OFSTED – Little Footsteps Explorers Leighton Buzzard
“Children show their enjoyment of being at this setting and respond to the exciting resources and the many opportunities to explore. They settle quickly and build secure, trusting relationships with the staff“
Following a recent inspection, Little Footsteps Explorers is proud to receive a “Good” Ofsted report across all areas.
The report stated that on first impressions “Staff successfully support children to play in mixed-age groups. They are aware of children’s needs and make sure these are met, while supporting children to interact and learn from each other.”
The inspector highlighted the impact of positive role models as a major strength of the nursery. “The children frequently mirror staff’s positive, encouraging attitudes. For example, older children show younger ones how to walk across a plank balanced on logs, initially holding their hands, and then standing nearby and offering verbal encouragement. This encourages children to persevere and they quickly grow in confidence.”
We are proud that our team is made up of caring and dedicated practitioners. The Inspector noted “Staff sensitively support children to understand their own and other people’s emotions. Children respond to staff’s high expectations and their support”
The Report continued “Staff use their assessments of children well to understand what children are learning and plan what they need to learn next. Their good knowledge of the children enables staff to offer them play opportunities that relate to their interests.”
We are dedicated to providing a wide array of resources and equipment which are effectively implemented to support the promotion of learning and development. We strive to support children as individuals ensuring they make good progress towards the early learning goals.
OFSTED commented: “Their good knowledge of the children enables staff to offer them play opportunities that relate to their interests. The manager’s robust monitoring means that any weaker areas in children’s learning are quickly addressed. Staff understand the roles of other professionals and work well with them to ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive pertinent support”
We were so incredibly proud of our children during the inspection. And their behaviour shone through. The inspector commented “Children thoroughly enjoy their play and interactions. Children show a mature approach to sharing and independently settling minor disputes. Thoughtful daily practice aids children in gaining a good awareness of safety and how to assess risks.”
Many thanks to our parents too who shared their thoughts with inspectors.” Parents think highly of the setting. They particularly commend the ‘caring, loving staff’ and note the good progress their children make, including developing their confidence and independence. Parents report that staff communicate well with them. This enables them to share updates about their children’s progress at home and understand what children have been learning at the setting and build on this.”
A huge thanks to everyone who helped to achieve this glowing report. Read the full report here.
