Apples And Honey Nightingale

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive at this unique and inspiring nursery. They have excellent relationships with staff who are kind and extremely nurturing. Children develop secure friendships with their peers and demonstrate that they feel extremely happy and settled. Babies have close bonds with staff who are sensitive to their needs. They snuggle up close and enjoy a range of multi-sensory experiences. They show wonder as they explore treasure baskets and explore different textures. Staff are highly reactive to babies needs and quickly respond when children indicate that they want to play outdoors.

Older children have a wealth of opportunities to prepare them for the next stage in their learning. They are extremely independent, sociable and have excellent language skills. Staff are skilled at introducing new language that enriches children's vocabulary. For example, children spontaneously talk about 'vertebrates' following an interesting topic about bodies.

Children's personal, social and emotional development is supported particularly well. The nursery sensitively implements an intergenerational approach where children learn about mutual respect. Children have regular opportunities to visit residents from the care home. They enjoy singing favourite songs together such as 'You are my Sunshine'. Children have opportunities to learn about jobs that the residents used to have and tell them about their own experiences.

Children behave exceptionally well. They learn to self-regulate their own behaviour and show sensitivity to others. Younger children learn to share and take turns. Older children understand expectations. For example, during snack time, they read signs which say how many pieces of fruit they can take and respect this. The nursery offers an inclusive environment where all children can flourish and learn about others. Children and families recently enjoyed celebrating Pride. Books and stories are used well to support children to positively learn about all different types of families.

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

• Leaders and managers are extremely dedicated and passionate about providing a high-quality service. This enables all children to make the best possible progress. They oversee continuous improvement in the nursery extremely well. Staff training and development is positively supported. Recent staff training on outdoor play has prompted staff to evaluate the effectiveness of outdoor provision. Even though fantastic outdoor play opportunities are a key strength, there are plans to enhance this even further.
• There is a highly ambitious curriculum for all children. The quality of teaching is excellent as staff have a detailed understanding of children's learning needs and interests. Toddlers love learning about sea life and enjoy listening to the 'Hooray for Fish' story. They respond well to the rhythm and rhyme of the book and use new language such as 'twisty and twirly'.
• Staff are skilled at supporting children's communication and language development. They re-enforce key words and ensure children hear correct pronunciation. Older children think critically. They are confident to ask questions and share their ideas and experiences.
• Parents say they feel privileged that their children attend this unique setting. They love the intergenerational aspect and feel their children are learning empathy towards others. Parents say their children have made significant progress in their learning. They feel staff are exceptionally dedicated and particularly like the range of interesting outings that are organised.
• All children benefit from well thought out outdoor play opportunities. Children learn about planting and growth during gardening activities. They are keen to pick strawberries that are ripe to have for snacks. They demonstrate excellent physical skills as they use their core strength to slide down the pole. Younger children show increased confidence as they balance on crates and learn how to put their arms out to steady themselves.
• Children with special education needs and/or disabilities are exceptionally well supported. Staff work very closely with parents and other agencies to support children's progress and understand the needs of individual children. This ensures that children's needs are meticulously planned for and that early help is identified, where necessary.