Blofield Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children eagerly enter this home-from-home nursery with a strong enthusiasm to learn and explore. Staff warmly greet children at the door each morning, which creates a positive start to the day. They take time to engage with each parent during arrival to ensure a smooth and reassuring transition from home to nursery. Through these daily interactions, staff have built trusting relationships with children, helping children to feel safe, secure and ready to learn. Children are starting to understand behaviour expectations in the nursery. Staff speak calmly and respectfully and encourage children to be helpful, use their manners and be kind to their peers. For instance, children patiently wait for their turn during group activities and help their peers when they struggle with tasks.

Staff skilfully thread mathematical concepts into children's play from an early age. For example, babies place rings onto teacup holders while staff count them aloud, introducing number recognition and sequencing. Older children confidently count with their peers while reading, and learn the concept of quantities and measurements during water play. Children are supported to develop their independence through everyday tasks and personal care routines. They confidently dress themselves, pour their own drinks and tidy up after mealtimes. Children are encouraged to express themselves and become curious and confident learners. As a result, they are well prepared for school and the next step of their education.

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

• The management team has developed an ambitious curriculum that reflects the ethos of the nursery. Staff work closely with parents to understand children's routines and developmental stages before they start. They plan activities that are tailored to each child's individual learning needs and interests. Staff carry out regular observations and assessments of children's development. They use this information to plan purposeful next steps that support children to make effective progress during their time at the nursery.
• Leaders and staff recognise the importance of supporting children's communication and language development throughout all areas of the nursery. Staff engage in meaningful interactions, allowing children time to think and respond, while also introducing new vocabulary during play. They support children in developing a love of literacy and regularly read stories together, where they encourage children to add their thoughts and ideas.
• Staff support children to lead a healthy lifestyle. They ensure children get ample opportunity to play outdoors every day, as well as going on regular outings in the local area. Children are provided with home-cooked, nutritious meals that are healthy and balanced. They are taught the importance of good oral health. For example, children excitedly brush their teeth alongside their peers after breakfast. They use individual timers to monitor the correct time to take, and confidently discuss why it is important to brush their teeth.
• Staff act as positive role models and use gentle reminders during children's play. For instance, staff praise children for using good manners and encourage turn-taking. Children's behaviour is generally good, and they are taught from a young age to be kind and considerate to their peers. However, on some occasions, staff do not consistently support children to follow instructions or understand the impact of their behaviour on others. For example, when children struggle to share or do not follow instructions, staff do not always respond promptly to help children regulate their emotions and reinforce the behavioural expectations of the nursery.
• Parent partnerships are strong. They speak highly of the support that staff provide for their children and how this helps them feel well informed about what children are learning and where they are within their development. Parents discuss that the nursery is a home-from-home environment that involves parents and provides a wealth of information to support continuity of learning at home.
• The management team is ambitious and strives to promote the best outcomes for all children by working collaboratively to support staff, children and families. They support staff's professional development effectively and look at various courses that will enhance their skills and knowledge. The management team completes regular supervisions and appraisals of staff. As a result, staff feel valued in their roles and consistently express how much they enjoy working at the nursery.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• develop effective behaviour management strategies that support staff to be consistent in their approach and build on children's understanding of behaviour expectations in the setting.