Bright Horizons East Barnet Day Nursery and Preschool

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children quickly settle on arrival and are happy and eager to engage in activities. They are greeted by caring, attentive and nurturing staff. Children are enthusiastic and leave their parents with ease. They are aware of the high expectations of the staff, who are good role models and speak with respect and kindness to the children. Children behave well. Children show they feel safe and secure and comfortably approach staff when needed. Younger children maintain good eye contact during back-and-forth conversations with staff. Children have built strong relationships with staff. Staff praise children as they learn new knowledge and skills. They interact warmly during care routines, such as nappy changes and rest times. This supports children to feel safe and secure.

Staff plan the curriculum effectively. There is a wide range of indoor and outdoor learning experiences, which ensures all children make good progress in their learning. Children learn about nature through planting and gardening. They excitedly care for giant African snails, and they discuss how much food and water to give them to help them grow big and strong. Older children confidently discuss which ones have got bigger and those that may need more care and attention and how they can provide this. Children look forward to and enjoy the healthy meals and snacks, describing them as 'yummy' and 'delicious'.

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

• The manager and leaders have successfully met the actions set at the previous inspection. They have worked with other partners closely to devise an action plan. For example, staff have attended training on promoting positive interactions and supporting children's language. This has had a positive impact on children's communication and language development.
• The curriculum is ambitious and challenging. Staff know children well and tailor learning to their individual needs. The manager and staff have a strong focus on supporting children's personal, social, and emotional development. All children are confident and independent in their learning and can make decisions about their play for themselves. Staff join in with children's play at appropriate times to extend and challenge their thinking.
• Staff monitor children's development successfully. Any gaps in learning are quickly identified, and strategies are put in place to support children. Leaders and staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) well. Funding is used to pay for extra staff to enable those who need it most to have one-to-one and small-group support. Parents comment that their children have grown in confidence, social skills, and language development. All children are making good progress.
• Overall, activities support children's development well. They provide opportunities for staff to introduce new words and vocabulary. However, on occasion, in the toddler room, noise levels can become a little loud. This means that some children can become distracted and find it difficult to maintain focus.
• Key-person relationships are effective in supporting children's emotional development and ensuring their individual needs are met. Key persons know children well and have regular discussions with parents to share information on children, next steps and learning intentions. This means children are settled and planned activities are relevant. In addition, parents are informed about their children and can carry on their learning at home.
• Children are happy and willing to have a go at learning new skills. Staff support them well in making good choices. Children behave well and build positive relationships with each other and staff. Staff provide good support to help children manage their emotions and be kind to their friends.
• Children become increasingly independent in their self-care skills. Children develop good hygiene practices and learn the importance of washing hands and taking rest when they need it. All children help themselves to water to keep themselves hydrated. They have daily opportunities to be outdoors and active, and they understand the importance of exercise in keeping themselves healthy.
• Parents are positive about the setting and happy with the care and education their children receive. They appreciate the online system that staff use to provide regular updates on their children's progress. Parents describe staff as friendly and caring. They value the community feel within the setting and are active in activities such as lending books and the library bus.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• create an environment that supports children's ability to concentrate and focus on their chosen activity, with specific regard to managing noise levels.