Clive Hall Day Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are content and settled at the well-organised nursery. They happily separate from their parents and enthusiastically play with various stimulating activities. Staff spend time talking and playing with the children, which helps them develop a good sense of belonging and feel safe. Babies develop their large muscles as they practise crawling, standing, balancing and walking under close supervision from staff. Toddlers enjoy reading familiar stories and are beginning to express their needs and feelings. Pre-school children share resources and wait patiently for their turn. For example, they squeal with delight as they play at the water tray, pouring water from one container to another. They demonstrate good focus and concentration. Children are well behaved and enjoy the company of both their friends and staff.

All children, including those who speak English as an additional language, are curious and motivated learners. Staff give children sufficient time to focus on each topic. Children engage in activities and eagerly voice their ideas and share their knowledge. For example, pre-school children remember that rainbows form when there is rain and sun. Afterwards, they learn about the colours of a rainbow. Staff offer a sequenced curriculum that helps children to build on previous learning and remember what they have learned. Children show a good attitude to learning.

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

• The manager and staff build effective parent partnerships. Parents speak very highly about this nursery. Parents report that they feel well informed about their children's progress and appreciate the level of communication they receive on a daily basis. This positive partnership supports continuity in children's care and learning.
• Staff understand the importance of storytelling and singing songs to help promote children's communication and language skills. Staff skilfully engage children with stories, using facial expressions, good intonation and props. Children listen with increasing attention and recall their favourite parts of a story. This helps children to become skilled communicators.
• Children enjoy healthy lifestyles in this nursery. They have access to fresh air and daily exercise. Children engage in activities, like riding tricycles, running and playing games. In addition, children are provided with nutritious home-cooked meals and snacks. However, on occasion, such as during mealtimes, staff do not fully support children in understanding how healthy choices contribute to their overall health and fitness.
• Staff work well together. They communicate effectively and share relevant information. This supports a smooth process for children moving from different rooms in the nursery. Children demonstrate a secure attachment to their key person and show good emotional well-being. This helps children, including those who speak English as an additional language, make substantial progress from when they first enrol at the nursery. This contributes to children being well prepared for the next stages in their learning and their eventual move to school.
• The manager and staff implement an ambitious curriculum. However, at times, staff do not consider all children's interests when planning activities. For example, some children are not fully engaged because the activities provided do not maintain their attention.
• Staff support children to be independent and confident. For instance, pre-school children eagerly talk to authorised visitors about their friends and which schools they will be attending. Toddlers enjoy washing their hands and hanging their coats on their pegs when they return from outdoor play. Babies are supported to feed themselves. Overall, interactions between staff and children are meaningful and encouraging.
• The manager conducts regular supervision and appraisal meetings with staff. Staff training is well focused to benefit children. For example, staff have attended training on how to plan and implement an inclusive learning environment.
• The manager recognises the importance of reflecting on the quality of the nursery to ensure continuous improvement. She uses effective self-evaluation to build on current strengths and identifies areas for improvement. She gathers the views of children, staff and parents to help promote best outcomes for children.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• improve children's understanding of healthy choices and how what they eat affects their bodies
• reflect the interests of all children when planning activities so that they are fully engaged at all times.