Bright Kids Coughton

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children show great delight to be at this friendly and very welcoming nursery. They, and their families, are greeted warmly by the caring staff. Most children are eager to get inside and start playing and learning. Those who are a little more unsure receive the reassurance they need and are soon as happy to be there as their peers.

Children's behaviour is very good. They understand the routines of nursery life and cooperate quickly with them. For example, they gather together eagerly for story and singing time and line up promptly to wash their hands before lunch. Children happily play with, and alongside, each other.

Children benefit from a curriculum that is clearly defined and understood by staff. It is designed well to give children a rounded and secure set of skills by the time they leave to start school. Staff place a strong emphasis on children's social, communication and physical development. They fully understand that these skills form the foundations for all other learning. Children learn to express their needs and opinions well. They learn to enjoy stories and handle books carefully. They enjoy the interesting opportunities to climb and negotiate around obstacles outdoors.

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

• Staff provide an enchanting learning environment which really encourages children to explore. The attention to detail is evident. Children are fascinated by what is on offer and their interest is maintained for long periods of time. As a result, children learn to try out their own ideas and to focus well. These skills will be very useful as they progress to the next stage in their learning.
• Staff understand how important it is for children to have the words and confidence to express their ideas. Throughout the nursery, staff ensure children have plenty of opportunities to hear words and phrases that relate to what they can see or are doing. Overall, children are developing well into confident communicators.
• Children show they are developing a love of songs, books and stories. Babies and toddlers eagerly sit with staff to sing familiar songs and bounce up and down with delight as they do so. Older children are keen to take part in 'story time'. They choose their favourite books and listen intently as staff read in animated voices.
• Staff identify what they want children to learn and they implement this learning intent very well, overall. There are times when staff miss opportunities to teach specific skills or tailor their interactions to the precise needs of children. The manager has plans to support staff further to enhance their existing strong teaching skills.
• Children are developing well into curious learners. Because resources capture their interest so well, children often remain at activities for long periods of time. For example, children are fascinated by the water tray. They confidently try out their own ideas, exploring different ways of making the water roll down piping.
• The small staff team are extremely nurturing. Babies and toddlers receive lots of cuddles and smiles. Older children are cared for in an equally positive environment. Nappy changing and meal times are used very well to build happy and trusting relationships. This strong practice ensures children feel safe and secure at nursery.
• Parents speak in very positive terms about the nursery and the staff. They feel very well informed about their children's routines and the activities they have experienced and enjoyed. They feel less well informed about the specific skills and knowledge their children have learned through taking part in these activities.
• Staff heap praise on the guidance and encouragement they receive from the manager. Staff have grown in confidence about their own abilities and recognise they are better practitioners because of her support. Some staff refer to the nursery as 'family'. Staff's willingness to learn and their commitment to being the best they can means they are well-placed to build further on their existing good caring and teaching practice.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• focus monitoring, coaching and support for staff more precisely on developing their good teaching skills to an even higher level, to further enhance the delivery of the curriculum
• build on existing strong partnerships with parents, to share more information that will help parents further support children's learning and development at home.