Indo-Chinese Little Rainbow Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This inspiring nursery is at the heart of the local community. The curriculum is extremely ambitious for all children and based on staff's well-informed understanding of individual children. Children hear both Mandarin and English spoken equally in this bilingual nursery.

Learning is truly alive and children's awe and wonder are ignited by the staff's careful planning. Children learn about the world around them by visiting the local community and learning about where they live. They excitedly reported that they saw boats and fish in the river Thames during their community walk.

Children show they are extremely confident and curious learners. They show remarkably high levels of engagement in their learning and demonstrate resilience and perseverance. For example, children squeal with excitement during an activity where they eagerly wait to have their turn to squeeze vinegar into a bottle. They demonstrate strong levels of self-control as they take turns. Children use rich language to describe vinegar as they smell and taste it.

Toddlers and babies are highly engaged in sensory activities. Staff work together to implement predictable routines that children benefit from. They take a consistent, positive approach to behaviour management and actively teach children how to play together, such as taking turns while climbing up a climbing frame.

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

• Children are consistently supported to develop their communication and language to a high level. Staff provide a language-rich environment, introducing a range of new and interesting vocabulary in both English and Mandarin. They are clear in their dialogue and use repetition and songs to embed words. For example, children walk to the garden holding hands and sing a song in Mandarin and English as they walk.
• Children show high levels of confidence to approach others and join in activities. Staff provide opportunities for them to learn about taking risks and challenges in their play. For example, toddlers challenge themselves to climb higher and further than they have before. They are motivated to take risks.
• Children demonstrate exceptional independence. Throughout the nursery, staff offer opportunities and children strive to achieve skills which will support them to progress to their next stage of learning. For example, children learn to put on their own shoes and self-serve their food. Older children clear up after lunch, wiping the table and putting their waste into the bin.
• Babies build on their physical skills as they pull themselves up to standing, increasing their independence. Their curiosity is sparked remarkably well by staff. Sensory play absorbs their attention as they pat and squeeze various materials.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are very well supported by staff at the nursery. Staff engage extremely well with parents, schools and other professionals to ensure that every child makes substantial progress from their starting points. This nursery is part of a community centre that brings families together through cultural events, holidays and school events.
• Staff work extremely well with local schools to promote a smooth and effective transition for all children. A successful school readiness programme is in place to ensure that children develop the essential skills they need to prepare them for school. For example, staff visit local primary schools to learn about essential skills they need and implement these in their curriculum.
• The managers and staff observe ongoing practice through peer-on-peer reviews and supervision meetings. These help to promote excellent practice throughout the nursery and to identify training to continue building skills. Staff confirm that they feel listened to and are very much supported within their roles.
• Managers have an exceptional focus on staff's well-being. They support, mentor and value staff. Staff are extremely knowledgeable and passionate. They are dedicated and happy. Staff receive specific training to meet the needs of the children that attend. For instance, they have attended outdoor learning training to extend the already superb learning opportunities for children. The strong team spirit among staff and their enthusiasm leads to a highly motivating environment, where all children are deeply engrossed as they play.