Early Learning Daycare Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children feel happy, safe and excited to learn in this warm and welcoming environment. Staff get to know the children well. When children first start at the setting, staff follow their home routines, where possible. This helps children to feel settled and confident. Children are free to choose where they want to play, whether it's exploring outdoors, joining in creative activities or discovering something new through exciting experiments. Young children are supported to communicate and feel understood, with staff using gestures, songs and stories to build their language. Children make their own choices, express themselves and are listened to. They learn how to play kindly with others, take turns and talk about their feelings. The setting is calm and friendly, so children feel secure to take risks and try new things. Whether planting vegetables, taking donations to the foodbank or joining in local events, children are given opportunities to learn about the world. Children learn through play and are offered a variety of experiences. As a result, children grow in independence, develop strong friendships and are well prepared for their next stage in learning.

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

• Children are supported to reach their full potential at this setting. Staff have high expectations and know each child's needs and next steps well. They use regular assessments and planning to tailor learning to the individual, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those in receipt of additional funding.
• The curriculum is designed to motivate and engage children. While staff thoughtfully set up learning opportunities and areas of interest, children are free to choose and follow their curiosity. This helps develop independence, decision-making and a love of learning.
• Children are encouraged to be independent. This is supported across the setting's daily routines. They are encouraged to dress themselves, go out into the garden and make their own food at snack times. These experiences help to equip children with the independence and abilities that are needed to thrive in the next phase of their learning.
• There is a strong emphasis on emotional well-being and supporting children to understand their feelings and build empathy. Leaders have introduced a scheme across the setting that is based on a trauma informed approach. This provides staff with tools to encourage children to open up and talk about their feelings and empowers children to seek support if they feel unsafe.
• Children demonstrate positive behaviour and attitudes towards others. They play cooperatively, show kindness to one another and enjoy shared activities. Staff model respectful, caring behaviour. As a result, children respond well to routines and expectations.
• Mostly, staff support children's language well. For example, while discussing how to release toys out of the ice, staff introduce words 'emerge' and 'excavate' and explain their meanings. However, on occasions, some staff do not support children to understand the names of objects they play with. This does not support children's growing vocabulary.
• Staff work closely with parents, creating a team spirit that supports children's well-being and development. Staff share information with parents in a variety of ways, including displays, daily conversations and regular updates on a secure app. As a result, parents are positive about their children's experiences in the setting.
• Staff provide children with a range of experiences and opportunities that develop their knowledge of the local community. For example, children go on outings to local parks, attend charity events and go on church visits. These help to build children's sense of belonging and purpose beyond the nursery walls.
• Leaders work hard to promote a healthy lifestyle. The setting has been awarded the 'Golden Apple' award through the local authority. Staff talk to children about the importance of healthy food choices, looking after teeth and having plenty of exercise. This supports children's health well.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• strengthen further staff's knowledge of how children learn language to support children's growing vocabulary.