Kindred St Neots Nursery and Pre-School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children attending this fun and exciting nursery receive the very best start to their education. They learn techniques that help them understand and regulate their emotions in different situations. For example, children openly talk about how they are feeling, and staff support them to be able to acknowledge their emotions. They practise mindfulness techniques, such as 'blowing candles' and 'smelling flowers', to encourage taking breaths. As a result of this, children are extremely self-assured and confident.

Children actively explore the well-resourced environment and eagerly share their learning experiences with members of staff. For example, children excitedly recall when they found a frog in the nursery garden and rehomed it in the nature reserve. Children demonstrate excellent skills in forming close friendships with their peers. For example, children take turns playing with dough. They make sure that others have as much as they do without prompt from an adult.

The fantastic garden space provides children with a range of rich experiences. They play enthusiastically with superhero capes on, while they build in the sandpit. Children ring a bell when they finish, to let their friends know it is their turn. They eagerly tell visitors about different fruits and vegetables that they grow in the garden. Staff support this learning through carefully planned outings to food markets and allotments.

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

• Children demonstrate an outstanding level of independence. They understand hygiene procedures; for example, babies wipe their own noses and know how to dispose of their tissues. Children take pride in helping to tidy up. They eagerly use a dustpan and brush to clear spills on the floor. Older children wear 'helper' tabards and prepare the tables for mealtimes. Children learn how to dress themselves and to express their wants and needs. This ensures that children are ready for the next step in their education.
• Staff provide a language-rich environment that builds on children's vocabulary and understanding. They introduce new words into children's play. For example, staff discuss how to 'divide' dough during an activity and explain what the word means. Children then repeat this language back to their friends while playing. Staff use simple sign language and visual prompts to communicate with children from an early age. This promotes an inclusive environment where all children are highly valued.
• Children understand the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. They have discussions about what they are eating along with a visual menu of what is being served. Children talk about how much sugar is in certain foods and staff support them to make healthy choices by taking them to buy their own snacks. Children take part in daily song-and-dance sessions to support their physical development and mental well-being.
• Staff value parents' thoughts and opinions. For example, parents are consulted on how to extend experiences for children by adding more garden space in the car park area. Parents are involved in their children's nursery life through initiatives, such as home-learning packs and 'cook and chat' boxes. Parents speak very highly of the staff team at the nursery. They say that they feel it is a wonderful environment, where their children are loved and well cared for. Parents also note that they feel extremely supported.
• All children have excellent opportunities to explore the world around them. The nursery staff carefully plan experiences and ensure that all children have the opportunity to experience new things. For example, children visit the nature reserve, parks and food markets. Children who are interested in fire engines visit the fire station and learn about fire safety.
• The management team demonstrates a high-quality vision for the ongoing future of the nursery. They share this vision with the team and share their practice with other settings in the local area. Staff morale is very high, and they work consistently well as a team to do the very best for the children they care for. The management has undertaken mental health first-aid training to ensure that the well-being of everyone within the nursery is carefully considered.