Charnwood

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive at this inspirational setting. They are greeted at the gates, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, by the happy, welcoming staff. Children quickly settle into a range of inviting activities, supported by the extremely enthusiastic team of staff. Charnwood is a fully inclusive setting where all children achieve, regardless of their starting points, and often exceed in their expected progress. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully immersed in their play, supported by highly qualified and skilled staff. Children show respect and care for one another and treat each other with high regard. Children behave exceptionally well and show they feel safe and secure. They are successfully supported to be resilient and independent learners. Each and every child is celebrated and supported to reach their full potential.

Children are deeply immersed in their play in all areas of the setting. Staff skilfully and consistently extend children's learning at every opportunity. Children move freely around the areas, accessing numerous activities which inspire and challenge them to take risks. For example, children confidently talk to the inspector about the models they have made in the woodwork shed. They explain how they put the nails in the wood and leaves, to create a dress for Elsa. Children are proud of their achievements and eagerly take their creations home to share with their family. Children's physical development is promoted well as they explore the outdoor areas. They go down the slide with confidence and children with SEND are supported to successfully access the climbing frame.

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

• The extremely ambitious and well-thought-out curriculum is built around what children know and can do. The environment offers children a rich set of learning experiences. The highly skilled staff have thorough knowledge of each child, and plan a range of exciting activities based on their interests and learning styles. This means that children of all stages of development are inspired to learn, be curious and are deeply engaged in their play. They build on the skills and knowledge they learn over time, supported by staff who expertly and consistently teach in the moment. Therefore, all children make exceptional, rapid progress from their starting points.
• Community is at the heart of Charnwood. The leadership team and staff take time to get to know children and their families from the earliest opportunity. They go above and beyond for the families who attend and for other families in the community. The setting provides groups in the local area were families can regularly come together. This gives them an opportunity to form friendships with others and access a range of professional support. This promotes children's emotional development and good health.
• Children with SEND are supported exceptionally well. Staff expertly work in partnership with outside agencies to support the varied needs of the children. Daily routines and activities are skilfully differentiated to be inclusive to all children. For example, all staff consistently use Makaton and visual pictures to develop children's communication and language skills. This ensures learning is accessible to all children.
• Children's emotional well-being is supported to the highest level. Children are encouraged to be kind and caring, and to take turns when appropriate. For example, children take turns to make a big splash as they jump in the puddle. Children access soft-play areas within the rooms, which gives them time to self-regulate and use specialised equipment to meet their sensory needs. This promotes children's self-esteem.
• Children's literacy skills are promoted throughout the setting. They listen intently to stories shared by highly engaging staff. A multi-sensory approach means all children develop a love of reading. For example, children feel the mist of the water spray on their hands when reading about ducks in a pond, and delight as they find chocolate eggs in the basket at the end of the story. Children, when they are ready, learn the sounds of letters and how to write simple words. This skilled differentiation to activities means learning is extended and embedded to the highest level.
• Parents overwhelmingly praise the setting and every member of staff for the care and support that is provided. They say, 'it is like a family', and feel lucky to have their children attend this inclusive, aspirational setting. Partnerships with parents are exceptional. Staff keep them up to date with their child's development and continually go 'the extra mile' to ensure families are supported.
• The leadership and management team are extremely passionate and have a strong vision for the setting. They support staff to further their professional development and expertly focus training on their specific needs. Managers support staff well-being exceptionally well. Staff feel they are respected and fully supported in their role.