Fennies Woking

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children at the nursery are happy and settle down quickly when they arrive. The staff are kind, gentle and know the children well. Staff understand how to comfort the children if they need it and effectively meet their needs. They have developed strong relationships which give the children a sense of belonging, and they trust the adults that care for them.

Staff provide an array of indoor and outdoor learning opportunities for children to explore. Children love being outside in the fresh air. Staff ensure that children have access to the outdoor environment in all weathers. They are actively involved and share the joy of learning with the children. For example, children work together as they make 'chocolate worm soup'. They ask their friends to collect water, which they mix into mud and stir. Staff facilitate the children's learning experience and ask the children to think of words that describe the worms. This supports the children's communication and language skills as they make-believe.

Staff encourage children to be creative and to use their imaginations to produce and design their own work. For example, the staff read 'The Three Little Pigs' story to the children. Children listen intently and staff check their understanding by asking questions. Staff encourage children to think of ideas and to work together to devise a plan to make their own house. Children use large boxes and different tools that support their creativity. Staff encourage and guide children in their creations. They offer advice and ask questions that prompt the children's thinking. Children are engrossed at this time and are given time and space to connect their thinking, thoughts and ideas.

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

• The manager has worked hard with staff to create a curriculum that is well sequenced and suited to the children's current needs and abilities. Staff share the vision and recognise what it is they are teaching children. They understand how to successfully deliver the curriculum, which helps ensure that the children make progress. Staff build on what children already know and plan targets for the children to achieve. These are appropriate to successfully nudge the children on in their development. Children develop the skills they need for future learning.
• Staff understand their role and responsibility in being a key person and have developed good relationships with the children and their families. They positively praise, recognise and celebrate children's achievements. Children are kind and polite to each other. Managers and staff have created a culture of respectfulness where children learn positive behaviour.
• Staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well.
• They understand what support is needed for children that require additional care. Staff adapt activities and the environment to ensure that all the children's needs are met. They have the same ambition for all children and effectively support their care and learning. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to give the children the care they need. This means all children improve in their development in line with their abilities.
• Children are comfortable and content in the staff's company. This allows children to explore their environment, knowing they have a secure base to return to. Children go to the staff for emotional reassurance when they need it. The staff comfort the children quickly, which helps children to regulate their emotions. However, at times, staff do not give children all the support they need to help them understand their feelings, such as by talking about their emotions and why they feel upset. This does not fully support their personal, social and emotional development.
• Managers are passionate about making continual improvements for the children, their families and staff. They have worked tirelessly since the previous inspection to make significant changes to improve the standards of the nursery. Managers are committed, and they move forward with dedication to ensure that the children receive quality care and education. Staff are well supported and are given opportunities to progress within the nursery and build on their skills. Staff feel their well-being is important and that they are part of a team that supports one another.
• Parent partnership is effective. Managers and staff recognise parents' value in supporting the children's learning and development. Staff share information about children's progress and offer ideas and guidance on how children can be supported at home. Parents express their gratitude for the care and support that their children receive. They feel part of their children's learning and are comfortable sharing any concerns should they have them.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• enhance support given to staff to help them develop children's emotional language and understanding of their feelings.