Acorn at Kents Hill

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

There is a clear and well-embedded curriculum. This stimulates children to develop an explorative and curious nature and encourages them to become skilled at problem-solving. The curriculum is well understood by staff in all rooms. Staff provide 'invitations' and 'provocations' to ignite children's learning. The environment is highly enticing, with resources set up in an appealing manner for all children. Staff have a great depth of understanding about children's stages of development. They swiftly identify children who might need extra support and adapt the flexible curriculum to ensure that children have the best possible opportunities. Consequently, teaching is extremely effective, and staff have high ambition for what all children can achieve. Children explore the environment safely, taking manageable risks under the superb guidance of staff.

Staff support children's communication and language development exceptionally well. This is particularly the case when children learn English as an additional language. Children develop into expressive and confident talkers who delight in engaging in conversations and discussions, showing their extensive knowledge.

Children's behaviour is consistently excellent. This is largely because they experience such high-quality learning experiences that they remain deeply engaged in their play. Equally, staff view children as competent and capable. They allow them the freedom to test out their ideas, try new things and explore with confidence.

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

• The outdoor and natural environment is of vital importance to the ethos of the setting. There are numerous opportunities for children to discover the world around them. The curriculum focuses on children learning about sustainability and caring for the world. They take part in a wealth of activities that foster their learning about recycling, reusing, growing produce and caring about nature.
• The nursery introduces children to hands-on experiences outside of the everyday. For example, the pet chicken is very much part of nursery life and mingles with children as they play. Children collect eggs and take these home to share with their parents. Parents share photographs of how they use the eggs at home, showing great joined-up learning experiences for children.
• Staff's accurate assessments and depth of knowledge of children means they identify when their development does not meet expectations or exceeds them. Their skilful ability to adapt the curriculum ensures that all children experience teaching that expertly meets their individual needs and encourages all children to thrive.
• Staff are always respectful and considerate towards children and their feelings.
• They ensure that children are prepared for care practices to be carried out and show genuine care and attentiveness to children and their needs. This, in turn, teaches children to be respectful and caring towards others. All children display high levels of motivation, and they play and learn together in an extremely positive manner.
• The nursery is an important part of the local community. Children enjoy using public transport to visit the local library and enjoy regular nearby walks to park areas. They have been engaged in community projects, such as litter collecting, to help them gain a sense of responsibility and community. Children equally benefit from staff developing successful partnerships with the neighbouring care home. Children and residents enjoy mutually beneficial relationships that help children to understand about different generations and life experiences.
• Staff provide children with meaningful opportunities for learning outside of their immediate experiences. Children learn about what makes them unique and individual. Coupled with a warm and inclusive environment, this helps all children to gain a strong sense of identity and sense of belonging at the nursery.
• Home visits help to establish highly productive relationships with families from the very beginning. Parents are truly viewed as partners in children's care and education. An abundance of information is shared between the nursery and home to support children's learning. Parents are very complimentary about the nursery and share in the ethos and beliefs of the provider that shape their children's education.
• The provider has a superb oversight of the nursery and invests heavily in the professional development and well-being of staff. This contributes towards the stability and exceptional commitment of the staff team. Staff enthusiastically implement any new learning and adapt and expand the curriculum to boost children's experiences. Furthermore, staff share in the vision of providing outstanding care for children. This motivates them to continually strive to build on their excellent knowledge and skills.