Kido Wandsworth

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are extremely happy and flourish in this inspirational nursery. They receive high-quality care from the attentive and caring staff. Children show great excitement as they arrive, separating confidently from their parents. They self-register and hurry into their base rooms, eager to explore the activities staff have expertly provided for them. Staff meticulously plan an indoor and outdoor curriculum that prepares children for the next phase of learning. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make exceptional progress in this uplifting setting.

Children's behaviour is exemplary throughout the nursery. Even the youngest children know what is expected of them, as staff share clear and age-appropriate boundaries. Children are very kind and respectful towards staff and each other, creating an atmosphere where children feel valued.

Children demonstrate a love of books. Staff give exceptional thought to ensuring that all children have easy access to books. For instance, a lending library has been introduced where parents and children borrow books that can be read at home, to contribute to children gaining a greater understanding of language. Staff invite parents to an innovative monthly book club. Children and their families come along with their child and share reviews of their chosen book. Staff provide exciting props to further enhance children's reading experiences.

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

• The manager is extremely passionate about her commitment to leading her team to excellence. Her inspiring approach gives the highest priority to staff morale and well-being. Consequently, staff are extremely motivated in ensuring high outcomes for every child. The manager explicitly identifies targeted training opportunities for staff to build on their already impeccable knowledge and understanding. For instance, they have recently completed training to broaden their existing strategies of developing children's communication skills even further.
• Staff accurately assess and build on children's existing knowledge. For example, children remember about pollination, and staff engage them in deep and meaningful conversations to help them gain an even better understanding of how honey is made. Staff use signing techniques as well as using words in children's home languages. This ensures that all children feel highly valued and included. As a result, children are confident and fluent communicators.
• Children are impressively self-sufficient and develop a can-do attitude from an early age. Babies confidently select bowls and cutlery and feed themselves at mealtimes. They attempt to put on their bibs by themselves. Older children identify their own place cards and expertly use tongs to serve their meals. They operate a dispenser tap to pour their drink without spilling. Staff give ample opportunities for children to manage their own personal needs throughout the day. For example, after water play, children independently find their belongings and select the items of clothing that they need to change. Staff empower children and give them small tasks, such as helping to set the table for lunch. This helps to prepare them for their eventual transition to school.
• Partnerships with parents are admirable. Parents say that staff are amazing and that their children are 'loved and happy'. They comment that they are 'reassured that their children are growing, rapidly learning and safe in this enriching environment.' Parents feel fully involved in every decision made about their child. They praise the parent-representative system and regular social events, such as sports days, tea parties and the book club.
• Staff maximise opportunities to develop children's mathematical skills and make learning thoroughly challenging and enjoyable. For example, staff suggest older children fill their jugs to a certain level. Children accurately measure the correct amount, carefully referring to the printed numbers on the side of the jug as they do so. They enthusiastically explore natural materials, such a sticks, pinecones, flowers and herbs, using all their senses to create 'autumn soup'. Children excitedly count backwards from ten while they wait for their soup to 'cook'.
• Children demonstrate remarkable physical skills for their age. Toddlers climb and balance, showing excellent control and coordination as they navigate the ramps and stairs. They challenge themselves and gain a superb awareness of taking managed risks. Non-mobile babies eagerly play in the stimulating indoor physical area. They are supported to step into the ball pit and squeal with delight as they wave their arms around. They are fascinated to watch the balls go up in the air, recognising that their actions are causing this to happen. This contributes to children's deepening understanding of cause and effect.