Ashcombe Children's Centre Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in this excellent nursery. They arrive extremely eager to learn and settle quickly into purposeful routines. Staff greet them warmly and know each child exceptionally well. As a result, children feel very safe, valued and confident to explore.

Children benefit from a very well-sequenced curriculum that promotes their learning and development across all areas of the early years foundation stage. Staff's high-quality interactions with children extend children's thinking and their vocabulary highly successfully. For example, during snack time, staff introduce new words such as 'quantity' and 'capacity'. Staff encourage children to listen and are extremely responsive to them at all times. Children are curious and focus intently for long periods.

Behaviour is exemplary. Children understand the clear expectations and follow routines with confidence. They solve minor disagreements independently and show kindness to each other. For example, children negotiate preferred roles when building. They state, 'I would like to do this and then you can have a turn.' Staff model respectful behaviour and consistently emphasise positive social skills. Staff build exceptionally strong, nurturing relationships with children. They respond promptly and sensitively to children's needs, offering consistent reassurance and support. Children feel confident to share their ideas and thoughts.

The provider prioritises staff development, which ensures consistently high-quality teaching. All children make excellent progress during their time at nursery. Staff work closely with parents and external agencies to ensure that all children receive timely and effective support.

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

• Children benefit from a well-thought-out and impressive curriculum that builds over time. Staff regularly assess what each child knows and needs to learn next. They provide the additional support needed to help reduce gaps in learning and to ensure children progress from their individual starting points. For example, staff lead excellent interactive story sessions to build listening and attention skills. They set up challenging obstacle courses to support physical development and targeted small-group activities to encourage children in their personal, social and emotional development.
• Staff prioritise communication and language development exceptionally well. They model rich vocabulary, ask purposeful questions and give children time to think and respond. Staff use sign language effectively to support children and help them express themselves with confidence. For example, during group activities, staff use sign language alongside spoken words to reinforce key vocabulary such as 'please' and 'thank you', enabling children to communicate their needs more effectively. Children develop strong communication skills and engage in meaningful conversations with both adults and peers.
• Staff use snack time as a valuable opportunity to promote children's social development. Children sit together in small groups, take turns serving food and use excellent manners. Staff model positive interactions and encourage meaningful conversations, helping children to develop confidence and independence. Staff actively promote healthy choices and model excellent hygiene routines. They use daily routines to help children understand how to care for their bodies and make positive decisions about their health.
• The provider demonstrates a relentless drive for excellence. They prioritise staff well-being by creating a supportive and respectful environment. Leaders utilise daily 'huddles' to support staff and share pertinent information relating to children's learning and welfare. This ensures that children's individual needs are met. Staff report that they feel valued and motivated.
• Staff work in highly effective partnership with parents, especially with those families who need additional support and guidance. They share detailed information about children's progress through regular updates, workshops and reports. Staff offer practical advice and resources to help parents extend learning at home. For example, they give families toothbrushes, toothpaste and guidance on oral routines, helping to promote healthy habits beyond the nursery. This consistent approach between home and nursery supports children's overall development extremely well.