Cheeky Monkees Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive at this wonderful nursery. They show a positive attitude towards their learning and play. Children separate from their parents with ease and eagerly join in with the wide range of stimulating activities. Staff know children very well. They get to know their individual personalities, including what they like and dislike. This helps staff to establish secure and trusting relationships with children. All children have a good sense of belonging and learn to feel good about themselves.

Children are highly inquisitive and deeply curious. Staff fully understand the nursery's ethos. They have an excellent understanding of what children already know and can do and skilfully plan their next steps. Staff plan highly enjoyable and engaging activities that precisely reflect children's interests. For example, children show an interest in construction. Based on this, staff provide play experiences and real tools as children undertake the role of a builder. This means that all children make exceptional progress and engage in meaningful learning opportunities.

Each room is a hive of activity that inspires children's curiosity and ignites their motivation to explore and learn. Staff skilfully intervene when required, modelling ways to instil creativity and imagination. Natural and open-ended resources are used in a variety of ways. For example, children play with real food, such as carrots and strawberries in the home area. Older children brew cold tea in a teapot and pour themselves drinks together.

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

• Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is exceptional. Children receive tailored, individual programmes of support to reach their targets. The senior leadership team review and adapt the provision to create an inclusive environment for all children. They work alongside various outside agencies, such as SEND experts and speech and language therapists to apply strategies. For example, the nursery has developed a specialised sensory room for SEND children. This has had a positive impact on children's development.
• Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff are positive role models. They are clear and concise with children. Staff remind children how to use good manners, share and take turns. Children enjoy hearing lots of praise and encouragement. This helps to build their confidence and self-esteem. The management team and staff work together to manage behaviour effectively. For example, they have created a reflection area for children to help them understand their feelings and emotions.
• The nursery has a passionate senior leadership team who work together to evaluate the setting. Ongoing reflections and conversations with staff, parents and children mean that improvements are regularly made to the already strong nursery.
• Staff feel valued and supported in their roles. They have regular supervision and well-being sessions each week. The management team monitors their practice to help ensure the highest standard is consistent across the nursery. Staff attend regular training to build on the already high standard of teaching.
• Children have impressive independence skills. Older children are independent in setting the table for lunch with plates and cutlery and serving themselves. They confidently tend to their own personal care needs. Children are encouraged to take appropriate risks under the careful supervision of staff, such as using climbing frames. This ensures they are ready for their next stage of learning.
• There is a strong focus on developing children's speech and language at the nursery. Children have lots of opportunities to develop their skills through stories and rhymes during their day. Staff skilfully introduce and model language consistently and ask questions that encourage detailed replies.
• Children learn to lead healthy and active lifestyles. They enjoy wonderful and nutritious meals each day. Staff regularly talk to children about healthy foods and the importance of good oral health. Children have access throughout the day to the excellent outdoor-learning environments. They develop their strength as they climb and balance. Children develop their muscles and coordination as they dig and plant seeds.
• Parents speak positively about their children's experiences at the nursery. They say that their children are happy and that they know their child's key person well. Staff keep parents informed about their children's achievements and what they have enjoyed doing. Parents value the online learning journey that supports them in being involved in their children's learning.