Fairstead House Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Babies and toddlers come into the nursery readily. As staff greet them at the gate, children eagerly reach out to them and snuggle into their arms. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in this exceptionally welcoming and nurturing nursery. They develop extremely close emotional attachments to staff, confidently seeking them out for reassurance and to engage in their play. Staff ensure that children are busy and safe as they play. For example, during inspection, staff made the decision not to take younger babies outside to play, and older babies went outside early in the day due to the extremely hot weather conditions.

Children develop a very positive attitude to their play and learning. They confidently choose what they want to play with. Staff are led by what children want to do, readily moving on when children tire of an activity. Even very young children sit attentively and concentrate during whole-group activities. They delight in choosing an item from the 'tap, tap box', and attempt to join in as staff sing a rhyme associated with the item. Children respond positively to the high expectations of staff and make rapid progress in all areas of learning.

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

• Staff meet the unique needs of the children, helping ensure that every child makes exceptionally good progress. Staff skilfully support children in purposeful play. Children benefit from interesting resources that promote their natural instincts to discover and explore. For example, young babies thoroughly enjoy exploring the texture of cereals in a tray and using their sense of smell, touch and taste.
• Older babies explore the texture of paint and are supported to make marks using brushes. When some children choose to slap their hands in the paint, they are encouraged to explore how it feels. Staff are highly effective, ensuring that equality and inclusion are at the heart of everything they do with the children. All children are able to participate in activities at their own level.
• Staff talk to children in a calm and respectful manner, gently reminding them about the need to share and take turns with popular resources. Children learn to behave well and respond positively to the high expectations of staff. Staff support children's self-esteem well. Babies beam with delight as staff give meaningful praise for their efforts.
• Staff chat to the children all of the time, providing a running commentary about what they are doing, introducing new vocabulary and encouraging children to communicate effectively. They respond exceptionally well to the babbles and gestures of babies.
• Staff help children develop a highly positive sense of themselves. Exceptionally caring relationships have been established between the children and staff, helping children to feel extremely happy and secure. Staff know the children very well. They know about children's home lives and talk to them about their families, significantly enhancing their sense of belonging.
• Children are helped to learn about the importance of good hygiene routines. They are supported to manage their personal hygiene needs relevant to their age and stage of development. Staff fully promote children's independence.
• Staff are committed to working together with parents. They respect parents as their child's key educator. They encourage parents to remain actively involved in their children's learning, both in the nursery and at home. Parents are highly satisfied with the service provided. They describe staff as 'a fantastic team', and thoroughly appreciate the 'love and care' shown to their children.
• The manager implements an effective programme of supervision for all staff to manage their performance and support their well-being effectively. Staff are extremely enthusiastic and motivated. They work very well as a friendly and supportive team. Staff have opportunities to further their professional development. For example, a member of staff has qualified as an early years teacher while employed by the nursery.
• The manager is fully aware of the strengths of the setting. She demonstrates an exceptionally strong commitment to continuous improvement and working towards excellence in all areas. She has high expectations for the nursery, leading to an exceptional provision and outcomes for children.