Conewood Childrens Centre Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children enjoy attending this nurturing setting. They settle quickly into their play as soon as they arrive. Staff listen to children carefully and communication with parents is made a priority. Children's behaviour is good and the daily routines and expectations are well understood. Children are keen to help with tidy-up time, they smile as they are praised by staff. They are engaged and enthusiastic as they join in at story time, where they develop enthusiasm for reading and telling stories. They sit together with staff who make this time fun and engaging. They talk about recently celebrating 'World Book Day', where they dressed up as their favourite characters. They take part in celebrating lots of cultural events to bring these important times to life.

Staff know what interests and inspires children to learn. Children choose what they would like to play with from a variety of good quality resources as they persevere with tasks. They plan activities with staff and express their interests continually. Children of all ages have good opportunities to be physically active. They take part in the soothing tummy time and yoga sessions. They stretch and crawl while developing their coordination and develop their different muscle groups and strength. In the garden, they climb and balance and safely manoeuvre wheeled toys around the circuit. Children encourage their friends to have a go and celebrate their achievements together.

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

• Leaders and managers work closely to support staff well-being. Staff supervision meetings and professional development is given high priority. Staff complete further qualifications and training that complement and develop their existing skills and expertise. This means that staff are confident and knowledgeable, when delivering a curriculum of education that considers children's individual needs and offers exciting learning opportunities for children.
• Staff strive to constantly enhance their practice to benefit children. Children thrive in this safe and secure environment. Staff work closely with families to support children's emotional well-being and to incorporate ways of working together, so that the valuable skills children are learning at nursery and at home can be shared.
• Staff have high expectations for the children. Children learn how to become independent, which prepares them for their transition to school. They spend lots of time in the well-resourced outside area. They develop strong physical skills as they take part in regular physical play. However, inside at times, group activities are not always organised, so that all children are fully challenged and highly engaged in their play and learning.
• Children become independent and confident learners. They are supported by key persons who understand the learning and development needs of the children they care for. Staff accurately assess what the children can do when they start at the nursery. They use this information well to build on children's learning and to help them make plans that support each child. Additional funding is used wisely to meet children's needs and help build on children's experiences.
• Every opportunity is used to develop the children's vocabulary. Staff listen and value children's contributions. They make sure that children who speak English as additional language get to hear and use their home languages. Staff talk and play music in the languages of the children who attend. As a result, children practise and explore new words, developing the skills they need to be confident communicators.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported by their key persons. Staff identify any areas children may require support in early on. The nursery's special educational needs coordinator works with staff to ensure they provide an inclusive provision for children. Staff work closely with other professionals including those who deliver specialist language support to help children develop their communication skills.
• Good health is promoted across the nursery. Effective hygiene routines are in place, protecting everyone's ongoing health and safety. Staff are aware of children's specific dietary needs, including known allergies. They ensure parents complete an allergy form and staff follow safe guidelines to help identify specially prepared meals for children. The food provided is, mostly, healthy and nutritious and enjoyed by the children. Staff teach children skills, such as serving themselves at mealtimes. However, on occasion, older children are not always carefully guided in social skills during this time.
• Parents say that their children are very happy at the nursery. They value the communication they have from staff who offer highly practical guidance on how to continue learning at home. They also feel well informed about their children's development, including with the two year progress check and use of the online forum to contribute.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• consider more closely how to adapt group activities to ensure all children fully engage and benefit from the learning opportunities
• build on the interactions staff have with children at lunchtimes to extend their independence and understanding of social skills when serving themselves.