Children 1st @ Leicester

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children exude joy and excitement as they enter the nursery. They beam with delight as staff greet them, and confidently leave their parents and carers to begin their day. Children immediately engage with their learning environment. They display high levels of motivation as they explore, investigate, and practise their skills. For example, babies are captivated by picture books they see on display. They turn the pages independently and take time to absorb the illustrations. Staff skilfully enhance this experience by focusing on sounds and key words. They encourage babies to repeat sounds to support their language development. Staff throughout the nursery have high expectations for children's learning. They consistently implement the ambitious curriculum and work extremely closely as a team to ensure that every child achieves the best outcomes.

Children show respect for each other and their environment. Their behaviour is exemplary. Staff are extremely positive role models, providing guidance, encouragement and support for children when needed. This helps children to thrive as they feel secure and develop positive self-esteem. Children clearly demonstrate their understanding of how to build positive relationships with their friends as they play harmoniously together. For example, they willingly share toys and take turns when using play equipment. Older children display exceptionally high levels of independence as they confidently navigate their way through the daily routines. This helps to prepare children extremely well for their transition to school.

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

• Staff ensure that children's emotional well-being is given the highest attention. Children form extremely secure attachments with staff, especially their key person. Staff build on these stable relationships incredibly well They use their in-depth knowledge of each child to provide meaningful learning experiences and exceptionally high standards of care.
• Highly effective interactions from staff help children to become confident communicators. Babies babble with excitement as staff get down at their level to play alongside them. Toddlers use language to express themselves and are keen to repeat new words they have learned. Older children use a wide range of vocabulary to clearly explain to others what they are doing. For example, children express excitement while making models. They state, 'We have got dinosaurs outside, so we are making them a cave to live in.'
• Parents speak very highly of the nursery and comment that children receive 'an exceptional start'. Staff provide a wealth of information to support parents in understanding how children are progressing and how learning can be further enhanced at home. This is achieved through highly effective approaches, such as regular parents' meetings and diaries for the youngest children. In the early years room, staff use a learning tree to display activity suggestions that children can pick to complete at home. Parents report that they enjoy sharing in children's achievements.
• Staff skilfully encourage children to develop positive attitudes and persevere at tasks. For example, when playing outside, some younger children are unable to operate peddle bikes. Staff patiently explain and show them how to coordinate their movements, encouraging them to develop and practise new skills. This helps children to successfully overcome their frustration and experience an immense sense of achievement.
• Staff know precisely what they want children to achieve and provide highly engaging activities to build on and further promote children's learning. They skilfully ask questions to draw out and build on children's prior learning. For example, when colour mixing, staff inspire older children to freely experiment and explore. Children become engrossed and show fascination as they create new colours and different shades. They use a wide range of tools safely and with confidence.
• Staff working with babies give their utmost attention to ensuring that children's emotional and physical needs are met. They offer comfort and reassuring contact when babies show signs of getting tired. Staff tailor routines around the individual needs of each child. They sing familiar songs and give simple explanations to help babies calmly transition from one activity to the next.
• There is a particularly strong focus on creating an inclusive environment where all children thrive and reach their full potential. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive exceptional support. Staff work in very close partnership with parents and other professionals to ensure that appropriate care and education plans are swiftly put into place.
• Leaders and managers have excellent oversight of the nursery. They are passionate about the work they do, and inspire staff to strive to maintain the highest standards. Staff show a genuine dedication to providing the best opportunities for all children to enjoy and achieve in their learning and development. Staff's commitment to their own professional development ensures that best practice and innovative ideas are embraced and shared within the team.