Cheeky Chums Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children show a real sense of belonging in this friendly nursery. They are secure and separate quickly from their main carer. Children form close bonds with staff, who are attentive to their needs and help them to feel safe and settled.

Children are happy and busy in this welcoming environment. They show interest in the activities that staff plan and provide for them. Children spend their time engaging in purposeful play. For example, they use their imagination as they use tools and pretend to be construction workers. Children enjoy playing with dolls and pretending to be parents.

Children are curious and motivated to learn. Staff implement an effective curriculum, and children have fun as they engage in stimulating activities indoors and outdoors. Children explore the natural world as they dig in the mud kitchen. They learn about weight and measurement as they fill and empty containers in the water tray.

Children behave well from an early age. They understand the routines and know what is expected of them. Children follow instructions and help tidy away toys. They show kindness and affection to each other. For example, they choose to share stickers with their friends. Babies smile and hug their friends. Children receive praise and encouragement from staff, which helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem.

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

• Leaders and staff have high expectations for every child and support them well. They plan a suitable curriculum, which meets all children's needs well, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff know children's individual interests and take these into account when planning activities. They monitor children's progress to help identify the next steps in their learning and ensure that no child is left behind.
• Staff support children's emotional well-being effectively. An effective key-person system helps to ensure that children's needs are met. Children learn to manage their feelings and to respect others through discussions, stories and activities. They learn about a variety of events throughout the year.
• Children develop an understanding of the importance of good health. They enjoy nutritious food, which is freshly prepared on the premises. Children regularly drink water throughout day so that they stay hydrated. Staff help children to learn about good oral hygiene. For example, they sing songs and use pretend teeth to help develop their toothbrushing skills. Children benefit from being physically active. For example, they master skills as they manoeuvre wheeled toys and use large apparatus. Babies move their bodies to familiar songs.
• Partnership with parents is effective. Parents and carers are welcome in the nursery, and they attend events such as graduation and grandparents' day. Daily feedback, newsletters and online information help to keep parents well informed about their child's development and nursery activities. Staff work with parents to support children's learning at home. Parents say that their children enjoy attending the nursery and are progressing well. Staff work with parents and other professionals to target plans to support children who need additional support.
• Staff support children's communication skills well. Staff ask effective questions and encourage children to talk. They show interest in what children say during group activities. This helps children to develop confidence in speaking and prepares them for the next stage in their learning, including starting school. Children who speak English as an additional language are supported well. Staff learn key words in children's home languages. Staff use their language skills and picture cards to support communication. Staff use everyday routines, such as nappy changing, to communicate with babies to help develop their speech. For example, staff point to nappies on a small washing line, to help develop babies' understanding. Babies begin to vocalise as they sing rhymes.
• Staff have regular opportunities to develop their knowledge. They benefit from supervision sessions, team meetings and guidance from the strong management. However, this is not yet precisely tailored to a high enough level to further extend their skills. Staff say that they enjoy working in the nursery and are well supported.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• identify an even more targeted plan for professional development, to increase staff knowledge and skills even further and raise the quality of teaching to a higher level.