Busy Bees Day Nursery at Haywards Heath

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in this inviting nursery. They access activities and routines that are precisely planned to promote a strong sense of belonging and self. Leaders understand that the nursery is children's first place outside of the home. They set up the environment to make it feel cosy, homely and familiar. For example, all children have their own basket to bring their personal items in from home. This has a very positive affect on children's ability to settle and on their emotional development. Staff very successfully encourage children's independence skills through all routines and activities. For example, staff give children different types of utensils, cups and chairs as they progress through the nursery. Staff carefully consider how best they can support children's physical and independence skills alongside the routines. For example, children play with different-sized jugs and scoops in the water tray when they are learning how to grasp cutlery and cups.

Staff know children exceptionally well. They understand what they need to learn next and what they are interested in. Leaders and staff use this information to plan and implement a broad and balanced curriculum that fully supports children's development across all areas. When children are reluctant to leave their carers or move to a new room in the nursery, staff expertly set up activities that they know children enjoy. Staff also support children's feelings with warmth, encouragement and explanations about the changes. This boosts children's confidence and helps them to regulate their emotions.

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

• Leaders and staff plan and prepare an exciting curriculum that has a clear purpose and progression to support and engage children at every stage. Staff support children exceptionally well in all areas and offer inspiring activities throughout the day. This ensures that children make good progress.
• Leaders and staff have high expectations of children. They explain to them why rules are in place and how to stay safe. This has positive affect on children's behaviour and attitudes. Children are very happy in the nursery and form strong, positive relationships with each other and with staff.
• There is a strong, well-considered and highly effective key-person system in place. Key persons support children in pairs, so children always have a strong bond with an adult in their room. Staff further reinforce good relationships with children, such as by having photos on the wall of children alongside their key person. This successfully supports all children to feel settled in the nursery.
• Staff get to know children and their families very well. They are proactive in encouraging families to come into the setting to enhance children's enjoyment and knowledge. For example, family members share stories and customs from their different cultures. In addition, children have enjoyed a visit from a pilot, learning first hand about different aspects of air travel. These exciting experiences give children unique opportunities to develop their understanding of the world.
• Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is very good. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to design and implement individualised strategies to help children to regulate their emotions. This helps children with SEND to thrive.
• Parents and carers speak glowingly about the nursery and the supportive staff. Staff consult parents in depth about their children and provide regular ideas for children's learning to try at home. Parents appreciate the genuine investment that staff have in their child's learning and well-being. They feel supported and informed about their child's development and routines.
• Management of the nursery is a significant strength. Leaders are passionate and enthusiastic about giving children the best start in life. They have a clear and concise vision for the curriculum, which is implemented very well. Staff are trained and well supported to carry out their roles and responsibilities. Children benefit from the ambitious curriculum and are developing well.
• There is strong support for children's self-care. Staff patiently talk to children about hygiene practices. They set up routines to encourage children to take care of themselves. This helps children to become increasingly independent in managing their personal needs.
• Staff talk encouragingly to children about their learning and successes on a regular basis. This has a positive affect on children's self-esteem. Children take pride in their achievements and are extremely well prepared for their future learning.