Abacus Ark Preschool

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Staff know children well. Parents and carers speak very highly of the care their children receive. They say their children are safe and happy at the nursery. Staff use their knowledge about children to implement a varied and ambitious curriculum. They offer children a wide range of extra-curricular activities to enrich their learning experiences. For example, during a music session, children demonstrate their listening skills by singing and clapping along with adults. They enjoy listening to rhyming words and learn how to read simple musical notes. This promotes children's early appreciation for music.

Staff use various strategies to teach children positive behaviour. For example, they use a 'rainbow tree' to motivate children to reflect on their actions and reward them for behaving well. Children at this nursery are socially confident. They engage actively with their peers and adults. Staff incorporate reading and singing nursery songs into the daily routines, fostering a love of books among children. Over time, children have learned to explore books independently and maintain good concentration. They have positive attitudes towards their learning. Staff work with local schools to ensure that children have a smooth transition as they move to the next stage of their education.

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

• Managers are dedicated practitioners who take pride in their roles and responsibilities. They express happiness and unity, which positively influences children's attitudes towards the nursery.
• Managers communicate an ambitious curriculum for all children and staff understand this well. They assist staff in observing and assessing children's learning accurately with high expectations of what they can achieve. This supports staff to identify any gaps in children's education, enabling them to help children to make good progress.
• Staff are good role models for children. They are skilled at supporting children who may need additional assistance in managing their behaviour. Children learn to express themselves in positive ways. For example, they learn to use a sand timer for sharing and turn-taking. Additionally, children know what to do to comfort someone who might be sad or upset. They form strong friendships with each other.
• Managers work with staff to engage other professionals and parents effectively. They have introduced a 'parent representative' to ensure consistent and strong information sharing between staff and parents. Parents find this beneficial, especially for their children who are starting school. They are extremely pleased with staff's work, and describe them as 'kind' and 'friendly' practitioners.
• Staff have a strong understanding of the curriculum and generally communicate well with children to help develop their vocabulary. However, there are times when they not use opportunities to enhance children's language and thinking skills further. For instance, during planned activities and story times, staff do not consistently build on children's thoughts and perspectives. This does not maximise children's learning.
• Staff speak positively about the support they receive for their work and well-being. They find that managers are approachable and encourage them to pursue higher qualifications in early years education. Some staff have completed training to support children with their personal needs, including toileting. This training has helped to improve children's self-care and independence skills. Children follow effective hygiene practices to help prevent the spread of germs and cross-contamination, promoting their good health.
• Managers demonstrate a strong understanding of the community they serve. They promote outdoor play actively to foster children's physical skills and development. Staff organise regular nature walks and visits to the local supermarkets to teach children about their surroundings.
• Managers evaluate their practices rigorously. In response to feedback from parents, they have enhanced communication with them. This has led to a more consistent approach in addressing the care and educational needs of children. Additionally, managers have reviewed the menus to provide healthier food options that support children's growth and development. The nursery is introducing a new curriculum that is aimed at increasing children's free choice and parental involvement.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• enhance support for staff to adapt their teaching, to further develop children's thinking and language skills.