Al-Madina Nursery - Saltley

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are happy and settled in this inviting nursery. Leaders work closely with parents. There is a tailored settling-in process. Parents can join their children for their initial sessions. They then gradually leave their children for extended periods of time. This is individual to each child's needs. This helps to prepare children and their families to feel happy and safe at the nursery. Consequently, strong and trusting relationships are built from the start of the children's nursery journey.

Staff support children's communication and language well. Many children speak English as an additional language. Staff use a good balance of English and the children's home language to encourage them to talk. Staff speak slowly and clearly. They make good use of songs and rhymes to support younger children to make sounds and learn new words. Older children learn to love books. Staff use open-ended questions and link stories to the children's home life. This encourages children to share their thoughts and ideas. Consequently, children are confident to talk in different situations. This helps them to build relationships with their peers and adults.

Staff gently encourage children to follow basic rules and boundaries. They remind children about 'kind hands' and 'walking feet'. Children excitedly anticipate the routines of the day. Staff effectively use a tambourine to alert children that it is time to stop and help to tidy up. Children listen and follow instructions, and they line up nicely to go outdoors. As a result, children are being prepared well for their next stage in education.

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

• Leaders have sound knowledge of the community they serve. They provide a unique curriculum that covers the seven areas of learning and also supports children's religious beliefs. Leaders are sensitive to parents' wishes and offer an inclusive environment for all children.
• Staff regularly plan for children's learning. They use a topic of the week and activities to implement their curriculum. However, it is not always clear how the planning relates to each child's next steps. This means teaching and learning opportunities are not highly focused on what children need to learn next.
• Work around the nursery is clearly that of the children. Staff encourage children to be creative and share their ideas. There is free access to mark-making resources in each room. Children show an eagerness to learn and engage in activities. However, it tends to be the more confident children who dominate the attention of staff. This means some of the quieter children lack some focus and support to learn.
• Leaders provide rich experiences for children. Children enjoy outings into the local community, and staff consider any risks they might face. There is a focus on teaching children about the world around them. Children learn about the value of giving to those less fortunate. They learn about empathy and kindness. This is preparing them for their future life as good citizens who contribute positively to their community.
• Leaders prioritise the ongoing professional development and upskilling of their team. Staff complete regular training to support them in their roles. Staff feel very well supported. They are happy and work well as a team. Leaders monitor staff practice through supervision and observations. They provide constructive feedback. Leaders have a clear vision for the nursery. This helps to support the continuous improvement of the overall care and education they provide.
• Children enjoy playing outside. There are lots of interesting activities and resources to help develop their physical skills. Children are learning to share and negotiate taking turns on the ride-on cars. Staff support children to resolve minor conflicts with their peers. As a result, children are forming friendships and work together.
• There is an effective key-person system. Children can choose which staff they form close bonds with. Staff are kind and attentive to the children's needs. They provide parents with detailed handovers of the children's day. Parents are happy with the care their children receive. They are regularly welcomed into the nursery for parent workshops. This provides parents with useful information, support and advice.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• focus planning more sharply on what each child needs to learn next
• support staff to recognise those children who may not be as confident to engage in learning so that all children make steady progress.