Happy Days Nursery and Pre-school

Inclusion: Strong standard

Leaders and staff create a highly inclusive environment where every child is valued and fully involved in all aspects of nursery life. They hold high expectations for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, those who are disadvantaged and those with barriers to learning. Secure assessment and monitoring procedures enable staff to identify emerging needs early and respond swiftly. Staff adapt teaching, routines and resources effectively to help all children make continual progress. For example, they consistently use sign language, simplified language and visual support to help children understand, communicate and participate confidently alongside their peers. Leaders work closely with parents and external professionals to secure timely referrals, additional funding and targeted support. Staff implement agreed strategies consistently, including small-group learning and individual interventions, to meet children's specific needs.

Leaders and staff review support regularly with parents to ensure strategies have a positive impact on children's development and well-being. Parents speak highly of the difference early and consistent support makes to their children's progress and confidence. Leaders use additional funding effectively to reduce barriers to learning and improve outcomes for disadvantaged children. Staff receive targeted training to strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to meet children's individual needs. Children access the full curriculum and are well prepared for the next stage in their learning.

Curriculum and teaching: Strong standard

Leaders have designed a highly ambitious, broad and well-sequenced curriculum. Skilled staff implement this consistently across the nursery. They have a secure understanding of what children need to know and learn next, and they deliver the curriculum through high-quality teaching and purposeful interactions. Staff adapt activities, language and resources effectively so that all children can access the motivating learning opportunities staff provide. They thoughtfully use simplified language and guide children who speak English as an additional language in learning to play new games. Staff continually promote resilience and independence through their positive encouragement and carefully planned experiences. For example, staff support babies in moving confidently between indoor and outdoor environments to develop their mobility, while older children are encouraged to build balance and coordination during yoga sessions. Staff consistently teach communication and language through carefully timed interactions with children and daily planned activities such as music, singing, and storytelling. This strengthens children's listening, vocabulary and early literacy skills. Staff act as positive role models to help children develop their personal, social and emotional skills. They praise children for sharing and being kind to one another.

Staff know children extremely well and use accurate assessment to identify next steps, consolidate children's learning and provide appropriate challenge. They work closely with parents and other providers to ensure continuity in children's learning. Staff teach mathematics and physical development skilfully through everyday routines and planned activities. For example, they introduce mathematical language such as 'more', 'less' and 'heavy' as younger children pour drinks. Staff successfully develop children's physical skills. For instance, teach older children ball control, coordination and accuracy through a structured ball-skills programme. As a result, children gain the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make strong progress across all areas of learning.

Achievement: Strong standard

Children make consistent progress from their individual starting points and develop a wide range of knowledge, skills and attitudes they need for the next stage in their learning. Babies eagerly join in with familiar songs and rhymes, copying words and actions as staff extend their vocabulary through high-quality interactions. Younger children develop a love of books as they independently choose stories, turn pages and confidently retell familiar events. Older children accurately count, recognise shapes and compare their models during construction activities, demonstrating secure mathematical understanding.

Children develop high levels of independence and confidence in managing their own needs. Babies feed themselves using open cups and spoons, while older children confidently and independently serve meals, clear away their plates and wash them afterwards. Children continually cooperate well, share resources and take turns during play. They celebrate one another's achievements with enthusiasm and encouragement. All children are well prepared for their next stage of learning.

Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines: Strong standard

Children consistently behave well and show positive attitudes towards learning. They remain highly engaged in purposeful activities and demonstrate curiosity as they play and explore. Older children confidently ask questions to extend their learning, such as asking staff how to sign the names of different fruits and animals during story time. Staff consistently respond enthusiastically, encouraging children's curiosity and supporting their communication skills.

Leaders and staff establish clear expectations and consistent routines, helping children understand what is expected of them. Children move calmly between activities and rooms, and transitions throughout the day are smooth and well organised. Leaders ensure mealtimes are relaxed social occasions where children develop independence and enjoy conversations with staff and their friends. Children form secure attachments with their key person and confidently seek reassurance, comfort and praise when needed. Staff value children's views, regularly offering choices and encouraging them to make decisions about their play and learning.

Staff respond sensitively to children's emotional needs and help them recognise, express and regulate their feelings. They acknowledge children's emotions, provide reassurance when needed and consistently model kindness, respect and positive behaviour. Children show they feel safe, secure and valued. They develop positive relationships and confidently engage in all aspects of nursery life. Leaders promote good attendance and punctuality through effective procedures, helping children develop positive habits for the future. Children show they feel safe, secure and valued. They develop positive relationships and confidently engage in all aspects of nursery life.

Children's welfare and wellbeing: Strong standard

Leaders and staff consistently promote children's safety, health and emotional wellbeing. They implement robust procedures to protect children and teach them how to keep themselves safe. For example, staff monitor UV levels, remind children to wear sun hats and adapt outdoor play when needed. Older children demonstrate their understanding by encouraging their friends to stay safe in the sun. Staff tailor sleeping, feeding and personal care routines to each child's individual needs and work closely with parents to review these as children develop. They gather detailed information about children's medical, dietary and care needs and ensure these are understood and consistently met by all staff.

Leaders place a firm emphasis on promoting healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing. Children enjoy balanced, nutritious meals prepared on site and regularly take part in cooking activities that help them learn about healthy eating. Staff encourage children to be active through daily movement sessions and teach strategies that support their physical and emotional health. They use positive language and consistent praise to build children's confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Older children confidently join in positive affirmations during yoga sessions, demonstrating growing emotional awareness. Strong relationships with key persons ensure children feel safe, secure and valued. Staff always respond quickly to children's emotional needs, offering reassurance and comfort when required. As a result, children develop healthy lifestyles, feel emotionally secure and confidently engage in all aspects of nursery life.

Leadership and governance: Strong standard

Leaders have a secure understanding of the children, families and local community they serve. They work effectively with parents, schools, health professionals and the local authority to ensure children and families receive timely support. Parents speak highly of the welcoming and caring staff team and value the time staff take to understand each child's individual interests, personality and needs. Leaders maintain a clear overview of children's progress. They use additional funding effectively to reduce barriers to learning and monitor its impact on children's outcomes. Robust self-evaluation enables leaders to identify strengths and priorities for improvement, ensuring the quality of education and care continues to develop.

Leaders are ambitious for children and staff. They provide effective supervision, coaching and professional development that strengthens staff's knowledge and teaching practice. Recent curriculum training has reinforced staff's understanding of what children need to learn and how to deliver the curriculum consistently across the nursery. Staff report that leaders support their wellbeing and manage workload effectively. Leaders regularly review policies and practice to improve provision, such as refining mealtime routines to ensure children with dietary needs can serve themselves safely. Careful staff deployment ensures children receive consistent care from familiar adults. As a result, leaders maintain a robust oversight of the nursery, support continuous improvement and create a positive culture where children, families and staff thrive.