Bright Horizons Clairmont Day Nursery and Preschool

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are extremely confident at this nursery. They have an eagerness to learn and enjoy being challenged in their learning. The expectations for children's vocabulary and understanding are very high. Children enjoy the challenge of being introduced to words, such as 'hydrophobic' and 'hydrophilic', as part of their learning about floating and sinking. They experiment with making their own boats and test out different materials for their absorbency.

All parents are exceptionally pleased with the progress that their children make at nursery. They speak highly of the passionate and dedicated staff and management team. Parents receive regular feedback about their children and feel well supported to continue children's learning at home. Children's home life and culture is celebrated in this nursery. Staff encourage parents and children to share their experiences from home. This gives children an introduction to a wealth of different experiences, other than their own, and prepares them for future learning.

Children's behaviour is exceptional. They are gently reminded about nursery rules. Staff gently introduce this from the baby room. Children are encouraged to think about safety from a young age. For example, they are given accountability for checking the environment as part of daily risk assessments. Children go into the garden and are responsible for checking gates and looking for anything which may make the area unsafe. As a result, children begin to take responsibility and have a high level of respect for the environment.

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

• The curriculum is meticulously planned to ensure that children have an array of opportunities and experiences that precisely focus on supporting children to progress. Staff are extremely skilled in ensuring that learning follows a sequence, from babies through to older children. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was identified that children lacked some fine-motor skills. The manager and staff used their expert knowledge of physical development to build activities which promote this development across the nursery. Therefore, gaps in learning rapidly close.
• Literacy development is a strength at the nursery. Children have access to a wealth of books. Babies choose their favourite books, toddlers act out stories and older children learn about the difference between fiction and non-fiction. Children develop a love of learning, which is demonstrated through their high levels of engagement. They are constantly engrossed in challenging and stimulating experiences.
• The inspirational outdoor space is carefully designed. Every space is utilised and developed to be a learning opportunity for all children. Staff plan mixing stations for children to mix paint and experiment with colour changing. The newly developed allotment area is well established. Children have grown their own vegetables and show delight in harvesting their own potatoes. They make connections about the potatoes they have grown and the food they eat. As a result, children develop an understanding about sustainability.
• The interactions between adults and children are exemplary. In all rooms children flourish and are confident in communicating. This is due to staff constantly modelling new language. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive prompt, targeted early help and support. Children with SEND benefit from these high-quality interactions and have made outstanding steps in their progress.
• The views of children are of the highest priority. Leaders ensure the child's voice is heard through a 'nursery council' managed by children. Children audit the different environments and discuss what changes can be made and what the impact will be. This has led to the creation of a children's newsletter which is shared with parents and children. Children are taught about democracy. As a result, children are extremely self-confident and positive.
• The manager and staff place huge emphasis on children's well-being. They place high regard on the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has on children's feelings and emotions. Children are encouraged to share their feelings at all ages. Staff encourage children to use choice boards and regularly check with how they are feeling. The curriculum is designed with a focus on giving children the tools and strategies they need to manage their own feelings.
• Inspiring leaders support a skilled staff team in striving for excellence. Staff are extremely well coached in their professional development. Less-experienced staff are supported to understand the curriculum and policies and procedures through a robust training programme and as a result have exceptional knowledge.
• Staff feel extremely well supported by the management team and comment that there is always help available. The management team conduct regular supervision sessions with staff. As a result, all staff have a precise understanding of their areas of development and the plans that are in place for improvements. This ensures that staff can deliver the highest quality of teaching and help to provide rich opportunities for children to learn.