Appy Little Plums Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children settle exceptionally well at this awe-inspiring nursery. Staff have created an oasis of calm in which children are safe and secure. Children arrive eager to learn. They hand over their dummies and bottles to staff as they enter and greet staff with a smile and a hug. A culture of respect is evident in this nursery. Staff address parents by their names and chat to them offering reassurance, guidance and hugs, when needed. Staff expertly use children's interests along with what children need to learn next to plan exciting learning adventures for the day ahead. Younger children visit the park. They safely walk barefoot on the grass, smell flowers and listen to the gurgling river and the songs of birds. They develop their listening skills and delight at nature in the local environment. Staff plan activities for older children to discuss their emotions, say positive affirmations and participate in a yoga session. Staff provide meaningful learning. When outdoors children develop their physical strength and coordination as they use real tools to make bird boxes. Staff consistently extend children's learning. They seize every opportunity to extend children's vocabulary. They read exciting stories, sing songs and engage children in conversations throughout the day. The quality of interactions are outstanding. This helps children develop new skills.

Staff have unwavering high expectations for all children. They are excellent role models who are excited to complete their roles with enthusiasm and compassion. Children learn to follow rules and understand how to keep themselves safe. Older children help to identify and minimise any potential risks in activities. The incredible environment allows children to play, explore and become immersed in their learning. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders noted significant gaps in the emotional development of some children. They have engaged in extensive professional development. The result is a curriculum that is focussed to ensure all children are exceptionally well prepared for next stage in their learning.

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

• Leadership is inspirational. Managers ensure consistent evaluation, self-reflection and collaboration put children's needs at the heart of every decision. The arrangements for professional development are plentiful. Staff identify their interests and strengths. Staff access training opportunities that will directly benefit the children. Staff are highly skilled and knowledgeable. Their commitment ensures all children thrive.
• Staff are extremely well supported to complete their roles. They have access to focused supervision sessions. They discuss their well-being and receive specific feedback to help improve their practice. The manager has created an effective and extremely supportive system for staff. As a result, teaching is consistently of the highest standard. This means children benefit from inspirational activities.
• Managers and staff are committed to removing barriers that children face in learning. Staff complete thorough assessments of children's development. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get rapid and targeted support to help them thrive. Managers have created robust links with external professionals. Staff work closely with parents and carers. They swiftly put interventions in place to ensure all children make excellent progress.
• The ethos in the nursery is based on respect and professional love. There are children who have had significant adverse early life experiences. Staff work tirelessly to ensure all children feel loved and valued. They want children to enjoy their time in the nursery. Children are pampered as they participate in nursery spa days and have relaxation sessions. Children develop self-confidence and believe that they are special.
• Staff seize every opportunity to help children learn new skills. Mealtimes are a social occasion. Children beam with pride as they put fresh flowers on each table. Independence is promoted from they very start. Staff sit and hold meaningful conversations with children as they eat. Children enjoy healthy food. They are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their learning.
• Children are mesmerised by the inviting experiences on offer in the wonderfully designed environment. The curriculum is planned to enrich the early experiences of every child. Children learn to grow and harvest vegetables and to cook healthy food. Staff and children complete acts of kindness, they give flowers and chocolates to local residents. Children leave reading books in the park for others to find and enjoy. These acts make others feel happy. Children develop high levels of self-esteem and essential skills to help them flourish.
• Children learn about community. They visit a nursing home and have fun with their older friends. Staff create meaningful opportunities for children to celebrate cultural events. Visitors help children learn about people who help them. Police, a dentist and firefighters are recent examples. These experiences help children to develop respectful attitudes and understand differences. Children are exceptionally well prepared for life in modern Britain.
• Parents are overwhelmingly grateful for the support that staff offer them. Staff provide advice and guidance to parents. This has a positive impact on the well-being of the children. Parents are provided with information to help their children learn at home. They love the home learning packs. Parents speak highly of the nursery library and appreciate the high-quality books on offer. This helps children develop a love of reading. Every parent is invited to place a wish for their child on the wish tree. Managers use the views of parents to set up facilities to help families access clothes, nappies and food from the nursery. This approach makes a significant difference to the well-being of families.