First for Childcare - York

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are warmly welcomed by caring staff who know them well. They understand the routines of the day, which helps them to settle quickly. Children are helpful towards their friends. For example, they hold each other steady as they climb into the giant tyre to listen to a story. Staff have a consistent approach towards children's positive behaviour. They offer praise and encouragement, which promotes children's self-esteem and resilience. For instance, as toddlers learn to serve their own food at lunchtime, staff keep encouraging them to use the ladle until they have enough food. This helps children to feel safe and secure at the nursery.

Children benefit from a curriculum that teaches them the skills and knowledge that they will need as they grow and develop. Staff provide some exemplary teaching moments. For example, children learn to listen and follow instructions as they search for hidden toy dinosaurs. Older children decipher the clues they are given, while younger children search in areas as staff say they are getting 'hotter' or 'colder' to where the dinosaurs are hidden. Children repeatedly count how many dinosaurs they have collected and say how many are left to find. This helps children to make good progress in their learning and development, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• introduce new and interesting words consistently to extend children's language and vocabulary skills even further.