Kids Planet Hollingarth

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in this vibrant and thoughtfully resourced nursery. They eagerly approach the door, ready to start their day. Children enter with their parents via a fingerprint system, which helps to keep the nursery secure. Once in their age-specific rooms, staff support children to think about what they would like to do. They teach children how to access and use the resources. As a result, children happily engage in their learning. They talk to staff as they play. This helps staff to successfully build on children's current knowledge and extend their learning. Children feel secure to express their ideas. For example, when using play dough, they say, 'I want to make this longer.' Staff respond positively and help them to think about how to achieve their goals. Since the nursery reopened, following periods of closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, staff focus on teaching children how to play in small groups. Children behave well, and they calmly take turns during activities.

Children focus well when they are all together. Younger children enjoy joining in with the words and actions of songs. Pre-school children listen intently to stories. They think about the content and answer questions. Staff lead children in clapping their peers when they offer their thoughts. Consequently, children display positive self-esteem and eagerly participate. Children talk about their learning at home and tell their parents what they are good at.

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

• Leaders carefully plan a curriculum that helps children to progress from their different starting points. Staff in each room focus on children's interests to help them learn through play. For example, children in the baby room learn to reach out and move towards musical toys. They develop their muscle strength and confidence as they start to explore.
• Older children are well prepared for school. They independently select and use a range of equipment. Children talk to staff and their peers about what they plan to do. For example, they choose to use magnetic shapes to create a ladder for toy dinosaurs. Children enjoy praise and encouragement from the enthusiastic staff. They show confidence in their abilities and happily test out ideas.
• Staff in all rooms focus on promoting health. Parents appreciate the advice staff give them about children's diets and routines. Older children talk about healthy foods and identify where they come from. They know not to have too many sugary foods and understand the importance of staying hydrated. However, staff have not taught children about healthy limits for screen time. They do not know that too much time using technology can affect their health and well-being.
• Staff development is highly valued. Apprentices receive a high level of support from a dedicated member of staff. The manager acts as a mentor throughout the nursery and promotes staff's continuing professional development. As a result, experienced staff understand what they teach very well. Staff have high expectations and ask questions that help children to build on what they know. For example, children use moulds to make sea creatures. They are challenged to describe them and talk about what else lives in the sea.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are actively included and supported. Staff seek advice from outside agencies to find ways of adapting to the needs of individual children. They source funding to provide resources that help children to make progress in different areas of learning. For instance, a sensory room provides a quiet area for focused interactions. Children learn to focus their attention and develop their communication skills.
• Staff regularly communicate with parents about what children are learning. Staff use online diaries to share plans and achievements. They offer suggestions for what parents can do to support learning at home. Parents upload their children's successes and adventures. Consequently, staff know children and their families very well. Parents also appreciate that staff take time to find out about their culture. Children feel a sense of belonging as staff hold thoughtful conversations with them about their activities and celebrations.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• consider ways to incorporate messages about the appropriate use of screens as part of teaching children about health and well-being.