Arksey Willows

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are happy to start the day at this warm and welcoming nursery. Children feel safe and secure in the care of familiar staff who know the children well. Staff plan activities around children's interests and to build on what they already know and can do. Staff use these activities to help children to build their vocabulary and mathematical language. For example, they talk about 'big', 'high' and 'tall' towers in the construction area and 'crunchy' and 'crispy' autumn leaves in the heavy-duty plastic tray. Children are given time to think about what it is they want to say. Staff take their time when listening and speaking to children.

Children engage in a range of activities indoors and outside. They are encouraged to climb, jump, balance and dig in the well-equipped outdoor area to promote their physical development. Children are very independent. They attempt to put on their own waterproof suits and coats and help themselves to an umbrella before venturing out into the rain, where they enjoy splashing in puddles. Children benefit from an external football coaching company visiting each week to develop children's physical development. Children talk about how much they enjoy these sessions. Staff provide a well-equipped creative area to give children the opportunity to develop their fine motor skills. Children strengthen their muscles in preparation for writing by mark making and squeezing and modelling play dough.

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

• Staff use what they know about children's interests and achievements to plan for their learning. The curriculum is designed to give children the knowledge they need. However, staff do not plan consistent experiences to develop children's understanding of the world and the diverse community in which they live.
• Staff support children's developing independence well. Children use the toilet and wash their hands without being prompted. They drink from open-top cups and attempt to pour their own drinks.
• Children learn about the importance of healthy lifestyles and good oral hygiene. Staff work with parents to ensure that children receive healthy lunches. They discuss nutritious food choices with children through stories and planned activities. Staff also give all children a toothbrush and timer to encourage good oral health at home.
• Partnerships with parents and other agencies are strong. Staff work closely with health visitors should they have any concerns about a child's development. Parents discuss how they feel well informed about their children's development through handovers, online software and regular meetings with staff. The nursery has a fantastic relationship with the school in which it is based. This ensures that children have a smooth transition on to school.
• The provider has high expectations for children's behaviour and conduct.
• Children generally behave well. However, when some younger children find it difficult to share and take turns, staff do not help them to understand how to resolve things for themselves.
• Staff interact positively with children and support their communication and language development. They get down to children's level as they chat to them. Staff use simple language when talking to younger children and extend older children's vocabulary by introducing new words and asking questions. For example, when children look at a book about healthy eating, staff discuss that milk has calcium in it which helps to make their bones strong.
• The manager and staff work well together to develop the setting to best suit the needs of children. Staff feel supported and that their ideas are listened to and acted on. The manager places a high importance on professional development and supports staff to access training courses to promote their learning and understanding.
• The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) monitors children's needs. She has good links with external agencies to ensure that all children are supported to enable them to reach their full potential.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• help children to develop an understanding of the world and the diverse community in which they live
• support staff to help children to resolve conflicts for themselves.