Kids Planet Warrington

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children demonstrate extremely high levels of motivation when they arrive at the safe, nurturing, and extremely well-resourced environment. They quickly become engrossed in the stimulating and carefully planned experiences. Children make excellent progress in their all-round development. They demonstrate determination and problem-solving skills. Babies eagerly explore sensory experiences; they laugh as they realise when they wave a scarf near feathers, they blow and move around. Toddlers take turns to share mallets to smash up large ice cubes and rescue toys. Children are fascinated and focused during their play.

Children have secure bonds with all staff, and close friendships with one another. Staff ensure routines are consistently implemented, as a result, children's behaviour is excellent. Children help create the nursery rules, they are completely aware of the high expectations staff have of them. They know their actions affect others. As a result, the learning environment is calm and accessible for all children. Children flourish, and gain an abundance of knowledge and skills in readiness for school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children experienced fewer opportunities outside the home. As a result, leaders have implemented a programme of meaningful outings and visits. For example, following an interest in nursery rhymes, children enjoyed a visit to a bakery to see how buns are made. These activities help children to be confident in social situations.

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

• The management team desire every child to succeed and achieve their very best. They have created a curriculum that is challenging and engaging for all children. Staff are determined to ensure excellent quality is consistent across the nursery. All staff take responsibility for children's learning, as they help to design and quickly adapt the curriculum to fit each child's unique needs as they emerge. The passion of all staff truly benefits every child. and ensures all children make remarkable progress.
• Children's communication and language development is a key focus for all children. Staff interactions are of exemplary quality. They consistently model correct language and ask children thought-provoking questions, which start lively discussions. As a group, older children eagerly mix hot chocolate powder into china cups. They add milk and discuss the consistency and taste. Children develop extremely positive attitudes to learning.
• All members of staff are devoted to ensuring every child gains an understanding of their own emotions and those of others. Staff provide mirrors in all areas to help children to talk about their feelings. Children engage in meaningful discussions and learn about democracy as they vote for how their day is organised. Children are considerate and patient; this is because they feel valued and secure. Children are extremely well prepared for modern life in Britain.
• Interventions are timely, and superbly support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff quickly identify gaps in learning and development. They make swift referrals to other agencies and implement effective strategies to help children develop skills. Children who speak English as an additional language hear and use their first language in play. Parents appreciate how their children have thrived, due to the support they receive from the staff team.
• The management team have embedded a culture of self reflection and all staff constantly strive to provide children with the best possible experience. The arrangements for staff's professional development are amazing. All staff receive targeted support focused on improving their practice. They have access to an extensive staff-training programme. As a result, all staff are highly skilled and children benefit from excellent teaching.
• The curriculum for physical development is exceptional. Children demonstrate their strength in regular rugby sessions. They safely run, climb and forage for leaves in the local park. Children safely use tools in their play, they cook and make play dough. These activities help children strengthen their muscles, which benefits them immensely for the next stage of their learning.
• Children's learning about the world around them is inspirational. Staff go the extra mile to give children experiences that may not otherwise get. They regularly visit a community garden to plant vegetables, and to forests to learn about nature. Children learn about similarities and differences between themselves and others. They visit local nursing homes and deliver food parcels to charities. Children learn that differences should be celebrated. They have respectful attitudes and are extremely confident in social situations.
• Partnership working is excellent. Leaders create strong links with local schools, and staff work astoundingly well with external professionals and parents, so that children get the support that they need to truly thrive. Parents who need help are offered it immediately or referred on to other agencies. Staff implement effective strategies to help parents. For example, toddlers place their dummies on a tree in exchange for a prize and letter from the 'dummy fairy'. Children and their families feel supported and valued.