Great Expectations Day Nursery Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

All children flourish and thrive in this outstanding setting. From the moment children arrive, they are immersed in rich experiences that motivate and inspire them to learn. Children initiate their own learning. For example, older children test their design skills as they use their superb problem-solving abilities to design and create a large aeroplane using recycled materials. Staff are extremely knowledgeable and intuitively support children to make progress. They facilitate learning by introducing a spirit level for the wings of the plane and expose children to new language, such as 'streamline'.

Children make exceptional progress due to nurturing staff who have consistently high expectations for them. Staff plan a clear, sequenced curriculum that follows children's interests and ensures that all children move on to the next steps in learning. They use stories to enhance their learning. As a result, children develop a love and deeper understanding of stories and books. For example, the younger children recall the story of 'The Little Red Hen'. They retell the story using sign language they have learned alongside speech. They continue their learning through painting with natural materials from the garden, such as lavender. The children chat as they create their artwork, saying: 'This is the wings' and 'I made the hen a rainbow house'. Children show high levels of pride in their work and respond very positively to praise from staff.

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

• Management and staff have thought carefully about the highly ambitious curriculum they offer. It reflects all children's individual needs and interests. Staff adapt their teaching incredibly well and know how to strengthen the curriculum. They carefully plan children's next steps in development and use routines as opportunities for children to succeed. They also provide some unique enhancements to the curriculum, such as forest school, art class and 'cooking apprenticeship'. Consequently, the children thrive and make rapid progress in their learning and development. This prepares children outstandingly well for their next stage of learning and school.
• Children learn to listen to each other and respect each other's point of view. Experienced staff nurture children's self-esteem. They help children to build resilience through many positive experiences. Children demonstrate high levels of resilience and perseverance in their play and learning. They show they are proud when they achieve their intended purpose.
• Staff are wonderful role models. They teach children about different emotions and feelings. For example, when children become upset, staff talk to them about how they are feeling. They give children comfort and reassurance. They teach children about the impact that their behaviours have on others, such as empowering children to learn how to say 'no thank you' and to tell an adult. As a result, behaviour across the setting is impeccable.
• Children show tremendous levels of independence. The managers and staff foster children's independence through everyday activities, such as preparing snacks for all children and taking care of the allotment by watering the plants. They also hone their independence skills as they learn to serve their own food at lunchtime and pour their own drinks. Children clear away when they have finished eating and wash up their plates and cups. Children develop essential skills that prepare them very well for their next stage in learning.
• The management team is passionate and highly knowledgeable. They consistently evaluate their practice and provision to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children. Staff receive regular supervision and attend training to enhance their practice. All staff are confident in their abilities and eager to share what they do with others. The high staff morale and the excellent teamwork demonstrated by them positively impacts on children. This is evident through the children's great enthusiasm for their learning.
• Partnerships with parents are excellent and impact positively on the learning and development of children. Leaders and staff are committed to supporting the whole family, which includes sharing information about online safety for older siblings. Staff keep parents fully informed about their children's progress through detailed handovers and the online platform. Parents express their utmost satisfaction with the nursery, describing the nursery as 'incredible' and 'outstanding'.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make exceptional progress. The special educational needs coordinator and manager are committed to supporting all children to achieve the best outcomes. All staff go above and beyond to ensure they understand and can accommodate the needs of children with SEND. They implement effective strategies to close any gaps in children's learning and development.