Little World Nursery on Conway Street in Birkenhead has received a 'Good' rating across all categories following a recent inspection by Ofsted. The education regulator praised the nursery for its welcoming atmosphere and the strong progress children make in a happy and settled environment.
The inspection, which took place on September 16, highlighted the effective curriculum and dedicated support for children with special educational needs. While the overall assessment was positive, inspectors also provided recommendations to further enhance staff development and children's communication skills.
Key Takeaways
- Little World Nursery in Birkenhead was rated 'Good' in all areas by Ofsted.
- Inspectors commended the welcoming atmosphere and the secure relationships between staff and children.
- The curriculum was found to effectively meet the individual learning needs of the children.
- Strong partnerships with parents were highlighted as a key strength.
- Recommendations were made to refine staff questioning techniques to better support children's conversational skills.
A Welcoming and Positive Environment
The Ofsted report painted a picture of a nurturing setting where children feel secure and valued. Inspectors found that the nursery's leaders have successfully created a welcoming atmosphere, which contributes to children being happy and settled during their day.
A key factor in this success is the ability of the staff to build strong bonds with the children. According to the report, staff work closely with parents from the outset to understand each child's individual likes and interests, ensuring a smooth transition into the nursery environment.
"Leaders create a welcoming atmosphere where children are happy and settled and enjoy their day," the Ofsted report stated.
This positive foundation helps children develop good social skills. The report noted that they are self-motivated, participating in routines like tidying up and showing pride in their accomplishments.
Understanding Ofsted Ratings
Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people. A 'Good' rating is the second-highest grade and indicates that the provider is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well.
Curriculum and Child Development
The inspection confirmed that the nursery's curriculum is well-designed to meet the individual learning needs of its children, who range from 0 to 4 years old. This tailored approach helps them acquire new skills and make good progress in their development.
Nursery Snapshot
- Location: Conway Street, Birkenhead
- Age Range: 0 to 4 years
- Total Places: 25
- Children on Roll: 30
A significant strength identified by inspectors was the nursery's commitment to inclusive education. Staff conduct thorough assessments to identify any barriers to learning and provide focused, personalised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to help them succeed.
The partnership with parents was also praised as a cornerstone of the nursery's success. Inspectors observed a "good two-way flow of information about children's care and learning," which they concluded "contributes to positive outcomes for children."
Focus on Health and Safeguarding
Beyond academic and social development, Little World Nursery was commended for its promotion of children's health. The report highlighted a "healthy and well-balanced menu" and noted that children are given plenty of opportunities for outdoor play and physical exercise.
Safeguarding procedures were found to be robust and effective. The inspection report stated that there is an "open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first." This ensures that the welfare and safety of the children are a top priority for all staff members.
Identified Areas for Further Improvement
While the overall report was positive, Ofsted provided clear recommendations for the nursery to advance its practice even further. The primary area for development relates to enhancing children's communication and language skills.
Inspectors observed that at times, staff "do not give children enough time to respond before they ask another question." This practice, the report suggests, does not fully support the development of emerging conversational skills. To address this, Ofsted recommended that staff be supported to provide consistent opportunities for children to develop their communication abilities.
The report also suggested a more structured approach to staff growth. It recommended that the nursery provide staff with targeted professional development plans and opportunities to enhance their practice to an even higher level, ensuring continuous improvement across the board.