Bossy Boots Creche

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The manager is passionate about the flexible childcare service the nursery provides for parents in the local community. She is dedicated to providing a homely, family-friendly nursery. On arrival, children separate from their parents with confidence. They quickly settle down to play with the support of the caring and attentive staff team. Children demonstrate that they feel safe, secure and ready to learn.

Overall, the manager and staff plan an ambitious curriculum. The environment is well resourced and is regularly adapted to reflect children's interests and developmental needs. Children enjoy a wide range of activities. For example, younger children help the adults to set up an indoor obstacle course. They clap and giggle in anticipation. Children confidently navigate the course. They crawl, climb and balance, moving all parts of their body. This activity helps to develop their agility, balance and problem-solving skills. Older children go on a treasure hunt. They test their understanding of language as they listen carefully and solve simple clues. They cheer with excitement when they find the hidden objects. Staff support children to behave well effectively. They use a calm approach and gently encourage younger children to share toys and space together. Older children demonstrate a clear understanding of the behaviour expectations of staff. For example, they listen carefully to each other. They take pride in helping and tidying up.

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

• In general, children's language is supported effectively. For example, children experience lots of stories and singing in their daily routine. The manager has led initiatives that encourage reading at home. However, at times, some staff do not consistently use questioning techniques that encourage children's thinking. As a result, children do not always have the opportunity to speak in more detail and practise their developing language skills.
• The manager and staff know the children well. On the whole, they have designed a curriculum that gives children the knowledge and skills required for the next stage of their learning. However, the educational programme for mathematics is not as well sequenced as the programmes for other areas of learning. For example, children are taught to recognise numerals to 10 and beyond before they have grasped a firm understanding of different quantities and how numbers relate to each other. As a result, children's understanding of number is not built on in a sequential way.
• Parents value the flexible care offered by the nursery. They say they are happy with the progress made by their children. The staff have a strong partnership with parents. For example, when staff identify possible speech delays, they speak to parents promptly and share ideas of how parents can help their child at home. This consistency helps children to catch up and close any gaps in their language skills.
• Children learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle. All children take part in a toothbrushing scheme to promote good oral health. Children enjoy brushing their teeth daily and are taught how to do this effectively. Staff talk to children about healthy eating and provide healthy lunch box ideas for parents. Children get plenty of fresh air and regular exercise indoors and outdoors. This helps to promote children's overall good health and well-being.
• The town centre location of the nursery offers rich opportunities for active learning. Children enjoy regular outings to the park, library and museum. They explore objects from the past and express their ideas by immersing themselves in play and dressing up. These experiences help children to make links to what they already know and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
• The manager and her staff have a positive attitude towards continuous improvement. As a small, close team, they work alongside each other, observing practice and reflecting on children's development. Regular supervision meetings are used to discuss how the needs of children can be best supported. The manager uses staff supervision sessions to check on staff well-being and identify any training opportunities. As a result, there is a happy and proactive culture in place.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• strengthen the use of questioning techniques to extend children's language and thinking skills consistently
• support staff to enhance their understanding of how young children learn mathematics in order to build successfully on what children already know and can do.