Alpha Steps Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive happy and eager to start their day, as they are greeted by caring and friendly staff. As the new term begins, all children, including young babies, settle easily and leave their parents and carers smiling and feeling secure. The setting's routines and expectations are understood by the children, who listen to staff and are well behaved. Staff reward good behaviour with stickers, which children proudly show off. Staff reinforce behaviour rules with children as they talk about the golden rules. Leaders and staff have devised an exciting and stimulating curriculum that encourages children to want to play and learn. Staff know the children well and plan effectively for their next steps in learning and development. Children make good progress from their starting points.

Staff plan for babies to develop their independence skills as they offer them plenty of opportunities to move freely. Babies develop their confidence as they try new activities such as climbing soft furniture and standing at the water tray splashing water. During circle time, toddlers build friendships and develop their communication skills as staff support them to express how they are feeling. Older children enjoy discussions around the table at lunchtime. They share stories about their families and birthday celebrations.

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

• The setting has successfully addressed the action set at the last inspection. Leaders have willingly worked with the local authority to improve their practice. This has impacted positively on the standards throughout the nursery. Leaders have developed their oversight of the implementation of the curriculum to ensure an ambitious and creative learning space for children indoors and outdoors.
• The setting works effectively with parents who speak highly of staff. From the start, they engage parents with their child's phrased settling-in period and ongoing learning and development. Staff communicate with parents via the online parent app and daily discussions and important information is printed in termly newsletters.
• Leaders prioritise staff well-being. Individual staff are nominated weekly for their achievements and receive a voucher to spend. In addition, staff write appreciation cards for their colleagues for the work they have done. All of which creates a culture of teamwork and kindness. All staff take part in supervision meetings with leaders and are offered regular training to build their professional practice. For example, staff have completed training for developing their interaction skills for children aged under two years old.
• Leaders provide extra-curricular activities such as music, sports and Makaton. All of which help and contribute to children's intellectual and physical development.
• Staff interact well with children during group activities. Staff sometimes move on to additional questions and information before giving children enough time to reflect on their activities and learning. This means children have less time to consolidate their learning.
• Staff provide healthy food at mealtimes. Children try a wide range of foods with different textures and tastes. They develop their fine motor skills as they twist spaghetti on their forks and scoop up Bolognese and couscous. Children develop independence skills as they follow good hygiene routines.
• Staff provide colourful quiet areas for sharing books. They read exciting and interesting stories to children to help develop their early literacy skills. Children learn that print has a meaning and about page sequencing.
• Staff play 'what's in the box' activity with children. Children are encouraged to develop their language and communication skills as they name and make the animal noises. Children learn to take turns and wait and all join in with the excitement of the game.
• Staff value diversity and encourage families to share their individual backgrounds. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff work closely with parents and external agencies to support children to make the best possible progress.
• Staff carry out thorough risk assessments, and there is CCTV throughout the nursery. The security at the entrance to the setting is secure. This helps further ensure children's safety and well-being.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• allow children time to consolidate their thinking during activities before asking them more questions to help support their learning even further.