Hearts Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are incredibly happy and receive the best possible start in their education in this exceptional setting. They arrive eager to start their day and they are greeted by passionate staff, who welcome each child with genuine kindness. Children show extremely high levels of curiosity and enthusiasm and happily lead their own learning. For instance, children start to draw pictures, carefully choosing which colours to use. They excitedly tell the inspector, 'This is my mummy, she has black hair'. Staff plan an abundance of exciting and creative activities, making the curriculum rich and varied. As a result, children are extremely keen to learn and show very positive attitudes towards new experiences. They are confident to make suggestions and share ideas. For example, children tell staff, 'I can put a light in my lantern', as they create lanterns for Ramadan.

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They show a strong understanding of the daily routine and staff have high expectations of all children. Children are extremely kind and welcoming. For example, they reach out to hold the inspector's hand when she arrives, offering her big smiles and making her feel very included.

Children are highly independent. For example, when they have finished eating, they clear their plates without prompt from staff. Children play a huge part in creating the curriculum. They choose which books will be in the book area as part of their role within the children's committee. They choose which activities they would like to explore. This contributes to the highly engaged and motivated atmosphere throughout the whole setting.

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

• The manager and assistant manager rigorously monitor the impact of the curriculum, staff practice and children's progress. They make highly effective use of self-evaluation and consultation with staff, parents and children to identify areas for development. Staff have countless opportunities to develop their skills and learning and this has a positive impact on children's learning. For example, recent training in the use of visual aids has created more opportunities for children to develop their understanding of the daily routines.
• Parents speak very highly of the setting and all staff. They are exceedingly happy with the progress their children have made. They are delighted with the mix of activities provided and are keen to share their experiences. Parents value the regular feedback they receive from staff. They comment on the 'friendly' and 'approachable' staff, who make them and their children feel so welcome.
• Children are highly motivated and deeply involved in meaningful play throughout the day. Staff skilfully use children's interests to help them to explore new experiences. For example, staff encourage children to smell the different ingredients as they bake a cake together. Children comment that, 'The vanilla smells like sugar'.
• Staff create a language-rich environment and children are exceptional communicators. Staff constantly expand children's vocabulary and explain the meaning of new words. For example, during a creative activity, staff explain that the moon is a 'crescent moon'. Children are confident to express themselves and use their strong vocabulary to do so. For example, when staff draw stars for children, some gleefully comment, 'That looks a bit like a butterfly', which staff happily agree with.
• The extremely passionate manager and her staff continuously evaluate children's learning, quickly identifying any gaps. All activities and teaching are expertly adapted to make sure every child can take part. This ensures all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make the best possible progress.
• Staff carefully consider the many languages which children speak in the nursery. They ensure that the learning environment reflects the cultures of all families. Staff and children learn simple phrases in these languages. This helps children to feel that they belong and are valued.
• Children develop an excellent awareness of healthy living. They enjoy exceptional opportunities to be active. For instance, children enjoy going on walks around their local community. They demonstrate their strong road safety skills as they declare, 'We have to wait for the green man' before crossing the road. Children move with control and precision as they explore the indoor soft play, laughing and squealing with delight as they do.