Kidzrus Private Day Nursery Irlam

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive happy at this warm and welcoming nursery. The kind and caring staff quickly help children to settle, ready to start the day. Children form strong bonds with their key person and seek them out for cuddles when needed. For example, babies snuggle into adults and smile contently when sharing stories and playing peekaboo. Older children show confidence as they talk to the inspector about their outfits and show their drawings on the wall.

Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. Children behave well and staff support them to be kind and considerate to others. For example, staff praise young toddlers as they pass a water cup to their friends. They beam with pride at their achievements. Pre-school children hug their friends as they join them to play outdoors. Staff encourage children to share and take turns. This helps to support children's emotional well-being from a young age.

Children show positive attitudes to learning. They excitedly join in with activities and show good levels of engagement. Younger children sit eagerly waiting to sing 'what's in the bag?'. They move their bodies and clap their hands as they join in with the song. They recognise and name familiar objects, such as 'sock' and 'cup'. This supports children's communication and language as they build up a repertoire of new vocabulary.

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

• Staff know children extremely well. They know what children's likes and interests are and incorporate these into daily activities. Staff regularly assess what children can do and what they want children to learn next, including those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Any gaps in learning are quickly recognised. Prompt referrals and early intervention strategies are swiftly implemented. This means that all children make good progress.
• The manager plans a broad curriculum that builds on children's knowledge and skills over time. Child-led activities and a flexible approach help to keep children engaged in learning. Overall, staff implement the curriculum very well. However, on occasion, staff do not always understand how to teach children in order to enhance the quality of education to an even higher level, such as when teaching early literacy skills. Despite this, all children make good progress.
• Parent partnership is a real strength of the nursery. Parents are overwhelmingly happy with the care provided. They feel very well informed of their children's learning and progress. They receive regular updates on the app. They are invited to a range of activities in the nursery, such as a mother's day picnic and an information session on oral hygiene. Parents say that they value the relationships that staff have with their children, who enjoy their time at the nursery.
• The manager and staff are supported by senior leaders from the wider nursery group. Ongoing professional development opportunities help staff to increase their knowledge and spend time with staff in the same position. For example, manager and deputy manager meetings enable them to share effective practice and learn new skills. The manager conducts regular supervisions and observations of staff practice. This helps staff to be supported in their roles and a valued member of the team.
• Healthy lifestyles are promoted throughout the nursery. Children have access to drinking water and enjoy a range of healthy, nutritious meals. The cook adapts meals for children with dietary requirements and all staff are aware of food allergies. Children enjoy time outdoors daily. Young children make marks on the chalkboard with water and brushes. Older children push themselves along on wheeled toys. Opportunities like these support children in their physical development as they use the muscles in their arms and legs.
• Children enjoy a range of books and stories. They listen intently to the story 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' and join in with familiar phrases. They explore the materials in a large tray and sprinkle flour with their fingers to represent a snowstorm. Staff speak clearly to the children and repeat what children say, to build on their vocabulary. Children enjoy singing songs and rhymes. This promotes children's communication and language development.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• support staff to develop their knowledge of the curriculum, to help improve the quality of teaching further.