Kids Corner Drax Limited

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Staff welcome all children warmly when they arrive at this friendly nursery. Children are eager to find interesting things to do. The learning environment is set up in a way that supports children's independence. They can choose from a wide variety of different resources, such as craft materials, musical instruments, and construction equipment. There are also plenty of opportunities to take part in activities led by staff members. Children listen carefully and follow instructions when baking biscuits. They then take great delight in decorating these. They practise squeezing icing from tubes and carefully pouring out sprinkles. Younger children are encouraged to explore different textures in a sensory activity. They giggle as they make animal noises when joining in with their favourite song. Children are encouraged to count and to learn about shape and size as they play. This helps them to become familiar with important mathematical vocabulary.

Children form strong bonds with staff, especially their key person. There are plenty of cuddles for children who are feeling unsettled. This supports children's emotional security. Staff support children to play together and to share their toys. Effective arrangements are in place to support new starters and to help children to move on to the next room, or to school. Emphasis is placed on equipping children with the skills they need to become more independent. They are encouraged to put on their own coats and shoes. Younger children are encouraged to pour their own water and to serve their food.

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

• The experienced manager is passionate about ensuring all children receive a high-quality early education. She has a very good understanding of how young children learn. This helps to ensure that the curriculum is well suited to individual children's age and stage of development. Staff confidently describe what they want children to learn from the different activities available. They use effective strategies to support children who may not be making as much progress as they should.
• Children's views are welcomed and valued. Staff really get to know all the children as individuals. They take time to find out about children's interests and their home lives. This helps them to plan purposeful learning opportunities. As several children have recently welcomed new siblings into their families, a story about babies results in lots of discussion. Staff consistently give children time to answer questions or share their thoughts. Children also listen attentively to the other children. This helps them to develop the skills they need to take part in conversations.
• Staff are highly skilful in the way they promote children's thinking skills. Their use of questioning encourages children to problem solve. Children become completely absorbed as they make windmills. They consider how they can test if they will blow around outside, before carefully attaching string to them. They are encouraged to predict what will happen when they mix together different colours of paint.
• Children generally behave very well. They are polite and helpful. Older children often tidy up without being asked to do so. However, when children occasionally need to be reminded of how to keep themselves safe, staff do not always follow the nursery's behaviour management procedures consistently. This means children do not always understand what is expected of them.
• Children's good health is promoted appropriately. Staff ensure that appropriate procedures are followed when changing nappies or helping children to use the toilet. Fresh drinking water is always available. The large, secure outdoor space is ideal for children to be physically active. They also learn about growing fruit and vegetables, proudly pointing out tomatoes and beans ready to be picked.
• Parents report that their children are happy and settled in the nursery. They know who their child's key person is and say that all staff are highly approachable if they have any concerns. Staff give parents lots of detail about what their children have enjoyed doing during the day. However, they do not always tell parents about how they could support their children's learning at home, to extend their skills even further.
• Managers are excellent role models. They regularly demonstrate how best to support children to make progress in their learning. They also point out how staff can improve their practice. Less experienced members of staff report that they find this extremely helpful. Staff also welcome regular opportunities to access training. They say they feel valued and supported.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• support staff to ensure there is a consistent approach to promoting children's positive behaviour
• consider how to further develop communication with parents to enable them to support children's learning at home.