Busy Bees Day Nursery at Worthing

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive at the nursery happy and enthusiastically head to their different rooms. They separate from their parents and carers with confidence as they are greeted by welcoming staff. The inviting and well-organised environment excites children, and they joyfully get involved with the activities set up for them. Babies build strong and sensitive relationships with staff. They are welcomed with comforting cuddles and smiles. Babies are supported closely while they explore a range of toys. They beam with delight at the praise staff give them, as they make wheels spin round and tap toys together.

Children develop positive attitudes to learning. They become absorbed in fossil-hunting activities that motivate them and follow their interests. Inspiring staff have high expectations for children. They ask thought-provoking questions and extend children's learning as they play together. Children learn about dinosaurs and fossils as they listen intently to one another and discuss what they know and can remember. Children demonstrate kindness and respect to their friends. They share a variety of different tools to dust away the sand and discover different bones, creatures and footprints.

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

• The manager has developed an ambitious and broad curriculum. She is passionate about the importance of supporting children's learning as they grow and progress through the different rooms at the nursery. The manager has high expectations for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Room leaders ensure that all staff have a full understanding of children's individual needs and any specific plans in place for them. Staff communicate closely with other professionals involved with children to ensure they continue to make good progress.
• Staff support children's communication and language development consistently. For example, when young children play in water with a variety of tools, staff introduce words such as 'squeeze' and 'spray'. They demonstrate the actions as they say them to fully consolidate children's understanding. Children build strong vocabularies.
• Children have access to a range of experiences that develop their physical skills. In the bright and inviting outside garden, children use bicycles with confidence as they weave in and out of the trees and bushes. Staff draw children into different experiences as they take turns during ball games and discover nature through scavenger hunts. Children are absorbed and engaged in their play and learning.
• Staff have a clear vision of how they want to extend older children's independence skills. For example, staff are beginning to adapt their lunchtime routine to enhance the experience for children. However, at times, children are not fully supported in understanding these changes. They become distracted and are not reminded of how to manage their own risks when handling items such as cutlery.
• Stories are paramount to the nursery's curriculum. Children actively get books out and look at the pictures independently. Staff engage children further as they read stories with excitement and enthusiasm. Furthermore, the manager promotes a 'lending library' where children can take books home to enjoy with their families. Children are developing a love of reading.
• Leaders provide staff with an abundance of professional development opportunities. Staff explain that they have access to an array of insightful courses that extend their knowledge and inspire their practice. Staff feel valued and supported, and teaching standards are continually raised.
• Parents explain they are very happy with the excellent communication they receive from the nursery. They tell the inspector of the fantastic online tool they have access to. This offers parents a wealth of stimulating activities they can do at home with their children. Parents also describe how they can easily access information about their child's learning and daily activities. Home learning is thoroughly promoted by staff, and parent partnerships are clearly strong and meaningful.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• extend children's independence skills further and promote their understanding of managing risks for themselves.