Busy Bees at Wirral Beechwood

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children flourish in this interesting and fun-filled nursery. They enter happily and are at the heart of everything that the nursery does. Children have a strong voice and are actively encouraged to make choices and direct the flow of their play. They are confident to put forward their ideas when making a den in the garden. Staff have an innate understanding of the children's needs. Children thrive because of the strong emotional attachments they have with the staff. Staff plan a curriculum that is tailored to the children's individual needs. Furthermore, they skilfully adapt the plans to meet the ever-changing needs of the children. This means children make rapid and sustained progress.

Staff are highly skilled communicators who create an interesting and language-rich environment. This stimulates children's curiosity and imagination. Children develop a love of reading. They know that books can be read for pleasure and for information. Staff have carefully chosen books and resources that represent the children that attend the nursery. As a result, children feel valued and are confident to celebrate their individuality.

Children are respectful of one another. They share their toys and patiently wait for their turn in activities, such as when they are making jelly. Children have a secure knowledge of the nursery's rules, such as using 'kind hands'. They are confident to remind others of the rules when they forget. Children learn to manage their emotions and feelings and treat everyone with kindness.

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

• The setting is led by an enthusiastic and passionate manager. The manager's enthusiasm has sparked staff's imagination. This has provided a wealth of exciting and interesting learning experiences for children. For example, children relish the opportunities to construct with recycled materials, such as tyres and bamboo. This helps them to discover the properties of different materials as they build. They also learn about the importance of recycling.
• Staff are committed to giving the children the best start in life. Staff value the training and support provided, which has enabled them to think creatively. For example, the creation of a quiet sensory area provides a safe space for children who are feeling anxious. This enables them to settle and quickly re-engage in their play.
• An ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum helps children make excellent progress across all areas of their development. Children are deeply engaged in their learning and frequently invite their friends to join in the fun. Three friends watch in awe and wonder as they create jelly. They work harmoniously together and put forward their ideas as to what may happen next. Ultimately, children become critical thinkers and problem-solvers.
• Children are confident speakers. They love to hear and use new words, such as 'pterodactyl' and 'stegosaurus'. They are confident to tell and show what the animals say and do, for example saying, 'The crocodile goes snap, snap, snap,' as they close their jaws. Staff use songs to enhance children's learning experiences. They sing 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat' when children play in the water. Children smile in delight as they happily join in. This creates a strong foundation for future learning.
• Children develop a secure understanding of early mathematics. Older children confidently count to five and beyond. They are beginning to know the value of numbers. Younger children learn about numbers as they sing 'Five Little Speckled Frogs'. This helps children to develop a positive attitude to mathematics and problem-solving.
• Babies are provided with excellent opportunities to practise their crawling and walking skills. Older children learn to take risks as they clamber up the climbing frames and cargo net. Children use a range of real tools and resources with increasing control. They concentrate intently as they use a large kitchen spoon to pour water on to the flour to make dough. This helps children have confidence in their abilities.
• Staff provide a highly inclusive environment in which children can play, learn and explore. Children develop a strong sense of self and what makes them unique. Children gain confidence in managing their feelings and emotions. They show empathy to their friends who are upset and help the staff move a bumblebee to a place of safety. Children learn about tolerance and compassion.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are very well supported. The special educational needs coordinator works with parents and professionals so that children have the right support. The staff have used early years pupil premium funding extremely well to support the children. This reduces children's anxieties and helps them to fully participate in their learning.
• There is a strong commitment to working in partnership with parents. The manager ensures that any concerns are resolved quickly. Parents are very complimentary about the care provided. They say that their children are happy, safe and are blossoming here.