Ofsted Rating
A ‘Good’ Ofsted Inspection for Little Learners Land
Following a recent Ofsted inspection, Little Learners Land has been awarded a Good rating, reaffirming our reputation as a leading early years setting in London Colney.
The report highlights our commitment to fostering a caring, secure, and enriching environment where children thrive. This outcome is a testament to our dedicated team and the child-centred approach that runs through every aspect of the nursery.
In the report, Ofsted provides detailed insight into our day-to-day operations: “Children of all ages demonstrate that they are happy and feel settled and safe in this friendly nursery. They rush to greet the enthusiastic staff, who swiftly engage them in play that is centred around children’s interests.”
Parents, too, have voiced their appreciation for the supportive atmosphere. One of our wonderful parents shared on Day Nurseries: “From the moment we walked in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere made a lasting impression. The staff are incredibly kind and attentive, which made my son feel comfortable and secure right away.”
An Effective Key Person System
Our highly effective key person system is at the heart of Little Learners Land’s success. Each child is assigned a dedicated key person who forms a close bond with them, helping them to settle quickly into nursery life. This approach provides crucial emotional support and ensures that children feel safe, secure, and ready to explore their environment. Ofsted noted that children with special educational needs particularly benefit from close relationships with their key staff, which is central to our inclusive ethos.
Our team deeply understands each child’s abilities and developmental needs, which is evident in how they support their progress. “Staff and leaders regularly share their precise evaluations of children’s progress. This enables them to gather ideas and plan opportunities that support the specific needs of children.”
Language Development and Enrichment Activities
Language development is a key focus at Little Learners Land. Our team use creative and engaging techniques to support children’s communication skills from an early age. Babies are introduced to sign language, helping them to communicate their needs before they can talk, while older children enjoy engaging activities like phonetic games and group discussions that boost their communication skills.
In addition to language development, the nursery offers a wide range of enriching activities designed to broaden children’s experiences. From cooking sessions to sports coaching, the children are regularly exposed to new and exciting learning opportunities. “Staff have a deep understanding of children’s early experiences. They use this information to provide additional learning opportunities children may not otherwise receive. For example, children are excited about an upcoming visit from a local petting zoo.”
Reflective Leadership and Staff Development
Leaders at Little Learners Land are committed to continually improving the care they provide. The Ofsted report praised our reflective approach, with leaders regularly evaluating and making improvements based on staff and parent feedback. For example, recent changes to the morning routine now include more comprehensive handover discussions between parents and staff, helping children settle more quickly and giving parents valuable insight into their child’s day.
“Morale is high among staff, who report that they feel valued and supported. The provider conducts regular appraisals with all staff to identify areas for development. Staff have access to a variety of online and face-to-face training opportunities to enhance their knowledge and support practice.”
Strong Parent Partnership
The partnership between staff and parents is another key factor in the success of Little Learners Land. We prioritise involving parents in their children’s development and learning, offering regular consultation sessions and using an electronic journal system to keep parents up to date on their child’s progress. Parents are encouraged to participate in the nursery’s activities, whether that’s through reading stories or sharing their skills with the children.
Little Learners Land also offers parents practical support through ‘transition bags,’ which include resources to help with key developmental milestones, such as potty training or welcoming a new sibling.
Join us at Little Learners Land and see why we’re celebrated for our nurturing approach and commitment to child development! We encourage you to book a tour to explore our facilities, meet our friendly team, and learn more about how we support your child’s growth and happiness. Contact us today to arrange your visit!