Kids Planet Torwood House

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Babies and children form strong bonds with the friendly staff, and their safety and well-being are closely supported. Children's confidence grows very effectively in the caring environment that staff provide. Children very much enjoy their time at this nursery. Toddlers readily explain that their favourite thing is to play in the 'pirate ship garden' or ride on the scooters. Staff are very attentive to babies' and children's care needs, following their home routines thoughtfully to ensure their well-being remains high.

Children acquire key skills, and older children are well prepared for their move on to school. Staff work together to form their curriculum, linking this to children's interests and learning needs. Children take on challenges and build their physical skills and strength, readily exploring the wide range of equipment outside in the spacious nursery playgrounds. Young children climb up to use the slides and push themselves along on trikes. Pre-school children practise their ball skills, scoring goals with their friends in the football net. They very much enjoy their 'funky fitness' session and are successfully motivated to persevere with challenging movements such as hopping. Children are inspired to make marks in interesting age-appropriate ways, developing their creative skills and dexterity very effectively in readiness for early writing. Three-year-olds in the 'Tigers' room make marks with ink stamps. They mould and create with dough, mixing in different items to make their 'yucky cake'.

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

• Staff know children well. Key persons observe children as they play, taking note of children's achievements and outlining any gaps in their learning. They act promptly if children are behind expected development. They liaise with the nursery's special educational needs coordinators (SENCos) and work sensitively and patiently with parents to outline suitable support to get children the help they need.
• Staff promote a strong two-way flow of information with parents through daily chats, entries in the nursery's online system and during regular parents' meetings. Thoughtful resources bags are offered to help parents support their children through 'life events', such as the arrival of a new sibling. Parents say that staff are 'dedicated', 'incredibly patient' and 'friendly', and that they are very thankful for the level of care and support that their children receive at the nursery.
• Children gain the confidence and skills to express themselves. Staff use clear speech to encourage babies' growing language. Children in the 'Tigers' room knowledgeably join in with well-known nursery rhymes. Older children take turns in conversation and show good mathematics skills, counting and using mathematical language as they play.
• Staff very patiently take time to involve children in daily tasks. Babies happily toddle off to get their shoes when it is time to go outside. Children conscientiously clear away after meals, scraping off their leftovers and putting their cutlery and plates in the correct tubs. Babies and children show positive attitudes to doing things for themselves and develop their independence and sense of responsibility successfully.
• Staff promote children's healthy lifestyles. The nursery chef and kitchen staff prepare nutritious meals. Staff meticulously implement children's dietary requirements through the very thorough procedures in place. Staff conscientiously check the weather and UV levels and patiently apply sun cream to the babies before going outside in the garden.
• Staff offer children clear explanations and take time to help them understand boundaries and appreciate the needs of others. Toddlers in the 'Lions' room are sensitively and successfully supported to learn to manage their emotions. Children learn to take turns and share toys. Older children play together well and build good friendships.
• Many staff offer effective flexible support for children's needs, both individually and as a group. However, on occasion, staff do not pick up on children's lack of attention during group times and adapt their approach suitably. Additionally, other staff do not adapt areas and activities flexibly to ensure children's continued engagement and learning.
• Managers review, update and monitor all safety and security systems to ensure they are consistently robust and implemented effectively. Staff supervise the children closely. They consistently check the numbers in their group as they move to different areas of the nursery with the children.
• Managers are dedicated to the nursery's ongoing development. They work with room leaders to supervise and support practice. The whole staff team undertakes a wide range of appropriate training. Apprentices are supported in their work towards an early years qualification, and both SENCos have beneficially completed level 3 qualifications relevant to their work.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• help staff to adapt their teaching and support flexibly to engage children consistently and extend their learning as much as possible.