Hampton Hill Nursery At St. James's Church

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children explore confidently as they access a range of meticulously planned activities. Outside, children are fascinated by water; they experiment as they fill containers of different sizes. Children observe how petals float on the surface of the water. They talk to each other about the colours, smells and textures of what they have discovered. They are completely absorbed in their play and concentrate hard, not letting the water overflow. Children have extremely positive attitudes to learning.

Children are motivated to share and cooperate with each other. They demonstrate high levels of self-control as they persist with challenging problems. For example, outside, children build using boxes. They clear leaves and wind tape around trees. Children ask each other for help and tell each other, 'Be careful of the cement'. Children help one another when they find things tricky. They are highly sensitive to each other's feelings .

Staff promote a love of books among the children. Children learn and use ambitious new language every day. For example, as staff explore illustrations, they talk to the children about the different features of tangerines and oranges. Children understand that books help them with their learning. They help themselves to books to support their understanding of new concepts and ideas.

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

• Managers and staff focus precisely on the exact learning needs of individual children. They get to know every child extremely well. Staff plan highly personalised experiences for children to develop their talents and interests. Children feel a strong sense of belonging.
• Staff share a clear vision to support children to become highly self-confident, motivated and independent. They plan challenging activities for children that promote their resilience. For example, children take responsibility for their belongings. They choose their own books, prepare their own lunch box and join staff in planning the activities. Children have high levels of self-esteem.
• Managers and staff work with parents in an inspirational way. They are devoted to children's home learning. They support parents to understand exactly what their child is learning at nursery so that this can be extended at home. All children reach the best possible outcomes.
• Staff are highly skilled at identifying children who need additional support with their learning. They work extensively with a range of experts and use a range of strategies to help children to reach their milestones. All children receive the high-quality education to which they are entitled.
• Managers work extensively with a range of external partners. They make links with learning experts, local schools and local partners. All children receive an extremely thorough transition into their next educational setting. They have full access to their early education entitlement.
• Children's language development is extremely well supported. Staff deliberately model new language with the children. They speak clearly, asking the children thoughtful questions. For example, staff teach children to engage in conversations using ambitious new vocabulary. In the ice-cream van role-play area, children learn the word 'Neapolitan', and adults ask if they take cash. Children are rapidly developing their fluency and confidence.
• Parents say they are overwhelmed by the support of the nursery. They talk in detail about the individual skills and knowledge that their children are learning. Parents say that the nursery has helped them to understand how their children learn. Parents report that they feel confident that their children are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
• Managers are highly reflective of their practice. They are extremely proactive in listening to staff to identify their own talents and ambitions. Staff are confident and feel valued. Managers plan professional development opportunities that have a direct, positive impact on learning.
• Staff promote a culture of respect among the nursery community. They teach children about the differences between themselves and others in a highly effective way. Children learn about different faiths, family dynamics, jobs and people through celebrating the rich diversity of their own backgrounds. All children feel valued and happy.