Boomerang Kids

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children benefit immensely from attending this exceptional and well-run nursery. Leaders and staff create an environment in which every child is expertly nurtured. This enables them to thrive in their learning and development. Children's emotional needs, physical development and communication skills take the highest priority in a well-implemented curriculum. The entire staff team are kind and gentle. They build extremely strong bonds with the children. Staff are aware that these bonds are key to successful relationships as children grow. Babies are particularly well cared for by a skilled staff team who cater for their every unique need. This means that babies make exceptional progress in the early stages of their development. Leaders and staff know that this is key to success for future learning and strongly supports children to reach their full potential.

The staff's approach, which is calm and loving, teaches children how to behave by the example they set. Children learn how to manage their emotions and demonstrate a high level of maturity for their age and stage of development. Staff teach children to be independent learners. Children develop high levels of resilience in their attitudes. They keep on trying until they succeed. Staff are close by to offer suggestions, but they do not interfere. They are experts at knowing when to intervene and when not to. For example, children listen intently to instructions on how to use tools to hammer golf tees into a cardboard box. When children find this too tricky, staff ask questions which lead children to engage their critical thinking skills. Children demonstrate their sheer delight when they are successful.

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

• The highly qualified leadership team are an inspiration. They role model a high level of dedication and commitment to their staff team. They work alongside the staff, acting as mentors for excellent practice. Staff say that the leaders are truly inspirational and that they motivate them in their roles. Parents feedback that the nursery is 'joyous' and that their children make exceptional progress in all areas.
• All children, including babies have strong communication skills. Leaders have adopted an enhanced programme of support that is practised throughout the nursery. They highlighted that previously children were generally falling behind in their communication skills. To counter this they developed an inspirational programme that enables staff to identify quickly if a child is falling behind and implement strategies to support with their communication skills. Staff teach children how to use sign language and visual cues to communicate their needs. All staff are trained in weaving speech and language activities into their planning.
• Adult-led activities are stimulating and memorable. Staff complete regular, relevant training which continually enhances their skills and knowledge. They have a deep knowledge on how children learn and develop. They use this to identify what children need to learn next. For example, children of mixed ages enjoy a throwing activity that staff have planned. Each child is set a different task that is suited to their capabilities. This means that all children can achieve and take pride in their own success. Older children cheer and show delight as younger children throw bean bags through hoops.
• There are extremely effective arrangements in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. A bespoke programme is delivered with the help of external professionals. Leaders work extremely hard with families and outside agencies to ensure that all children can access the inspirational curriculum provided. Staff adapt activities and the environment, such as creating imaginative outside spaces for those children who prefer to learn outside. Children climb trees and go 'on a bear hunt'. They create bird feeders and develop a love for the natural world, including how to care for it.
• Staff provide children with a large range of experiences that they may not have had previously. Children go to the local shops and vote on what they would like to eat for snack that day. They handle money and use the scanning machines. Children return to the nursery and prepare the snack for their friends. They have trips into the local community to litter pick and regularly visit libraries and residential care homes. These visits are educational and teach children about caring for others and respecting each others unique qualities.
• From a very young age children learn why it is important to make healthy choices. The nursery's diet is plentiful and nutritious. Parents are invited to visit and sample the menu during regular information sessions. Dentists visit the nursery and staff teach all children, including babies how to brush and care for their teeth. Children's emotional health is extremely well-supported. Staff plan children's transitions between rooms months in advance to ensure it is seamless. Children move throughout the nursery and on to school with high self-esteem and full of confidence.