Hayley's Little Heroes

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are warmly welcomed into this nursery, where staff celebrate children's uniqueness and respond with care, kindness and patience. Babies and young children quickly develop secure attachments with the nurturing staff team. Staff have an in-depth knowledge of each child that they care for. They gather detailed information when children first start, which helps children to quickly settle into nursery life. Staff know where children are in their development and what they would like children to learn next. This ensures that children make good progress in their learning and develop the essential skills needed for future life.

Staff deliver a well thought out and sequenced curriculum based on children's emerging interests and skills. There is a strong focus on communication and language and ensuring children are ready for school. Children are engaged in their early education and are motivated to learn. They confidently explore activities and develop a positive 'can-do' attitude as they try new things. Children benefit from experiences that build on their existing knowledge and skills. Staff sensitively support and encourage children throughout the day, which helps to create high levels of self-esteem and a strong sense of belonging.

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

• The manager leads a dedicated staff team. Together, they have worked hard to address the weaknesses raised at the last inspection. There are now robust recruitment arrangements in place to ensure that all those working with children are suitable to do so.
• Since the last inspection, careful consideration has been given to the support staff receive. Staff benefit from a continuous cycle that includes observation of staff practice, supervision meetings, regular appraisals and targeted training. This helps to ensure high-quality practice and that staff continually improve their knowledge and skills in supporting children's learning and development.
• Staff continually model language to children. Staff working with younger children use repetition and carefully label objects. Staff use descriptive language and model conversations with older children. They ask questions and give children time to think and respond. A running commentary as children play helps to give meaning to what children are doing. Children hear a rich variety of vocabulary throughout the day. As a result, children are becoming skilful and confident communicators.
• Staff plan opportunities to help children to develop their fine motor skills. Children follow the instructions of staff as they squeeze, squash and roll dough. They recall familiar stories as they create a house for 'The Three Little Pigs' with the dough. These activities help children to develop the muscles in their hands in readiness for writing.
• Children have opportunities to develop their physical skills in the outdoor area. They skilfully navigate the space available as they operate wheeled toys with increasing confidence. However, staff have not fully considered how they can best support children who prefer to learn outdoors. This means that opportunities to extend learning for those who prefer to learn outside may be missed.
• Children behave well for their age and stage of development. Younger children are learning how to share and take turns. Older children follow instructions and are kind and considerate to their younger friends. Staff are good role models and demonstrate expected behaviours. However, occasionally, staff do not explain the consequences of children's actions. This means that children are not fully able to understand right from wrong and regulate their own behaviour.
• Staff teach children about the importance of healthy eating and good hygiene. Children develop their independence and self-care skills as they wash their hands in readiness for lunch. Staff talk about where mashed potato comes from and children recall how they grew potatoes in the nursery garden. Staff ensure that children have access to fresh drinking water so that they stay hydrated. This helps children to develop healthy habits for later life.
• Partnerships with parents are highly valued. Parents are very complementary of the nursery and the staff team. They comment on the progress their children have made since attending, especially with their language skills and confidence in social situations.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• develop the curriculum for outdoors to better support those children to gain essential knowledge and skills in their preferred learning environment
• help staff to consider how they support children to understand their behaviour and the consequences of their actions.