Foundations Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in this diverse and engaging setting. Caring for others, gaining independence, investigating and solving problems all promote learning. A warm welcome greets each child, immediately building a strong sense of community.

Children benefit from expert support to grow as creative and innovative thinkers. They develop skills in all areas of the curriculum. Staff expertly incorporate children's interests into their learning and bring ideas to life. For example, children enthusiastically make their own wedding dress using a range of materials.

Children consistently show positive behaviours towards teamwork through purposeful social interactions. They are kind to their peers and staff. Children take turns to pour water at mealtimes, help each other climb on the outdoor equipment and comfort one another. Children begin to understand their place in the wider world and the impact of their actions. They become more aware of environmental responsibility through hands-on activities. Litter collection in the local park teaches them about wildlife protection. It also helps them develop a sustainable mindset. Children make a positive impact by giving back to their community. They grow vegetables and make items for the local market. These efforts support the food bank and encourage sustainable community involvement.

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

• Leaders value the diverse community and celebrate the heritage of all children and staff. The nursery offers an inclusive, ambitious, child-led curriculum that ignites curiosity and exploration, empowering children to make their own choices. Family group time opens discussions on cultural celebrations, such as Easter, Eid, and Harvest Festival. This enriches children's understanding of the wider world.
• Staff have an excellent understanding of the curriculum. They observe and assess continuously to see what children know and what they need to learn next. In-the-moment planning is used to capture children's interests and questions. Staff understand learning needs and can support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff respond sensitively to children, offering support, particularly during transitions. Staff promote kindness in all interactions, creating a supportive and empathetic atmosphere.
• Communication and language are a key focus. Staff help young children understand by using single words, gestures and pointing. Children get excited to sing nursery rhymes. For older children, literacy skills thrive in fun storytelling sessions. They can select their own books, which is supported by a popular parent book-swap library. Children confidently use words such as 'hypothesis' and 'oregano'. Staff thoughtfully ask questions to help children express their ideas. They use descriptive words such as 'wider' and 'taller' and introduce new vocabulary such as 'mould' and 'enormous'.
• The superb outdoor environment helps children practise physical skills. They build gross motor skills on ladders, rope swings and climbing equipment. Navigating the Meadow-Forest School's terrain lets children take risks and develop abilities. This space also teaches them safety and how to manage dangers, such as learning safety with screws, hammers and goggles. Indoors, children also develop fine motor skills using scissors and self-serving with spoons. Fine motor skills develop as children grow. For example, babies practise by placing chopsticks into holes in wooden logs.
• Leaders show a strong commitment to staff's well-being. They understand that this affects the quality of care and education that is provided. This has created a stable and experienced team who feel well supported. Effective systems monitor and support staff through regular supervisions and training. This helps ensure positive outcomes for children.
• Partnerships with parents are exceptional. Staff engage parents in their children's learning with popular weekly workshops and events. The parent-inspired healthy cookbook promotes practical food learning. Daily online communication keeps parents informed about care, activities and home learning ideas. Parents feel supported and trust staff with their children's safety and progress.
• Healthy lifestyles come from a range of nutritious foods and regular access to fresh water. Children take ownership of their health by making food for mealtimes. They cut vegetables and bake bread, then proudly share what they create.