4 Street Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive at the nursery with very positive attitudes to learning. They have access to a rich and varied curriculum which keeps them highly motivated to learn. Language development features highly in the educational programme. Staff use a range of highly effective strategies to support children with speech and language delay, as well as those who speak English as an additional language. For instance, when reading to children, staff work extremely well together to bring stories to life. They are successful in evoking children's curiosity and emotions. This was shown, for example, by young children who giggled and squealed happily as they listened to the story about a bear. The teaching of mathematics is equally strong. For example, during an activity, children demonstrate their excellent knowledge of numbers as they measure accurately in centimetres. Children benefit greatly from the outstanding focus placed on supporting their emotional needs. This is particularly evident when children and families face difficulties. The expectations for what children know and can achieve are exceptionally high. Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make rapid and sustained progress in their development. They are safe and emotionally secure, resulting in superb behaviour.

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

• The highly experienced manager and dedicated staff work extremely hard together to maintain the high-quality provision.
• Staff observe and assess children's progress very well. They show a comprehensive knowledge of children's individual learning and development needs. The support for all children, including those with SEND, is highly effective. This inclusive approach helps all children to achieve their full potential.
• Children engage in thought-provoking activities to consolidate their understanding, for example about growth, decay and changes over time. They are developing excellent drawing and writing skills in preparation for school.
• Children build on and extend their understanding of their surroundings. For example, during an activity, they learn about worms and use their superb vocabulary to describe what they see. This leads children to ask staff intriguing questions such as 'How do worms play?' and 'Do worms sleep?' Staff use digital resources to great effect, which enables children to find answers to their questions.
• Staff provide children with many opportunities to develop their independence skills. As a result, even the youngest children take responsibility for their personal needs. The older ones are equally self-sufficient.
• In the outdoor area, children climb, run and jump confidently to test their varying physical skills. They work extremely well together, taking turns and sharing resources of their own accord. Children's behaviour is excellent.
• Inspection report: 4 Street Nursery 21 February 2020 2
• The manager is realistic and constructive in the way she manages staff, including their workload. She offers staff targeted supervision and coaching, which encourages them to reflect on their practice and consider how they can enhance their knowledge. Appropriate measures are taken, for example to tackle rare cases of under-performance. This ensures children receive the best possible teaching and care.
• Staff attend a wealth of training events, including how to manage children's behaviour more effectively. As a result of this, children learn to use the language of emotions in a range of situations to express themselves.
• The self-evaluation process is evident. The manager continues to identify further areas for development. For example, she plans to continue a project with the local care home to provide children with experiences to enrich their learning.
• Partnerships with parents and other professionals are extremely strong. Staff share a wealth of information with parents from the outset to establish a highly consistent approach. They work closely with other professionals to give children the best possible learning experiences. Parents and other professionals, such as the senior leaders at the local school, are very complimentary of the nursery.