Banana Moon Day Nursery Littleover

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

All children are welcomed individually into this bright and stimulating nursery. Children confidently wave to their parents and carers at the main entrance before eagerly leading the staff to their room, showing they know where to go. The children are greeted warmly by their key member of staff and they show great independence as they hang up their bags and take off their shoes. Children show a strong sense of belonging in the nursery. This helps to support children's emotional well-being and confidence. Children know how to keep themselves safe. Pre-school children risk assess the areas before they play. In addition, they help sweep the floor to keep it free from hazards.

Babies love to learn through investigation and exploration. For example, they laugh with delight as they knock down a tower that staff have built with wooden blocks. They say, 'all gone,' and attempt to help rebuild the tower by collecting the bricks and saying, 'more'. Toddlers show deep concentration as they pick up pom-poms with tweezers and shout, 'I did it!' when they succeed. Children explore a variety of activities that support their individual interests. For example, pre-school children use a large cardboard box and pretend it is a boat. They solve problems as they work out ways to get to 'land' without touching the floor. Children behave well and play harmoniously together as they share and take turns. Children listen attentively to stories read by staff in an animated and engaging way. This helps to promote a love of books and reading.

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

• The manager and staff have established a clear sequence of learning around what they want children to know, understand and be able to do. They support children to develop throughout their time in nursery. Children are very well prepared for their next stage in learning and their move to school when the time comes.
• Staff provide ample opportunities within the daily routine for children to develop their independence skills. Children develop confidence in their own abilities as they serve themselves at the table at lunchtime and pour their own drink of water from a jug. When they have finished their meal, they know how to clear their own plate away.
• Children learn about the world around them. They go for walks in the local community and access local parks. Children learn about different cultures. Staff provide resources and activities to support children to learn about celebrations and festivals, such as Diwali, Eid and Chinese New Year. This helps children to develop an understanding of the wider world.
• Staff talk to the children often and engage them in meaningful conversations. However, during some larger group times, some children are not engaged in conversation as much as other children. These children do not have as much opportunity to extend their speaking skills and vocabulary as the more vocal children.
• Staff provide a challenging outdoor environment for the children. They have a good knowledge of the importance of physical play in helping to develop healthy lifestyles and developing core muscle strength. However, staff do not always challenge the children to develop new skills, such as balancing, using pedals on a tricycle or managing their own risk outside.
• Staff have a very good relationship with parents. Parents feel that the communication with the nursery is very good. They know what their children are doing in the nursery. Parents value the ideas that staff give them to extend their children's learning at home.
• The manager and staff place an emphasis on supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff work in close partnerships with a wide range of other professionals to put plans in place to support children to reach their full potential. They work with other settings to enable a smooth transition to school when the time comes.
• Staff are enthusiastic and work well together as part of a friendly and motivated team. They comment that they feel valued and supported by the manager. There is an effective programme of supervisions and appraisals for all staff to manage their performance and support their well-being.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• develop staff skills so that they engage all the children, including those that are less confident, in conversation that extends their vocabulary and knowledge
• support staff to implement challenging physical activities outside to promote new skills for the children to learn.