Kendray & Worsbrough Sure Start

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children make excellent progress from their individual starting points in development during their time at this inspiring nursery. They are very well prepared for the next stage of their educational journey, including preparing to start school. Staff set high expectations for all children in their care through a systematic and well-planned curriculum. They build strong bonds with children and their families by carrying out supportive home visits and carefully considered induction activities. This lays a secure foundation for children's future learning.

Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn to be happy, independent and confident communicators. For instance, two- and three-year-old children build on their language skills as they talk about the 'ingredients' for the 'warm' or 'cold' pink and yellow potions they create in the outdoor kitchen. Staff introduce new words, such as 'expanding' and 'melting', as children add foam to the mixtures.

Children are safe and secure. Staff are very positive role models, and children learn to share, take turns and be kind to each other. Children who have difficulty managing their emotions are supported very well by staff to play with others and join in story times and other group activities. Parents warmly appreciate staff's commitment to their children's positive development and welcome the guidance and constant support they receive.

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

• Staff provide highly effective support to children with SEND and many who may be vulnerable and need further support. They identify gaps in children's learning at an early stage and act promptly to address them. They work very closely with other professionals, such as early help, inclusion teams and speech and language therapists and carefully plan the use of additional funding.
• Managers are highly ambitious to ensure that every child makes the very best possible progress. They instil staff with a passion and sense of purpose in all their work. Managers ensure that staff know all the children thoroughly, for example, through the weekly planning meetings and regular training days. Staff keenly undertake their own research, for instance, in psychology and supporting children who speak English as an additional language, to further enrich the quality of the provision.
• Staff develop children's speaking and listening skills well. For example, they skilfully plan to introduce a rich vocabulary built on children's own interests and widening knowledge of the world. Staff take every opportunity to help children deepen their vocabulary. For instance, children learn to describe the food in their home corner and at snack times as 'crunchy', 'delicious', 'sweet' and 'tasty'.
• Staff strongly encourage children to develop a love of books. They identify a core of songs, rhymes and stories that motivate and engage children as they progress through the nursery. For instance, two- and three-year-old children explain that the elephant is 'enormous' and 'much too big to be in the house' as they lift flaps and join in the story of 'Dear Zoo'. Parents have many opportunities to share children's reading and learn the value of books through specific projects and workshops.
• Staff promote children's positive behaviour and attitudes very well. They are consistently mindful of children's immediate personal and emotional needs and use smiles, praise and cuddles to reassure them and build relationships. Staff encourage children to say 'please' and 'thank you' as they play and learn. They work with parents to ensure that children are well prepared for their learning. For instance, they provide guidance on good sleep routines and leading healthy, independent lifestyles.
• Children develop their health, well-being and physical skills extremely well. They build their physical and problem-solving skills. They progress from simple climbing and balancing activities to initiating and negotiating challenging and imaginative obstacle courses. Children develop their small-muscle control during activities. For example, they spread butter on their snack-time crackers or skilfully carry ladlefuls of their potions from one container to another.
• Parents very strongly recommend the nursery. They welcome the warm and sensitive nature of all staff. Parents appreciate the robust support they receive to address any concerns they may have about their children's development and well-being.