Bluebell Nursery School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children in this nursery are immersed in a loving, homely environment. The attention to detail in this incredibly well-organised and purposeful nursery is second to none. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), develop secure attachments with their key person and are fully supported by an inspirational team of staff. Children's laughter fills the air, and their eagerness to learn is unmistakable.

Leaders and staff know the children extremely well and have a superb understanding of child development. They use this knowledge to embed and implement a highly ambitious and extremely well-sequenced curriculum that runs with seamless fluency through the nursery. At lunchtime, babies learn to feed themselves and toddler children are able to serve themselves. By the time children reach pre-school, they are able to wash their own plates, stack the dishwasher and wipe down the tables when they have finished. Staff prioritise children's independence. Younger children are encouraged to carry out their personal care independently. Pre-school children expertly change into their mud suits and wellington boots without adult intervention. They show exceptional independence from a young age. All children make excellent progress from their starting points and are exceptionally well prepared for their move on to school.

Staff are incredibly nurturing and reinforce their expectations of children's behaviour. They teach children about boundaries and emotions and how to make choices when faced with disappointment. Children know how to follow simple rules and develop respectful and caring relationships with others. All staff implement an excellent and well-structured approach to managing children's behaviour. Consequently, children's behaviour is exemplary.

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

• Staff are highly skilled in supporting children's communication and language. They expertly involve children in back-and-forth conversations, ask questions and patiently wait for them to respond. All staff model an extensive range of vocabulary, and children consistently hear and practise new words. For example, pre-school children delight in explaining how they extend a fishing line as they cast it away. Staff use actions to encourage babies and younger children to recognise key words such as 'stop' and 'more'. Pre-school children are often seen using the same actions when talking to their younger peers. Children are extremely good communicators.
• Children learn the importance of being healthy through a wealth of innovative experiences. They plant their own vegetables and harvest them for the chef to cook healthy meals. Staff also motivate children to take part in physical exercise to specifically increase their heart rate, and they explain to children why this is essential to being healthy. Children are developing a strong awareness of healthy lifestyle habits.
• Staff are excellent role models for all children. They actively promote children sharing their views, and they value each child as a unique individual. For instance, they encourage children to vote for their favourite resources for a circuit activity. Children are extremely immersed in their chosen activity and listen intently to instructions throughout. As a result, all children are developing an understanding of democracy.
• Staff teach children about the world around them incredibly well. Children learn about the many things that make them unique. Staff understand the importance of representation for children and their families. Children enjoy activities and outings where they get to share their own cultures, religions and backgrounds. For example, children celebrate Eid with their friends. They enjoy food tasting and learning about the traditional dress. Children are incredibly well-rounded individuals who develop a positive understanding of what life is like in modern Britain.
• The special educational needs coordinators are highly attuned to the needs of children with SEND. They work in close partnership with a range of external professionals to ensure that children get the swift support they need. Staff go above and beyond to support children with SEND and use funding accordingly to support these needs. Consequently, children with SEND are included in the nursery exceptionally well and make excellent progress from their starting points.
• Parent partnership is a real strength of this nursery. Parents are extremely involved in their children's learning. For example, parents are involved in all assessments and are provided with resources from the 'big book of ideas', which helps their children make progress in identified areas for development in the home environment. Parents comment that the culture for children's learning and emotional well-being throughout the setting is exceptional. Children benefit from continuity in their learning.
• The inspirational management team is extremely supportive and provides very effective leadership for staff. Staff are extremely proud to be a part of this exceptional nursery. They speak highly of the 'hard-working and committed' managers. The managers take time to listen to staff. Together, they think of ways that they can improve their outstanding provision further. Staff well-being is a priority, and staff morale is extremely high. Staff are motivated to provide the finest education and care for children. This is clearly evident in their practice.