Little Angels Day Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Staff are exceptionally caring towards the children. Before children start in the setting, staff visit them in their own homes. This allows children to get to know staff in their own familiar environment.

Children are happy and settled at the setting; they listen and follow routines well. They behave well and understand the consistent ground rules. The highly effective key-person system means that children's emotional needs are met extremely well.

Babies, toddlers and older children benefit from plenty of cuddles, comfort and reassurance. They are looked after by staff who know them extremely well and are fully aware o...f their individual needs. Children enjoy playing outdoors and are supported well in their physical development.

They have access to a range of resources outdoors, including sand, water and loose play parts. They learn to take managed risks, such as how to walk across the obstacle course. Children benefit from a variety of interesting activities that are designed to give them the knowledge and experiences they need to support their further development.

Overall, teaching is good. Staff know the children well. They monitor children's learning and plan suitably challenging experiences to build on what children already know.

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

The manager analyses feedback and suggestions from staff, parents and children to make positive changes and to build on existing good practice. For example, since the last inspection, the garden has been improved to provide children with more opportunities to learn outdoors.Children have good opportunities in the outdoor area to learn how to manage risks for themselves.

Staff challenge children to take risks safely. This has a positive impact on children's thinking and physical skills.Throughout the nursery, staff are exceptional role models.

They are calm, attentive and show genuine care for children's needs. Staff and parents create an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Children know the standard of behaviour expected of them and are kind and considerate to others.

This supports children's emotional well-being and self-esteem.The manager ensures that staff's well-being is supported. He provides regular supervision meetings and is available for informal discussions at any time.

Staff report that they feel very well supported by the manager and other members of the team.Staff carry out regular observations of children during play and use this information to identify next steps in learning. They are skilled at guiding and supporting children as they play.

Staff use creative play to support younger children. For example, they helped children to explore shapes and numbers using dough, and to make marks. Verbal communication is used well to support babies' early speech and language skills.

Children respond positively to meaningful praise, support and encouragement. They are confident communicators and are eager to express and share their views.A strong focus on language and literacy helps children to develop good speaking and listening skills.

For example, older children excitedly talked about rainbows, planets and moons, and staff skilfully led a reading session which was captivating for all the children.Staff have excellent partnerships with parents. Key persons regularly share details about what children will be learning next to help parents support their children at home.

Children benefit from highly consistent experiences in the setting and at home.At times, staff miss opportunities to further extend the learning. For example, children who can use a spoon are not encouraged to use a knife and fork.

Staff do not always encourage children to wash their hands before mealtimes to develop their understanding of good health and hygiene. However, water is available for the children to drink throughout the day.The resources and environment are well organised.

Children can make clear choices about what they would like to play with.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager ensures that staff keep their safeguarding knowledge up to date.

Staff can identify the signs and symptoms which may indicate that children are at risk of harm. They have a secure understanding of wider safeguarding issues and know the correct procedures to follow should they have concerns about the welfare of a child. Staff securely understand the steps to take if there has been an allegation against another member of staff or a manager.

They are well deployed and vigilant when supervising children. They set clear rules and boundaries that help children to keep themselves and others safe.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: nensure staff use every available opportunity to support and extend children's learning promote older children's understanding of how good hygiene practice contributes to a healthy lifestyle.