Aspen Tree Childcare

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are happy, confident learners, who thrive in this nurturing environment. They form strong relationships with staff, which supports their well-being. As a result, children feel safe and are eager to engage in learning. Staff provide a rich sequenced curriculum that supports all areas of children's learning and development. They deliver high-quality interactions and use most opportunities to extend children's learning. For example, staff ask open-ended questions and encourage prediction as children explore how toys work during group-time activities.

Books are central to the curriculum, with stories integrated throughout the environment. Staff read interactively, encouraging children to talk about what they see and relate stories to their experiences. Puppets are used to bring stories to life, fostering children's love for reading. Staff introduce new vocabulary in context. For example, during water play, children explore size, volume and quantity using mathematical language. As a result, children make good progress in their communication and language.

Routines are well established, and children transition smoothly through the day, knowing what is expected of them. Staff skilfully promote independence by encouraging children to pour drinks, cut fruit using child-safe knives and dress themselves. Children work together to tidy up and show care for their environment. Staff consistently model and reinforce positive behaviours, helping children learn to play harmoniously with others.

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

• Babies access bespoke areas of the nursery tailored to their age. They receive attentive care that mirrors home routines and supports their development. They enjoy a range of sensory play opportunities, as they scrunch sand in their hands, and explore cornflour play, helping to build on their confidence. Staff provide effective support as babies learn to walk, holding their hands and encouraging them to take steps, supporting their physical development.
• Staff speak confidently about what children know and what they need to learn next. Although next steps are identified, sometimes staff are not always clear about how they will support children to achieve these. This results in their teaching not always being precise enough to fully support children to make the best progress with their individual learning goals.
• The nursery offers a wide variety of extracurricular experiences that enhance children's learning and development. These include, football coaching, music and movement sessions, and mindfulness activities designed to help children explore and express their emotions. These experiences are further built on with visits from organisations in the community, such as police officers, helping children to build on their understanding of the wider world around them.
• There is a clear and well-considered approach to preparing children for school. Staff place a strong emphasis on developing children's listening and attention skills, which local schools have identified as crucial for school readiness. Staff liaise directly with schools, sharing key information and facilitating visits from teachers, particularly for children with additional needs.
• Children enjoy free-flow access to an exciting outdoor area, where free-flow play is facilitated throughout the day. Waterproof clothing and wellington boots are readily available, allowing children to explore in all weathers. Outdoor activities, such as bug hunts and obstacle courses, promote curiosity and support children's physical development. Staff encourage risk taking and support children to persist through challenges, such as when navigating over climbing equipment. Children show high levels of determination and resilience.
• Parents speak highly of the setting and the care their children receive. They are kept up to date with their children's learning through consistent communication and parent consultations. Parents are encouraged to contribute to their child's learning journey by uploading photos, which staff use to inform planning and reflect children's interests. Parents are offered practical support and advice on topics, such as behaviour management and sleep routines.
• Leaders work hard to create a supportive and collaborative team. Staff supervision and development are well structured. Staff receive regular supervisions and have opportunity to build on their professional development with focused training. Evaluation and reflective practice are embedded in the team's approach. Leaders regularly review routines, resources and the learning environment to ensure that children receive good-quality education.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• develop staff knowledge and skills in working towards children's individual next steps with clear learning opportunities and precise teaching.