Giggles Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Leaders' and staff's passion for ensuring that every child here is given the best start in life, is admirable. There is a very clear vision, which is echoed by the dedicated and well-qualified team. Children and staff use the communication method, Makaton, to warmly welcome all children as they sign 'good morning'. Children who speak English as an additional language quickly learn how to communicate with others. They make tremendous progress with their language skills. All children feel heard and form blossoming friendships. This reinforces the setting's inclusive, welcoming approach and helps all children to flourish.

The well-planned curriculum is inspiring and captivating for all children, with an abundance of enriching experiences. Staff focus on explicitly teaching new skills. Young children demonstrate the impact of the curriculum through turn-taking in ball games. They learn to regulate their emotions through 'calm corners', yoga and 'belly breathing'. Children's behaviour is exemplary as they display kind affection for one another. For example, children praise and celebrate their friends for self-serving at mealtimes. When children learn a new skill, they are encouraged to be 'experts' and support others.

Children showcase knowledge about their own backgrounds and beliefs. Their distinct characteristics are wholly celebrated and represented in the environment. For example, children celebrate the 'Country of the Month' and learn about art, food, and homes from around the world. This helps every child to develop a strong sense of belonging and feel safe and secure.

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

• Leaders devise an ambitious curriculum that gives children a breadth of knowledge, experiences, and skills which they need for life. The intent of the curriculum is clearly understood by all staff and implemented seamlessly throughout each room. Each one, builds on children's existing knowledge and skills. All children make excellent progress.
• The curriculum for communication and language is meticulously planned. Staff carefully consider how to teach babies through repetition and narrating actions. For example, they learn the meaning of new words as animated staff demonstrate what 'splash' and 'crunch' mean in play with sensory farmyard trays.
• At every opportunity, children's thinking skills are superbly promoted. Staff ask thought-provoking questions and encourage children to speculate and solve problems. Children display extremely positive attitudes to learning. For instance, they discover what happens to ice as it hits different surfaces outdoors. Staff inspire curiosity and encourage children to consider how to carry out the experiment safely.
• Children's physical development is very well promoted. Non-mobile babies stretch and reach for lights during sensory play. Children are taught how to move their bodies in different ways. Toddlers practise climbing up steps on climbing frames. Children refine their small- and large-muscle skills through dance, rugby sessions and trips to the local soft-play centre. These well-planned activities help children develop their core strength, balance, and agility.
• Children become independent from an early age. Babies are given choices, which are highly respected. As children become more capable, they enjoy the responsibility of completing small tasks. For example, they help by setting the table, ahead of sociable mealtimes. Children grow vegetables, which are used in cookery classes. This helps to give them the independence and skills that they need for moving on to school.
• Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is superb. Knowledgeable staff quickly identify if children require additional help. Highly targeted support plans are put in place. Staff work closely with wider professionals and ensure that the child and family's voice is heard. This helps all children to achieve their full potential.
• Parents are unanimous in praise for this nursery. They say children's achievements are marvellously celebrated. Families regularly attend nursery for special events. They are provided with an array of strategies to further extend children's learning at home. This includes 'tips for talking' and support with behaviour management.
• Staff are exceptionally well supported in their roles. They report that they feel an immense sense of pride as part of the team. Leaders and managers support their well-being effectively through initiatives such as 'Feel Good Fridays'. This helps to create a community feel where staff are happy and excel.
• Rigorous evaluation processes support leaders and staff in their goal to provide outstanding early education for children. Regular targets and goals are set to continuously raise standards. Leaders place an emphasis on staff's professional development. Staff participate in a system of bronze, silver, and gold training plans. This ensures their knowledge and skills continuously develop and translates directly into the quality of education for children.