Forest Learners Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Babies and toddlers thrive in this welcoming nursery. The management team has designed a curriculum that is meticulously planned to give young children positive learning experiences that build on what they already know and can do. Staff use home visits and settling-in sessions to gather an in-depth understanding of children's interests and their current stage of development. They use their extensive knowledge of each child to identify the next steps in their learning. As a result, babies and toddlers make rapid progress and are well prepared for the next stage in their learning.

Babies and toddlers show motivation to explore the well-planned environment. They demonstrate that they are making excellent progress in their physical development. For example, babies confidently pull themselves to stand and learn to balance using a range of equipment. The environment is set out to inspire and challenge young children to take risks and explore their capabilities. For example, indoors, toddlers climb up and down the slide independently, under the watchful eye of staff. Outside, babies and toddlers explore the garden and giggle as they stamp and splash in puddles.

Babies and toddlers' emotional needs are well met. Staff are exceptionally skilled at recognising babies' cues. For example, when they notice a baby is becoming tired, their key person responds to their needs incredibly well. They gently sing songs to them while rocking them to sleep. Babies fall asleep quickly, demonstrating that they feel safe and secure.

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

• Outdoor learning is a key focus of the nursery. Staff understand that some children learn better outdoors. Children have lots of fun and enjoy the outdoor area. They self-select resources and enjoy uninterrupted play. For example, children sweep the floor with brooms, scoop and pour sand and learn to navigate uneven ground.
• Children's early communication and language development is a priority at this nursery. Babies benefit from back-and-forth interactions that help lay firm foundations for their language and cognitive development. Staff sing to children throughout the day. Children dance and join in with the words and actions of the songs, demonstrating their enjoyment. Children who speak English as an additional language settle quickly. Staff work closely with parents to learn key words and phrases in their home language. As a result, young children are becoming confident communicators.
• Children are developing a love of books from a young age. Staff carefully choose core books to read to children and ensure that they are easily accessible throughout the play areas. Young children hold their own books and turn the pages as they listen intently to a story. Staff encourage parents to borrow books from the lending library to further support and embed learning at home.
• Staff place a strong emphasis on promoting children's self-confidence and independence. Babies and toddlers are given the time to practice and consolidate what they can do. For example, staff allow children as much time as needed to complete tasks for themselves, such as climbing the steps to the nappy changing unit with minimal support. Staff praise their efforts, helping to boost their self-esteem and confidence.
• Leaders are reflective and continuously look for ways to improve their practice to further benefit the children. For example, they have recently reviewed the organisation of the physical environment to look at ways to motivate children to play and explore with mark-making materials. Toddlers now freely access this area, taking the resources both inside and outdoors. This gives young children the opportunity to experiment with mark making while learning to use their bodies in different ways.
• The management team is passionate about supporting and listening to staff. Staff receive regular supervision that prioritises their well-being. A wealth of training opportunities is offered to staff to enhance their knowledge and skills. Staff report feeling well supported in their roles.
• Partnerships with parents are a key strength of this nursery. The nursery puts extra measures in place to ensure they provide tailored support for each child and family. The family support practitioner provides practical support and information on a variety of topics such as weaning and toilet training. Parents are invited to join in with a variety of well-planned stay-and-play sessions. This helps to ensure that parents are involved in all aspects of their children's care and learning. Parents comment that they appreciate that staff spend more time with the children and less time on paperwork.