Little Dragon’s Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision requires improvement The quality of teaching and learning that children receive in this nursery is inconsistent. Staff working with the older children plan a range of experiences that meet their individual next steps for learning and support their progress. However, although staff working with the younger children plan activities for them, they do not consistently extend children's learning as they play.

Staff working with the younger children recognise children's next steps for learning. However, they do not consistently ensure that children are given the support they need to achieve these and move forward. In addition, some hygiene practices are not... as good as they should be.

That said, the key-person system works in practice. All staff know the children well and they forge positive relationships with them. Staff are kind and caring in their interactions with children.

They recognise children's individual care needs and soothe them when they are tired or unsure. As a result, children are happy and settled. They are confident to talk to visitors and are eager to involve them in their play.

Children generally behave well. Older children learn the nursery rules and know they should use their hands in a kind way and walk when they are indoors.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

The provider, who is also the manager, has worked with the local authority to make some changes since the last inspection.

However, due to recent changes to staffing within the nursery, these have not been implemented fully into practice. As a result, improvements have not been swift enough to raise the quality to a good level.Staff have attended some training to improve their knowledge and skills.

However, the manager does not provide regular supervision meetings to enable staff to discuss any further professional development opportunities they may benefit from. In addition, the manager does not monitor staff well enough to ensure that the practice across the nursery continues to improve. As a result, practice is inconsistent and not all children receive the best quality learning experiences.

Children generally enjoy the activities provided. Older children scoop the flesh and seeds out of a pumpkin. Staff encourage children's thinking skills as they ask what the seeds feel like.

Children respond that they feel 'slimy' and 'soft'. Younger children pour rice into different containers. However, staff do not recognise when children want to move away from the activity and make their own choices.

As a result, children lose interest, and valuable learning opportunities are lost.Older children develop their imagination as they play in the role-play area that staff have transformed into a witch's kitchen. Children pretend to make dinner with pumpkins and take them to staff and visitors to eat.

Staff encourage communication. They ask questions and give children time to answer.Staff observe children and assess their progress to help them to identify any gaps in children's learning.

They work with parents and outside agencies to ensure that children receive any early interventions they need in a timely way. The support for children who speak English as an additional language is good. Staff use single words and objects of reference to encourage children's early communication.

Some hygiene practices are poor. Staff in the baby room leave a dummy on a side shelf, instead of storing it hygienically. The dummy is then given out at sleep time without being washed.

Tables are not wiped between lunch and pudding. As a result, some children eat cold savoury food off the table at the same time as they are eating their pudding. This does not teach children about good hygiene.

Younger children are not given the correct utensils they need to eat their lunch. Staff do not recognise that younger children cannot scoop long pieces of pasta onto a small spoon. They tell them not to use their fingers, even though this is the only way that children can get the food into their mouths.

In addition, using utensils correctly is the next step for learning for some children. Consequently, they do not receive the support they need to achieve this.Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend outside.

They talk about the chickens and ducks that they help to care for. They climb and balance with dexterity. This helps them to develop large-muscle skills.

Children help to tidy away after their play. Staff praise children for their efforts. This promotes children's self-esteem.

The manager and staff work in partnership with parents. They share information with them about their child's learning and provide ideas for parents to continue with their child's learning at home. Parents are happy with the care their children receive.

They say that the manager and staff are very supportive of children and their families.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Safeguarding is a strength of the nursery.

The manager is attentive to safeguarding concerns and works closely with outside agencies and professionals to ensure that children receive the support they need. Staff are aware of the signs that may indicate that a child is being abused. They know how to seek advice and where to report concerns, including if they have concerns about a member of staff.

Recruitment and induction procedures ensure that staff working with the children are deemed suitable. The premises are safe and secure.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage, the provider must: Due date put suitable arrangements in place for the supervision and monitoring of staff practice, to provide coaching and support for staff that raises quality and promotes the interests of the children 30/11/2023 ensure that all staff have the skills and knowledge they need to enable them to improve the quality of teaching and provide positive experiences for children that meet their individual next steps for learning 30/11/2023 implement stringent hygiene procedures, especially during lunchtimes and with regard to the storage of dummies, to ensure that children's good health is promoted at all times.

03/11/2023