Busibodies

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children excel in this inspirational nursery. They are extremely happy and confident in their surroundings and consistently demonstrate a strong sense of belonging. A positive, inclusive ethos is evident across all the nursery rooms. Staff manage transition times extremely well. For example, they use sand timers with the older children to help them prepare for a change in the daily routine. This helps children become confident in navigating changes that happen throughout the day.

Nursery leaders work with room staff to plan a curriculum that is exciting, flexible and aspirational. They identify the important key skills and knowledge that children will learn over time. The curriculum is clearly sequenced so children have no gaps in their learning, for example, when they are beginning to count and recognise numerals. Leaders closely monitor the curriculum to ensure children continue to be fully engaged in their learning and are making excellent progress over time.

Children quickly settle into the nursery due to the excellent induction arrangements. Parents share valued information about their children's interests, routines and development at home. Babies and children thrive in the loving care of the dedicated staff team. The key-person roles across the nursery are exemplary. Staff consistently support and nurture children's well-being through well-planned daily routines and their superb care arrangements.

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

• Nursery leaders are passionate about providing very high levels of care and learning for children. They support the whole team incredibly well and are justifiably proud of staff's commitment and expertise. Staff say they receive excellent support for their different roles and love being part of the nursery family.
• The nursery provides high-quality care and education. Leaders use their expertise to offer mentoring and support to other local settings and schools. They place strong value on collaboration as a way of improving outcomes for all children.
• Partnerships with parents are exceptional. Nursery leaders fully involve parents in the nursery. They invite parents to regular events, such as 'The Gruffalo Day'. Parents praise the nursery staff for the wonderful experiences they plan for children. They know their children are very happy and safe, which gives them much reassurance.
• Staff interactions with the children are consistently outstanding. They know the children really well and provide precisely the right levels of challenge for them.
• Staff show a genuine interest in the different things children tell them. They give children their full attention and the time to express their thoughts and ideas. Children develop excellent language and communication skills.
• Children who receive additional funding are exceptionally well supported in achieving their curriculum goals. Staff work with parents and other childcare professionals to enhance children's learning and development. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive precisely the additional support they need to succeed.
• Staff are very skilled at responding to children's interests, for example the birds that have nested in the nursery garden. They show children how to use binoculars so they can see the birds more clearly. Children show much enthusiasm as they search for photographs of birds that staff have hidden. They are fascinated as staff teach them the names of different birds and their unique features.
• Staff place a high priority on children learning about their local community. They organise for the police and fire service to visit the nursery to tell children about how they support the local area. Staff plan regular visits to a neighbouring care home, which children really enjoy. At Christmas, children make special cards to say 'thank you' to people who support the nursery, such as the postman and milkman.
• Children's behaviour is exceptional. They cooperate well and show consideration for others. Simple nursery rules are reinforced at group times. Children understand these rules keep them safe and support their learning. Staff are excellent role models, using positive language and celebrating achievements.