Fledglings Day Nursery (Fishponds) Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children build strong bonds with staff. They very much enjoy their time at this relaxed and friendly family-run nursery. Staff show genuine interest in the children. They are attentive and caring. Babies and children settle in easily, quickly finding interesting activities and exploring confidently. Children gain key skills, and older children are well prepared for their move on to school. Staff model words and language to children at key moments to extend their vocabulary, play and learning. Older children learn to use descriptive words, such as 'fizzing' and 'bubbling' as they describe their pretend lava they have created with chalk, sand and water. Older babies and toddlers learn the names of ice creams as they play imaginatively in the garden. They count items with staff and interact and cooperate well with their friends.

Staff focus closely on progressing children's development. They work as a team to plan experiences and activities. They take note of children's 'sparkly' moments, such as new skills they need to practise or their current interests. They use these to enhance and customise their curriculum. Children's creative interests and ideas are inspired well. Older boys are eager to draw treasure maps. Staff model techniques, and children are fascinated to 'age' their map with items such as wet tea bags. Younger children relish exploring sensory activities such as water play and develop their motor skills well as they collect and pour the water.

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

• The provider and her staff team show dedication to providing the best they can for children and families that use their provision. They are passionate about the work that they do. Staff well-being is made a high-priority, and there are many long-standing staff members. Staff value the considerable support they receive. They undertake a range of training, including degree-level qualifications. They develop their skills and use these to extend the provision they provide for the children.
• Staff know children well. Key persons observe children as they play, taking note of children's achievements and outlining any gaps in their learning. They act promptly if children are behind expected development. They liaise with children's parents and seek advice from outside professionals to outline suitable support and get children the help they need.
• Staff take time to involve parents in all aspects. Parents enjoy the leisurely drop-off arrangements, chatting to staff and sharing changes to children's routines. Staff lead regular parents' evenings and share information through messages and the nursery's online system. They hold extra meetings as needed, ensuring that children receive a very consistent approach to their care and learning. Parents comment that staff really know and care about the children and they create a very welcoming environment where children thrive.
• Children's literacy development is encouraged throughout the nursery. Babies and children confidently and independently select books to look at and snuggle in to listen to a story with staff. Areas are set up thoughtfully to encourage children's imagination through stories. Older children have great fun as they create a pretend cave and excitedly act out parts of their favourite story about a bear.
• Staff support children's independence and sense of responsibility effectively, offering lots of encouragement and praise as children try to master skills. Babies use cutlery successfully. Toddlers proudly chop bits of banana for their snack and pour their own drinks. Pre-school children serve themselves lunch and show considerable skills as they succeed in picking up the roast potatoes with a pair of tongs.
• Staff provide interesting activities for children. Babies enjoy singing sessions, and toddlers confidently try yoga poses. Older children listen well and coordinate their movements during parachute games. However, occasionally, staff do not adapt their support effectively to engage all of the children consistently and extend their learning as much as possible.
• Staff thoughtfully promote children's physical well-being. Babies wear suitable waterproof clothing so they are comfortable and dry as they explore the garden on a wet day. Toddlers are sensitively helped to get the rest they need. They relax listening to a story, snuggling happily with staff and drifting off to sleep. Older children enjoy the physical opportunities in the gardens and soft-play room, building their physical strength and coordination.
• Staff offer close effective support to help children learn to manage their emotions, share toys and play appropriately with their friends. Toddlers learn to follow routines and boundaries. They listen respectfully to staff and adapt their actions appropriately, such as sitting down while they are eating their snack. Older children move around the nursery appropriately and follow routines well. They have fun as they march in line like soldiers with staff along the corridor.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• help staff to adapt their support, engaging all children consistently and extending their learning as much as possible.