Abacus Early Learning Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children settle quickly on arrival at this warm and welcoming nursery. The kind and gentle staff provide a nurturing environment where children feel safe and secure. Babies cuddle with staff when they feel unwell, and older children show pride and excitement as they talk about their drawings. Children have access to a very well-resourced indoor and outdoor area. They are free to play and explore independently. For example, toddlers talk about different plants they can see and take turns to pick ripe tomatoes. Adult-led activities take account of children's interests and what they need to learn next. For instance, children watch in fascination as a model volcano 'erupts' and talk about the difference between a mountain and a volcano. As a result, children make good progress in their learning.

Children and babies have very positive attitudes towards learning and are able to focus for long periods of time on activities. For example, babies use their senses to explore fruit, and older children persevere as they put blocks in order of size. Children are very well behaved. They understand the routines and simple rules, like taking turns with others. Older children show that they are beginning to cooperate with each other and share resources independently.

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

• The manager is ambitious and has high expectations for the children in her care. Her curriculum covers all areas of learning and is well sequenced. Staff are fully aware of the intent for the curriculum, and this is well implemented. For instance, staff introduce babies to books, and babies look at them and begin to turn the pages. Older children select books, turn the pages with confidence and comment on the pictures they see.
• Generally, children make good progress in their communication and language skills. Staff provide a narrative for children as they play, introduce new vocabulary, like 'hydrated', and play peek-a-boo with babies. All children are confident to express their wants and needs. However, there are times when staff members are not consistent when building on and extending children's language skills. For example, sometimes, staff do not find out children's ideas during activities and optimise their learning at that time.
• Staff support children's varied needs effectively. For instance, they encourage younger babies to pull themselves up to access resources and older babies to take steps independently. Children receive targeted support when adults identify gaps in their learning or development. This helps all children make progress from their starting points.
• Children who speak English as an additional language are very well supported and feel welcome at the setting. They have easy access to multilingual books and resources. Children learn Spanish from an early age, and staff research learning styles in different countries so that they can support children who have attended nursery school in those countries.
• Children have a variety of opportunities to support their physical development. For instance, yoga sessions build their core strength, drumming keeps them fit and tennis lessons support their hand-eye coordination. Children enjoy playing in the garden throughout the day. They climb on the pirate ship and throw and kick balls. Regular outings and walks in the local area help develop their physical strength. As a result, children make very good progress in this area.
• Children and babies enjoy healthy, balanced meals and snacks. Staff follow good procedures to ensure that children with an intolerance or dietary requirement are catered for. Children and babies learn about good table manners that are appropriate to their age and stage of development.
• Children benefit from a variety of regular trips and outings. They go to the library, theatre and art galleries. This broadens their knowledge of the world around them.
• Staff have very good relationships with the parents at the nursery and work in strong partnership with other professionals involved in children's care. Parents comment on the 'warmth, love and care' their children receive at the nursery. Parents have the opportunity to share information about children's achievements and current interests at parent consultations. This helps staff to plan for what children need to learn next, using their interests to engage and motivate them.
• The manager has a clear vision for ongoing improvements for the nursery. She has identified strengths and areas for further development which includes evaluating staff practice and building on their skills. Regular supervision, lots of opportunities for discussions and frequent training helps staff to feel valued and supported in their work.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• enhance staff knowledge of how to maximise their interactions with children to promote children's communication and language skills more effectively.