Belmont Farm Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children have an exceptional start to their education at this inspirational nursery. At every opportunity, staff teach children and support learning remarkably well. Children flourish and develop the skills they need for life-long learning. The nursery is brilliantly resourced and tailored to support children to learn about the world around them. For example, they enjoy forest school sessions and benefit from the on-site farm as they reap the benefits of being at one with nature. Children tend to fruit and vegetable patches and learn about a healthy lifestyle as they cook with home-grown produce.

The nursery's 'love-based' approach supports children's behaviour to be exemplary. Staff talk to children about how 'sharing is caring' and children play harmoniously at all times. They work cooperatively outdoors to build homes for different people while enjoying the fresh air and space that nursery offers. Children are involved in setting the rules, and this helps them to consistently follow them, with staff acting as perfect role models. Staff put children's best interests and welfare at the heart of all they do. Babies approach them for warm and nurturing comfort. They feel safe and secure in the environment and are keen to learn and explore. This helps to make the nursery an amazing place to be for all children.

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

• The curriculum provided by the manager and staff is inspiring. Children's development is meticulously monitored and the shared vision for learning is implemented seamlessly. The high-quality teaching across the nursery ensures that all children make excellent progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• The way in which the nursery helps to develop children's character is awe-inspiring. Children are extremely confident, due to high self-esteem which is beautifully nurtured by staff. They view themselves in a highly positive sense. For example, babies say, 'I am brave and I am strong,' before independently tackling the challenge of the climbing frame. Older children showcase their creations on the 'proud table'. This gives children the self-worth and positive attitudes they need to succeed.
• Children are incredibly independent. Older children 'pay' for their breakfast with 'caterpillar coins'. This develops their mathematical skills and sense of responsibility. The daily 'fruit monitor' prepares healthy foods to serve to their friends as part of snack-time routines. Children manage their own self-care needs and babies help to hand out bibs at mealtimes before feeding themselves. Dentists visit the nursery to teach children about oral hygiene. This helps children to learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy.
• Staff's focus on children's speech and language skills is exceptional. Babies are quickly taught the first words they need to express their wants and needs. They delight as they sing songs that they choose by pointing at picture cards. Children are exposed to an abundant range of new words as they play. They talk about how things are 'unique' as they listen to stories. The sound of conversation and curious children's questions flows through the nursery. Staff ask thought-provoking questions that encourage children to think deeply. For example, children develop a can-do attitude as they solve problems to build bridges outdoors.
• Children develop a love of reading. Parents utilise the library to borrow books to read at home as part of children's 'reading challenges'. Older children are developing many early reading skills. For example, they identify sounds that letters make, to begin to read simple words. Their attempts at early writing are highly valued and they sign themselves into the classroom each morning. This prepares them for the next stage of education and moving on to school.
• Parents say they are extremely happy and tell the inspector that they feel incredibly lucky that their child attends this nursery. The nursery ensures that parents are able to extend children's learning at home. For example, they hold monthly parent workshops on topics such as first-aid training, supporting children's language and weaning tips for babies. The parent committee gathers feedback which leaders are quick to act upon. Parents feel listened to and appreciate the excellent communication.
• The manager is an incredible leader. Her dedication and passion for ensuring children have the best start in life are admirable. Staff report incredibly high levels of well-being. They say that they love coming to work and this shines through in their interactions with children. Staff receive countless training opportunities and coaching of newer staff ensures that teaching is of the highest quality across the nursery.