Hedgehogs Hoo Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children of all ages and abilities are confident and happy during their time in the welcoming and homely nursery. Staff have a clear and concise knowledge of their curriculum and how they implement it effectively. They plan motivating and challenging activities to support all children to engage in their learning experiences. Children are keen to join in with the interesting activities that staff carefully prepare for them. For example, staff teach children about speed and gradients as they explore using pipes and guttering to create slides for cars. Babies enjoy exploring their senses and staff set up activities to teach them about how different items feel. For example, children explore their favourite dinosaurs in 'crunchy' cereals.

Staff are positive role models. Children are empathetic and understanding of other children's differing needs and abilities. They are thoughtful. For instance, they hold the gate open to allow others through showing kindness. Children of all ages gain good physical skills and learn to move in different ways. For example, they confidently and safely use age-appropriate climbing and balancing equipment. This includes building and negotiating obstacles, such as balancing on planks of wood and crates safely.

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

• The manager has supported staff well to make significant improvements since their last inspection. For example, staff know their individual children and there is a well-established key person system in place. Staff have high expectations of all children and support them to make good progress. This includes those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• All children have a positive attitude towards their learning. Staff support children who have SEND well. For instance, they liaise closely with other professionals, such as speech and language therapists, to implement consistent strategies. This includes using visual prompts. Children learn to self-regulate with maturity. For example, when they feel overwhelmed, they know where to access the dark tent which helps them to feel calm.
• Staff teach children about different people and their communities and experiences. For example, children learn about traditions from around the world. Children learn about the traditional Slovakian rainbow festival and try traditional Slovakian stew.
• Overall, staff support children to develop confident communication skills. For example, children enjoy a wide range of stories and singing. Staff talk to children and provide them with meaningful conversations. However, at times, the quality of communication is variable and can, on occasion, appear stilted, particularly at lunchtime. Therefore, the opportunities to support all children to continue to build on their already good listening and speaking skills are inconsistent.
• Overall, the organisation of the environment is good. Staff ensure hygiene practice is robust. For example, children learn the importance of following good hand-washing routines. However, nappy-changing arrangements are not private. This does not consistently teach children skills to support their future such as respecting their own and others' right to privacy.
• Positive partnerships are formed between parents and staff, and parents speak highly of the nursery. Staff keep them well involved and informed about their children and the next steps in their learning and development. Staff share helpful tips with parents such as activity ideas they can enjoy at home with their children.
• The manager closely monitors the quality of care and teaching children receive. Staff evaluate together as a team daily. They reflect upon their practice and make plans for where they would like to continue to enhance the nursery. Staff include children in their self-evaluation. For example, children participate in the 'Hedgehogs committee' where they share their feedback and ideas.
• All staff attend regular and beneficial training. They have recently learned about how to effectively and safely manage challenging behaviour. This has had a positive impact on children. Staff consistently understand children's behaviour and teach children about what is expected of them.
• The manager and staff use additional funding to support the individual needs of children effectively. For instance, they have purchased equipment, such as 'now and next' boards, to help children develop their understanding and communication further.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• improve teaching to further support children's speaking and listening skills, particularly during mealtimes
• improve nappy changing arrangements to ensure children are provided with greater levels of privacy.