Elm Tree Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are at the heart of this nursery. They thrive in the welcoming and nurturing environment. Children build trusting relationships with staff, who greet them with 'good morning' and big smiles as they arrive. Children quickly learn the daily routines. They place their lunch boxes on the trolley and hang their bags up. They find their name and self-register. Children seek out their friends. They play collaboratively together as they explore the stimulating activities on offer. Staff support children's developing imagination by giving them the freedom of self-expression. Children tell staff, 'If you put the seashell to your ear, you can hear the sea.' Then they say, 'If you look up, you can see the seagulls.'

The staff's approach to teaching ignites children's curiosity and interests. As a result, children are fully engaged and immersed in their learning. During group time, children wait eagerly to hear about the nursery bear's holiday adventure in Holland. As staff read out his postcard, children become engaged in meaningful conversation. They learn an array of new things, such as windmills have 'sails' and 'poffertjes' are sweet pancakes. Staff skilfully introduce new words, such as 'bog' and 'tentacles', into children's play, to broaden their vocabulary.

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

• The dedicated manager has devised a clear and ambitious curriculum. The knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff implement the curriculum effectively across the nursery. Staff build on what children already know and can do. They consider children's interests when planning activities. As a result, children become active learners. During a den-building activity, staff encourage children to think about how to assemble the resources to make the den. Children recall they need to use the large pegs.
• The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) is effective in her role. Her support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is a strength of the nursery. The SENCo takes prompt action to address identified gaps in children's learning. She works very effectively with parents and external professionals. The nursery staff use additional funding effectively to support children's individual needs. As a result, children make the best possible progress in their learning.
• Staff weave mathematics into children's everyday play. Children show an embedded knowledge of mathematics. Older children confidently name complex shapes, such as 'hexagon' and 'octagon'. They tell staff how many sides each shape has. Younger children identify numbers up to 10. They use mathematical language, such as 'empty' and 'full', when filling up their bucket with sand.
• Staff have high expectations of children. They encourage them to be resilient and to have a can-do attitude to their learning. Older children apply sun cream and put on their hats and shoes before going outside. Younger children persevere as they put on their shoes and seek support from an adult if needed. However, at snack time, staff carry out simple tasks for children that they could do for themselves, which does not support them in developing their independence.
• There is a strong focus on developing children's communication and language skills. Staff get down to the children's level and narrate as they play. They expand effectively on what children are saying, to build quality two-way interactions. Staff repeat words and sentences back to the children so that they can hear and learn the correct pronunciation.
• Children behave well. They take turns and share. Staff consistently model good manners when talking to the children. Children are kind and help each other. They support their friends while playing a board game, for example by helping them to match the pictures correctly. Staff praise children for their achievements, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem.
• Parents are extremely complimentary about the nursery and staff. They comment that staff go 'above and beyond' with the support they offer them. Parents say that home visits are an invaluable part of their children's smooth transition to the nursery. They describe staff as 'wonderful' and say that they provide a nurturing environment.
• Children develop a love of stories and books. Story time is a key part of the day, and one which all children enjoy. There is a 'buzz' of excitement and staff enthusiastically capture children's curiosity as they bring the story to life. Children relish these moments and become enthralled while anticipating what will happen next in the story.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• strengthen opportunities for children to develop their independence.