Basildon Hospital Day Nursery School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive at this warm and welcoming setting. Staff build strong, caring relationships with children and their families. They give excellent support to those who are moving up to a new class or who are settling in, especially if they find it hard to say goodbye to their parent or carer. The curriculum is exciting and ambitious. Staff help children explore and ask questions, fostering curiosity and deep thinking. For example, children talk about what happens when a pine cone gets wet. They learn that it closes to protect its seeds and think about what might happen when it dries. Staff set clear expectations, and children follow their lead. They are kind, take turns and work together. For instance, while watering plants, children discuss if they have enough watering cans and choose to share.

Staff have a strong understanding of how children grow and develop. They support physicals skills through engaging experiences. Staff help younger children to build their core strength by practising steps. Older children use water squirters to pretend to put out fires, which helps develop the small muscles in their hands. Outside, children enjoy obstacle courses, where they balance, hop and jump. Children also practise 'sky writing' using big arm movements to strengthen their larger muscles and prepare for writing.

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

• Staff know their key children extremely well. They gather detailed information from the start through meetings with parents during settling in and from transition documents as children move through the rooms. This helps staff understand each child's starting point. They use this knowledge to plan meaningful learning experiences based on children's interests and what they need to learn next.
• Children flourish in a language-rich environment. Staff extend what children know through stories and purposeful talk. They introduce ambitious vocabulary naturally and model language in play and routines. Well-planned activities spark curiosity and promote rich conversation. For example, in a role-play tea party, children develop creativity and expressive language by imagining guests, food and props.
• Children who speak English as an additional language receive exceptional support. Staff use key words from home languages, familiar expressions and gestures to build their confidence and help them feel understood. They give children the time and space to process information, using simple English phrases alongside visual aids. This thoughtful approach allows children to gradually develop their ability to use both languages successfully, both in their play and to express their needs.
• Storybooks are at the heart of many activities. Children create characters like
• 'Stickman' from natural and creative materials. Younger children listen to the story as they create, while older children retell the tale using their own props and characters, strengthening memory, storytelling and confidence.
• Staff promote independence at every stage. Babies are supported to spread their own cream cheese, while toddlers serve lunch from shared dishes. Children naturally use the 'Self Support Station' to pour their own drinks, wipe their nose and take care of themselves with growing independence. A 'special helper' encourages responsibility and teaches children about democracy.
• Staff quickly identify children with emerging needs through careful observation. They work closely with parents and other professionals to address any possible delays. Staff implement targeted plans so every child makes excellent progress. Each child's unique character and experiences are used to strengthen areas that they need to develop further. Children make clear, confident decisions about where and how to play. Staff use their strong knowledge of each child to guide their play in well-thought-out experiences to help them learn to their full potential.
• Parents are highly positive about the setting. They praise the skilled, caring staff and the consistently high-quality provision. Staff communicate effectively through regular updates and purposeful daily conversations, ensuring that parents remain well informed. Families value the home learning resources and thoughtfully designed 'Borrow Bags', which support children through key life changes. These strategies strengthen links between home and the setting, helping children feel secure, confident and well supported in their development.
• Leaders know their staff well and provide strong support. Thorough induction, regular supervision and focused training maintain high standards. Training focuses on communication, early number skills and home learning links. Staff feel valued, supported and proud to be part of a strong, nurturing team.