Little Linguists Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children are happy and settled at this warm and welcoming nursery. New children and those that are moving to a new room settle quickly with the help of the committed staff.

Children develop warm and affectionate attachments with their key persons and all other staff. Children benefit from a range of stimulating resources that fire their imaginations and help motivate them to explore, investigate and experiment. For example, babies are in awe when they visit farm animals in the community.

Children's communication and language are developing well. During circle times, children sing songs, listen to stories and engage in ...meaningful discussion. As a bilingual provision, children are learning to speak both English and French.

Some children learn English as an additional language and/or speak other languages at home. The diverse staff who can speak many languages effectively support children's communication. Children behave well.

They learn about similarities and differences between themselves and others, and are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Throughout the year, they learn about different festivals and go on regular outings in the community.

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

The management team has a clear intent for the curriculum.

Managers support staff to plan and implement enjoyable indoor activities that children are keen to take part in. However, staff do not plan purposefully for the garden. As a result, children's learning experiences are more limited during outdoor play.

Children's mathematical development is progressing well. Staff skilfully introduce mathematical concepts. For example, older children count confidently to 10 in English and French.

They are beginning to learn about three-dimensional shapes. Younger children relish singing counting songs like 'Five Little Ducks'. This helps them to learn about simple subtraction, all of which helps to promote their school readiness.

Staff successfully enhance babies' emotional well-being. They create family boards which enable babies to see images of familiar loved ones throughout the day. Older children develop a sense of pride and gain responsibility when they take on roles during mealtime routines.

For example, they lay the table and hand out water bottles to their friends.Parents talk very highly about the nursery and the staff. They appreciate the care taken by the staff to provide them with feedback about their child's care and learning.

Staff encourage parents to be involved in their children's learning, for instance through newsletters, parents' evenings and home-learning opportunities. All of which helps to provide consistency for the children.The managers focus on professional development for all staff.

For example, they use effective approaches, such as to encourage staff to observe and evaluate each other's practice. The management team holds regular meetings to help staff improve their practice and teaching skills.Staff provide good support for children's literacy skills.

Older children sing the alphabet song with confidence, and they are beginning to learn that letters have sounds. They are developing a love of books. They visit the local library to access a wider range of books.

Staff are skilled at capturing children's interest during story times. For instance, younger children use props alongside the story to interact while listening to 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'.Staff complete regular assessments and monitor children's achievements.

They quickly identify and support children with a development delay, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff work closely with other professionals to ensure that gaps in children's learning narrow and that they make good progress.Children, including babies, have great fun taking part in sensory play.

For example, they explore textures of paint, play dough and cornflour with their hands and feet. However, at times, staff limit older children's opportunities to express their own ideas during creative activities.Staff have high expectations of children and act as good role models.

They encourage good manners and children learn how to cooperate with each other, share resources and take turns.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The management team and staff understand their roles and responsibilities to keep children safe.

They are aware of the possible signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. Staff know how to record and report any concerns that may arise to the appropriate professional. The management team has an effective recruitment procedure and checks the suitability of all new staff and the ongoing suitability of their existing staff.

Staff carry out daily checks of all areas to remove any hazards and ensure children's safety. The nursery is safe and secure.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: nenhance the planning for the outdoor area to provide more opportunities for children to engage in purposeful play and learning support staff to encourage older children to independently explore, test and use their own ideas during creative experiences.