Bright Little Stars Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The managers and staff have created a harmonious and friendly environment. Children demonstrate that they are safe, well settled and thoroughly enjoy their time at the nursery. Children form close and secure relationships with staff, who are good role models. Staff have high expectations of all children and want them to achieve as much as possible. This helps children to become more confident and have positive attitudes towards their learning. The easy access to all resources further supports children's independent exploration.

Leaders develop their ambitious curriculum based on children's interests and what they need to learn next. For instance, toddlers learn the names of farm animals, as staff read them familiar books. Staff know children very well. They use information gathered through observation of children to provide meaningful experiences. For example, children join a charity event and deliver collected toys to children who are in hospital. They learn the importance of helping those who may not be as fortunate as themselves.

Children behave very well. Staff encourage young children to share, take turns and be respectful. Pre-school children recall the rules and boundaries. They know exactly what is expected of them. They play cooperatively and use manners as they say 'thank you' and 'please' without being prompted.

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

• Leaders have a clear understanding of what they want children to learn. Staff implement the curriculum and sequence learning well. For example, staff provide plenty of opportunities for all children to strengthen their small muscles though messy play and mark-making activities. Children use tweezers, pegs and cut with knives. They develop good pencil control, in preparation for the next steps in their learning.
• Children's communication and language development is at the centre of all activities. Young babies babble happily as they engage with staff. Staff help toddlers to learn new words and repeat short phrases. Pre-school children engage in meaningful conversations. For example, they talk about their favourite and healthy food. All children, including those who speak English as an additional language, are becoming confident talkers.
• Children develop a strong interest in books and enjoy listening to stories and acting them out. Staff follow and extend children's interest effectively. For example, they organised a trip to the theatre for children to see their favourite characters played by actors. This helps to enhance children's further learning and supports their understanding of the world.
• Skilled practitioners ensure children have access to an extensive range of stimulating activities, indoors and outdoors, to inspire children's learning. However, the curriculum for exploring digital technology is not as well focused as other areas of learning. This includes the safe use of technology to further enhance children's understanding of personal safety.
• Leaders recently increased the stable staff team. They evaluate staff practice effectively and provide staff with professional development opportunities. Further oversight and ongoing support is now needed to ensure that all improvements and high standards are maintained and further elevated.
• Children learn to manage their self-care needs. For example, younger children practise self-feeding. Older children use the toilet themselves and learn to dress for outdoor play. Children happily help with small tasks, such as packing away toys after an activity. This helps them to gain sense of responsibility.
• Children make great use of the outdoor area, which supports their learning well. They have plenty of opportunities to practise their gross motor skills, such as running, balancing, jumping and climbing. They also regularly practise yoga, which helps them to stretch their bodies. They learn breathing techniques that help them to gain self-regulatory skills. Staff teach children about the importance of good health and the benefits of eating a balanced diet.
• Children's mathematical knowledge is extremely well developed. For example, children count objects accurately and match quantities to the numerals. Staff and children sing number songs, and children hear and use mathematical language in their play.
• Parents praise the extremely welcoming and caring staff. They are very happy with the levels of communication and information they receive about the progress their children make. They comment on highly effective learning opportunities that staff offer to their children. They speak about the educational webinars and additional support leaders provide parents with, when needed.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• further enhance children's access to functioning technology to enable them to expand their knowledge of safe use of digital equipment
• continue providing effective support for the new staff team to ensure that good-quality standards are sustained and raised to even higher levels.