nurseries as children at The Parish Rooms leave when they are three years old. This helps to ensure a smooth transition for children when the time comes. Staff work closely with their colleagues in their partner setting. This is illustrated when they plan transition visits before children move from one setting to the

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need to do better?

next. Children have an opportunity to meet their new key person. Staff also share information about children's learning and care needs. n Children have good opportunities to learn about different cultures and backgrounds. Staff arrange a variety of celebrations and events to help children

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need to do better?

24 September 2025 to understand about their similarities and differences. Staff support children well to develop respectful attitudes about other people's lives that are different to their own. n Staff nurture children's curiosity and independence by offering a selection of snacks, fresh fruit and vegetables, as part of the café-style routine. Children choose when to eat, which encourages self-regulation and responsibility. However, at times, staff do not consistently encourage children to pour their own drinks to further develop their independence. n Parents consistently commend the setting for its caring and nurturing staff. They state that the environment is safe and secure, and they find staff approachable, professional and attentive to each child's individual needs. Parents appreciate the robust communication systems, receiving daily updates through various media platforms and face-to-face conversations at drop off and collection. Staff

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need to do better?

regularly inform parents about their children's well-being, progress and any incidents, which keeps parents well informed and reassured. n Leaders and staff bring a wealth of experience to their roles and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the individual needs of children with special educational needs/and or disabilities. They promptly observe and assess children's development, enabling them to swiftly identify any potential delays or emerging concerns. Their proactive approach also involves working closely with parents and other professionals, fostering a consistent and coordinated support network for each child.

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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 ensure that all staff understand how they can consistently support children to make independent choices.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY455636 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 10407498 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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inspection

Total number of places 42 Number of children on roll 28 Name of registered person Little Oaks Nurseries Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01494 815413 Date of previous inspection 10 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

Little Oaks @ The Parish Rooms is one of two privately owned nurseries and offers wraparound care. It registered originally in 2003 and re-registered in 2012. The nursery operates from St Margaret's Parish Rooms in Tyler's Green, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The nursery is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education for children aged nine months to four years. It opens during term time on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8.45am to 3pm. On Friday, it opens from 8.45am to 1pm. The nursery employs 10 staff. Of these, two hold a qualification at level 6, one holds a qualification at level 4, and two staff hold qualifications at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n A learning walk was carried out by both the managers and the inspector to gain insight into the organisation of the setting and curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during indoor and outdoor activities, assessing its effect on the children's learning outcomes. n A joint observation of an activity was completed by the managers and inspector. n A safeguarding discussion was held between the inspector and the managers. n Parental views were considered by the inspector through meeting parents and written feedback.

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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

24 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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