Heathcote House Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive happy and ready to start at this caring nursery. Staff build good relationships with children, ensuring they feel safe and supported in their learning and play. They foster a nurturing environment where children settle quickly. Staff support children's communication and language development effectively. For instance, during sand play, staff use simple words and phrases to encourage babies to respond verbally. They model language and engage young children in conversations, helping them to gain confidence in speaking. Children enjoy a variety of engaging activities that support their development and learning. Staff plan adult-led teaching based on children's interests and needs. For example, when children practise their pencil grip, staff encourage them by creating drawing activities such as tracing shapes and lines.

Children feel secure and happy in the setting and are ready to learn. Babies, for instance, focus well and enjoy practising their physical skills, such as balancing on soft play equipment and climbing cushioned blocks. Staff interact warmly with them, encouraging them to explore and develop their abilities. Children benefit from regular access to fresh air and physical activity. They challenge themselves with climbing equipment and enjoy playing games that promote teamwork and focus. Staff remain attentive, ensuring children are confident and safe as they play.

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

• The provider has designed a curriculum aimed at equipping children with the knowledge and skills needed to develop as confident and independent learners. They plan and sequence it coherently to ensure children build on their understanding over time. Staff have selected a range of carefully chosen children's books, texts, and songs and integrate them into the curriculum at each stage of children's development, supporting their learning. These materials become familiar to children and encourages them to engage with vocabulary through regular practice and repetition, both within the setting and at home. Staff effectively extend this learning by introducing more complex ideas and texts as children progress through different stages.
• Staff identify children's needs effectively and work closely with parents to address concerns and implement targeted plans that support children's development. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive tailored support and care. Staff work closely with external agencies to ensure children receive the targeted support they need to make progress.
• Children show a keen interest in storytelling sessions and actively engage with books. Staff hold up storybooks to ensure children can see the pictures as they read aloud. Staff effectively capture children's attention through animated expressions and engaging narration. Children respond with delight to familiar characters and enjoy pointing out details in the illustrations while showing enthusiasm for repeated readings.
• Children demonstrate good behaviour throughout the setting. They remain calm, follow instructions, and respond promptly when encouraged to prepare for activities. Staff actively engage children in structured games, such as hide-and-seek, supporting them in maintaining focus and following the game's rules. Children display confidence and consistently practise sharing and turn-taking with their peers. Staff manage occasional challenging behaviours calmly and consistently, guiding children to play cooperatively. However, there are times when staff do not organise some routines of the day well. When this happens, children do not fully benefit from the learning that staff have prepared for them.
• The setting implements an effective key worker system that fosters good relationships between staff and children. Children settle quickly and demonstrate confidence in their environment, showing they feel secure and happy. Staff interact positively with children, providing them with consistent emotional support and encouragement. This approach helps children develop a sense of belonging and builds their self-esteem, enabling them to engage in learning.
• The setting effectively engages parents to share key information about their children. Staff collect insights about children's development both within the setting and at home, ensuring that these details inform targeted planning and learning. The setting provides clear communication to parents, supporting smooth transitions for children as they settle in. Staff proactively gather and use information about children's interests and needs.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• support staff to consistently organise daily routines more effectively so that all children benefit from whole-group learning activities.