Buds that Blossom Aylesbury

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children show they are happy and confident at the nursery and benefit from the broad range of activities provided. Staff engage with children in their play and provide meaningful interaction to support their thinking and creative development. For example, they talk with children about the shapes and colours they are using in their modelling activity. Children are quick to share their models, describing how they have made them and the reasons for the choices of materials used.

All children demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning and behaviour. Staff set expectations and share rules with children about turn taking and sharing. For example, children play with crates making enclosures to hide in. Staff help children to know how to share the resources and to help each other to build and develop their game together.

Children develop their physical skills as they explore a range of switches and buttons. Young children develop their fine motor skills as they push the buttons and operate the switches. Older children develop their gross motor skills as they build and create dens outside. Staff talk with children during their activities and provide information and vocabulary that supports their communication and language development.

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

• The manager has a clear vision of what it is she wants children to learn. She has worked with staff to develop a curriculum that builds on what children know and can do. They adapt their teaching to support the next steps in each child's learning. Staff use observation and assessment effectively to plan activities based on children current interest and learning needs.
• The manager identifies areas for development within the staff team. She provides regular supervision to discuss progress and professional development with the staff. They have opportunities to express their interest or discuss any development needs. The manager helps in sourcing training and coaching to help staff enhance their skills and knowledge of early years. However, she is not always consistent in monitoring new and or less qualified staff as precisely as possible. As a result, at times, these staff do not receive the support they need to understand what is expected of them in their interaction with children.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff work closely with parents to provide targeted support that allows children to make the progress they are capable of. Staff provide a range of opportunities to help children develop their communication and language skills. Children enjoy singing and listening to stories. They join in with musical instruments and talk about the sounds they make.
• Staff build positive partnerships with parents. They share information about children's learning and development and how parents can support this at home. They provide information about children's health and well-being. For example, they talk about and give information about the importance of oral hygiene and the impact the use of dummies can have on children's teeth. Parents speak highly of the staff team and feel assured their children are happy and settled at nursery.
• Staff build strong relationships with children. The key person spends time to get to know children individually. This helps them provide the care and support children need to feel safe and happy in their care. Children are very attached to staff and enjoy cuddles and comfort.
• Staff praise children's positive behaviour and are consistent in their support. They help children to identify their emotions and provide strategies to help regulate their feelings. This helps children to understand that their actions can impact others and how to resolve any minor disagreements. As a result, children generally behave well and show positive attitudes to their learning.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• enhance staff training and development opportunities to improve skills and knowledge of less qualified staff.