First Steps - Worthing

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive happily and are taken to their room by their parents, where they receive a warm welcome. Children who require more support to settle in are given the time they need to feel secure. Children freely access a range of resources and confidently move around their room. Older children proudly share the pictures they have drawn with others. They confidently talk about their home life and who they live with. Children demonstrate an eagerness to learn. They listen intently as staff describe objects that are in a bag. They guess what the objects are by listening to the sound they make. Children are introduced to new words such as 'udders' and recall what they have learnt. For example, they remember that cows have udders.

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

• The manager has worked hard since registration to support staff to understand the curriculum and how to implement this consistently across the setting. She understands what children are learning and why this is important for the current cohort of children. Staff follow the children's interests and plan activities that will engage them. For example, older children are learning about rules and boundaries and how to respond to the different emotions they have. The focus for younger children is to promote their communication and language development.
• The manager carries out regular supervisions with staff. The focus of supervision is to enable staff to discuss their key children and any concerns they may have about their development. However, the manager does not focus the discussion on fully supporting staff to discuss any issues that may affect their role. This impacts on how well the manager can respond to the needs of all staff and improve their personal effectiveness.
• Children have plenty of opportunities for physical exercise and fresh air. They have free-flow access to the outdoor environment. They ride bicycles and tricycles and build using big blocks and crates. However, at times, not all staff engage with children to support their learning further. For example, staff can get distracted with daily routines such as cleaning rather than supporting children with meaningful learning opportunities.
• Children's communication is promoted very well, including for children who speak English as an additional language. For example, staff use sign language consistently across the whole setting. They support children to understand when they have finished playing or when they have finished their snack. Some children independently use sign language when communicating with each other. This helps children to communicate with each other as well as helping them to understand rules and boundaries.
• The curriculum is well-planned and builds on what children already know. For example, children are learning about the life cycle of a frog. Staff give children information and check their understanding. Children can recall the things they have previously learnt. They know that frogs can breathe under water and on land and understand what an amphibian is.
• Children with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported very well. The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) knows the children well. She liaises with the local authority and other professionals to ensure that staff consistently support all children. The SENCo meets with staff regularly and supports them to review plans to ensure that children's development is being encouraged. Funding is used to ensure that all children have access to the whole curriculum. As a result, children are well-supported and making progress.
• Parents are very happy with the care their children receive. They know what their children are learning and how they are progressing. Parents are given copies of all the nursery's polices and procedures when their children start at the setting. They feel able to share any concerns or suggestions they may have. Parents feel information about the setting is communicated well.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• enhance the process for the supervision of staff to ensure that there is a focus on supporting and improving staff effectiveness
• develop staff practice to ensure that they consistently engage children in meaningful learning.