Little Wonders Childcare

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children enjoy attending the nursery and feel safe and secure.

The provider has re-considered how they settle any new children into the setting, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young children. This is because some children have not mixed with others before starting at the setting. Short settling-in sessions over a longer period of time now help children to adapt and to settle well.

For those that find it harder to settle, parents can attend for a stay-and-play session to get their children used to attending. This also helps staff to get to know the children well and to get a clear understanding of childre...n's starting points and individual needs. Staff use this information well to plan a well-balanced curriculum that helps children to make good progress.

Children become confident and form secure attachments to staff and their peers. They learn to follow instructions well and to make their needs known. Very young children soon learn to communicate with gestures and the sounds that they make.

Children build strong relationships with their friends. They learn to take account of each other and to share the resources. For example, when making biscuits, they share out the dough and staff talk about being kind to each other.

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

The provider has been very proactive since the last inspection. They have sought advice from the local authority and evaluated what they need to do to address any issues. They have been successful in making changes.

For example, they have developed the outdoor area, so that children have access every day. Children enthusiastically learn to climb over the frame and how to negotiate the space on push along toys.Staff actively seek support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

This helps to get an early diagnosis and for support plans to be implemented. Staff have detailed knowledge of the specific needs of each child. They work closely with parents and outside agencies, such as speech and language.

The provider monitors staff practice effectively. They work alongside staff and hold regular supervision meetings with them. At these meetings, they discuss staff's key children and any issues they may have with work.

They provide them with useful professional development to extend their knowledge and skills.Staff promote children's good health. Children have healthy snacks and meals throughout the day.

They choose what they would like to eat, and parents comment that this has a positive impact on what they eat at home.Staff effectively support children's communication and language. They speak clearly to children and help to build vocabulary during activities.

For example, they encourage children to 'push down on the rolling pin', when rolling out the dough. However, staff use dummies with babies, when they are not needed as a comforter. This hampers babies' early speech and their ability to make sounds without something in their mouth.

Children become deeply engrossed in activities, such as water play. Staff develop their independence by encouraging them to put on and take off their own aprons. Children feel a sense of achievement when they succeed.

However, some routines disrupt children's engagement and learning. For example, staff take children to have their nappies changed just after they have started an activity.Regular local visits support children's understanding of the area in which they live.

For example, they visit the local shop to buy fruit and vegetables. Children learn about people's differences. For instance, staff promoted an 'act of kindness' day.

Children brought in things from home, and they visited a local care home to share what they had brought with the residents.Parents are complimentary about the care their children receive. They comment that they are kept informed about their child's progress and they are confident to raise any concerns with the provider.

Staff encourage parents to continue their child's learning at home. For instance, they inform parents about activities they can do with their child over the weekend.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The provider and staff have a good understanding of how to protect children. They understand the procedures to follow if they identify any concerns about a child's welfare. Staff understand and recognise signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of neglect or abuse.

The provider checks staff knowledge and understanding. For example, they ask them random questions. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment.

Staff complete daily checks to make sure that there are no hazards for children. Recruitment of staff is robust, and the provider checks their ongoing suitability.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: support staff to understand when it is not appropriate to use a dummy for very young children, to encourage children's early speech development review and enhance parts of the daily routine to maximise the learning for all children, particularly around when it is appropriate to change children's nappies.