Little Rascals Childcare

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children behave well. They listen and respond to instructions given and treat others with respect.

Children form strong friendship groups and seek out others to share their experiences. They laugh and show high levels of excitement when picking up and throwing leaves in the outside area. Children are enthusiastic and demonstrate good imaginative skills.

For instance, they use plastic coloured shapes to create make-believe pizzas and pretend to serve others at an imaginary restaurant. Children use mathematical language during play. They learn to measure and compare volumes during sand and water play.

Staff mode...l how to use resources and encourage children to count and recognise shapes as they play. They provide children with excellent opportunities to develop an understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Children learn about what types of food are good for our bodies and how to manage their own self-care needs.

They develop confidence and learn good levels of independence. For instance, children find their own photograph and hang up their coats and hats. Children have an extensive range of resources to choose from.

They use different-coloured chalks during outdoor play. Children talk to staff about the marks they make. This helps to promote children's literacy skills.

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

The manager offers coaching and guidance to staff. She completes regular supervision sessions. She discusses key targets with staff and identifies training needs.

However, in some instances, induction procedures are not robust enough to give new staff clear guidance on their roles and responsibilities.The manager works alongside staff and completes observations and assessments of children's learning. She reviews assessments and works closely with parents and external professionals.

This helps to promote a continued approach to children's learning.Partnership working with parents is a key strength of the setting. Parents are highly complimentary about the manager and staff.

They state that they feel involved in their children's learning. Staff provide parents with photographs and information about what children do when at the setting. Parents are provided with ideas for activities to try at home.

This helps to complement children's learning.Children develop good communication skills. Staff engage children in conversation about matters that interest them.

They introduce new words and follow children's lead during discussions. Children ask questions that help to provide challenge during their play.Children demonstrate good levels of self-esteem.

They persevere with chosen tasks and take pride in their accomplishments. For instance, children show others how they have successfully written their name.Children are familiar with the nursery routine.

They demonstrate a good understanding of what happens next. However, staff do not plan extra time for transition periods to allow children to finish off their chosen task.Staff encourage children to develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe.

For instance, children line up and hold the straps on a large 'wrist-strap train' to walk to the outside area at the back of the building. Staff ask children when they think it is safe to let go, and the children shout out, 'when we are safely in the garden'. Staff complete headcount forms and conduct daily risk assessments.

This helps to promote children's safety and well-being.Children develop excellent physical skills. They climb and balance during outdoor games and activities.

Children run and hop and use their bodies in various ways.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a good awareness of the setting's safeguarding procedure.

They demonstrate a good understanding of the possible indicators of abuse and how to report their concerns. The manager has embedded clear recording processes and shares relevant information with external professionals that helps to identify any potential risks to children. The manager and staff share information with parents, including copies of policies and procedures.

This includes medication policies and accident reporting. The manager is aware of the procedure to follow in the event of an allegation made against someone working on the premises.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: strengthen existing induction procedures to support staff to develop a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities nextend transition periods to allow children time to finish their chosen task before introducing the next part of the daily routine.