Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are extremely well cared for in this secure and welcoming nursery environment, where staff know them very well. Staff celebrate children's individuality and, as a result, children throughout the nursery are very happy, settled and confident. They enjoy their time at nursery, making good relationships with staff and their peers. Older children delight in inviting their friends into their play, explaining how to take turns and share resources. Younger children are eager to join in with games with their familiar adults and seek them out for comfort when needed.

Staff set high expectations for children's behaviour and children are aware of the rules and boundaries within the nursery. Babies learn to take turns as they post shapes into a sorting box. Toddlers engage in a singing session in the garden and staff model what it means to take turns. Older children wait their turn patiently to use a steel tongue drum. They clap and praise their friends for the sounds they make. Children of all ages are polite and show enthusiasm towards helping each other. Toddlers delight in putting out cutlery for their peers before they arrive for their lunch.

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

• The new manager has a clear vision for the nursery. She tailors staff training to the needs of each staff member and recognises them for their individual talents. Staff bring their own unique strengths to the planning of activities within the nursery. They ensure that they gather essential information from parents and know exactly how to help children to learn and develop.
• Children have an abundance of opportunities to explore the outdoors. They go on trips out into the community, shopping for baking ingredients and taking trips to the local theatre. Within the nursery, children have constant access to their own designated garden areas where they develop their physical skills. Older children predict the number of wheels on their vehicles before counting them. They also predict how quickly water will flow down guttering as they pour. Toddlers climb and balance on steps and climbing equipment, taking well-supervised risks. However, staff do not plan the environment well enough to enable all children to be challenged equally.
• Children who speak English as an additional language are extremely well supported. Staff use key words in children's spoken language to help them settle into nursery life. They work closely with parents and families to ensure that the needs of all children are met. Staff members use sign language with children and show them visual props to support them as they learn to speak English. Babies respond with smiles as staff speak in their home languages to support them. As a result, children feel confident and valued in the nursery.
• Staff teach children new words during play. Older children make play dough potions and add their own herbs. Staff introduce words like 'coriander' and 'cilantro'. Younger children learn the names of body parts when singing 'heads, shoulders, knees and toes' during song time. However, sometimes, through the enthusiasm that staff have, they do not allow children time to respond to their questions. At these times, children do not receive the best possible support to develop their ideas and recall what they already know.
• Staff promote children's independence successfully. They encourage children to 'have a go', giving them plenty of time to succeed before stepping in to help. Children are learning beneficial self-help skills. For example, babies are given opportunities to select their own equipment for breakfast and help to make their own breakfast. Older children put on their own coats and wellington boots before going into the garden.
• Partnerships with parents are very strong. Parents receive regular updates about children's daily activities and their key achievements. Staff ensure that parents and families are involved in their children's learning through home learning initiatives. Parents commend the nursery on the high levels of communication and comment that their children are making good progress.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• refine the planning for the outdoor area to provide all children with the same rich experiences for learning
• support staff to strengthen their interactions with children and allow them more time to respond to questions.