Bright Horizons Chelmsford Day Nursery & Preschool

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive within this inspirational environment because they are supported by dedicated staff who have the highest expectation for their learning. Children become confident and independent learners, with high levels of curiosity and a thirst for learning.

Children freely explore the exciting environment, both indoors and outside, which provides them with outstanding experiences across all areas of learning. For example, older children excitedly talk about their favourite science experiment to 'grow mould on bread' and say it became 'green and stinky'. Toddlers investigate real vegetables and show awe and wonder as they peel down the leaves to reveal sweetcorn inside and compare large and small cucumbers. Babies concentrate as they investigate mud and engage in water play guided by nurturing and attentive staff.

Staff carefully plan learning opportunities to meet children's needs and build on their knowledge and skills. As a result, children flourish in all areas of their development and remember what they have learned. For example, older children recall a visit from a marine biologist and talk confidently about the effects of oil leaks on fish. Children's emotional health and mental well-being are given careful consideration. Children learn yoga and 'breathing techniques' in a quiet and calm wellness room. This helps children to calm and regulate their feelings.

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

• The management team are inspirational. They consistently evaluate the nursery and have a clear vision and drive to make it the best it can be. Leaders have high aspirations for children and high expectations of the staff team. They regularly observe the quality of teaching and provide purposeful feedback to staff. This helps staff to continually improve their teaching skills and practice.
• The quality of teaching across the nursery is outstanding. Children experience high-quality interactions at all times. Staff plan broad learning experiences and monitor children's progress exceptionally well. They know children well and use this knowledge to skilfully adapt activities to precisely match each individual child's development. As a result, children are motivated to learn and make excellent progress.
• Staff work incredibly hard to plan exciting activities to ensure children enjoy learning. Older children sit in the 'lookout tower' and act out stories that they and their friends have written. Young children guess the scent of foam and then squeal with delight as they pat and spread it as 'cement' to build a brick wall. Babies explore the accessible activities, many of which focus on sensory experiences.
• Staff support children's language development exceptionally well. They skilfully engage children in conversations and discussions, modelling and repeating new vocabulary, such as 'predict' and 'semisphere'. Staff ask considered questions that encourage children to think, describe and share what they know. As a result, children rapidly learn new vocabulary and are highly articulate and confident speakers.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are superbly supported. Staff work with parents, and external professionals when needed, to put in place plans to detail what children need to achieve next. All staff know how to tailor learning and play opportunities to meet children's individual needs.
• A personalised training programme is in place to ensure staff receive the training and mentoring each of them need. Staff advise they feel supported, and their well-being is highly considered. They are enthusiastic in their roles and, as a result, there is a happy atmosphere throughout the nursery.
• Parents comment that the detailed information they receive about children's learning is 'amazing'. They say staff are very friendly and approachable and they can 'totally trust staff' to care for their children. The management team go above and beyond to support families who need additional help, including swiftly contacting outside professionals for advice if required.
• The nursery chef provides children with nutritional snacks and meals. Staff interactions ensure mealtimes are a lovely social experience. They support children to understand about healthy eating and encourage them to share their experiences and opinions. Children's independence is supported from a young age. Older children line up to be served their food and to put waste food into the bin to prepare them for their experiences at school.