Farley Steeple Langford Outdoor Nursery School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children flourish at this inviting setting. Separating from their parents confidently at the door, children run into the nursery to find their friends and explore. Parents are happy to leave their children here to learn as they trust the experienced staff implicitly. Babies settle quickly as staff replicate a calming homely experience.

Children spend most of their day outside exploring the extensive grounds in the fresh air. Staff have created extremely attractive areas, such as the treehouse where children use their imaginations freely. Children run down the hill to join in activities designed by staff who know them very well. Freedom is key to a child's fun and learning here and staff are skilfully deployed to make this happen.

Staff are exceptional role models and children are extremely well behaved and guided by the golden rules. Children receive the best possible start to their education. Staff plan enticing activities which engage the children and extend their knowledge. Well-trained staff have created a highly ambitious curriculum for all children, including those who may have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). All children thrive. Staff help children to become respectful adults of tomorrow. Differences are celebrated and discussed openly, and children learn what it is to be unique.

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

• Staff talk about the 'Farley Family' to which staff, children and parents all belong. This is reflected in the depth of knowledge which staff have about each child. Children benefit from an exceptional education that is targeted to support their individual next steps. Transitions from room to room are managed exceptionally well so children flourish but at their own pace.
• Extremely well trained staff know when learning has been embedded and skilfully sequence teaching opportunities. Staff assess and track children to ensure that they progress enormously well in all areas of learning. The needs of children with SEND are quickly identified and support is put in place. Staff engage effectively with parents, professionals and the community to ensure that children who may be falling behind in any aspect of learning benefit from early intervention.
• Children know what is expected of them and behaviour is exemplary. They demonstrate very positive attitudes to learning and listen intently to adults, responding to requests and instructions happily.
• Staff organise a timetable of learning enriched by visits to local places, such as an allotment, care home and church. Children learn about the wider world around them and how they fit into their community. For example, they gather food at Harvest and donate to families who are less fortunate. They benefit from an environment which staff have enriched with learning opportunities. Staff reflect on their practice frequently to ensure that children have the optimum opportunity to learn but also have fun.
• Children feel cared for and loved as they approach staff for support and praise. Staff are consistent in their approach to support children understand their emotions and children learn how to put those emotions into words. Therefore, children are resilient and communicate with each other eloquently.
• Staff go over and above what is expected from them and parents feel very well supported. For example, the manager and the special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) visit all local schools to understand how to support the children who are moving on. As a result, children are ready and enthusiastic for their Reception Year.
• Management encourages staff to learn and grow. They listen to what they have to say and staff take advantage of the professional development opportunities. Staff's well-being is high on the leadership agenda and staff feel cared for and valued. They are enthusiastic and proud of their roles and often enjoy long careers at this nursery.
• Staff reflect that the pandemic has impacted children's early learning. Staff therefore highlight language and communication and personal, social and emotional development in all activities.
• There is a strong culture of safeguarding throughout the nursery which seeks to eliminate all risks of harm against the children in the 'Farley Family'.