Limetrees Children's Centre

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children look forward to coming to nursery and are well cared for. Leaders understand children's needs and oversee a curriculum that is focused on communication, enabling all children to progress in their learning and development. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported and make good progress. Staff model effective communication, empathy and kindness, which children reflect in their behaviour. Staff guide children in developing social and problem-solving skills. Children share and take turns, enhancing their social behaviour. Pre-school children solve problems in the home corner so everyone can join in. In the garden, they take turns and show kindness while waiting.

Staff use key words and phrases during play, ensuring that children hear the correct pronunciation and make connections to words in various contexts. Children use descriptive language while creating imaginary meals with fruits, vegetables and herbs. They recall language about volcanoes as they experiment with simulated 'lava', promoting critical thinking. Discussions about healthy food and water show their understanding. Children talk excitedly about milk and water as 'liquids' and describe the air they breathe. They incorporate phrases from favourite stories while building houses with straw and twigs, learning language, rhythm and vocabulary through repetition.

Plenty of fresh air and exercise help children to develop physical skills as they ride tricycles, run, jump and explore outdoors. A clear routine helps children to know what to expect. Staff plan diverse learning experiences and effectively monitor children's development. Children make strong progress from their starting points and are well prepared for the next educational stage, including starting school.

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

• Children consistently receive positive praise, with activities tailored to their interests. This fosters their participation and they are very eager to join in, cooperate and share with others. Staff focus on children developing strong communication and language skills. Pre-school children use complex sentences and have a broad vocabulary, eagerly discussing topics, such as rain and bone connections. Young children learn about numbers by drawing and tracing patterns.
• Staff effectively support children with SEND with targeted learning plans to close any gaps in their learning. Parents appreciate the personalised care, resulting in good progress for children with SEND.
• There are times, particularly when children arrive at the nursery, when staff do not fully understand their role and responsibility in meeting children's emotional and physical needs. For example, they do not make best use of this valuable time to gather information from parents to help children to make a settled start to their day.
• Staff note that the provider supports their well-being. Leaders regularly review practices and safeguarding measures, and address concerns to support children's development.
• Parents appreciate the care, education and relationships their children build with staff. They value the partnership and diverse activities that prepare children for school. Staff keep parents updated and provide support ideas for home, for example, about healthy eating and toilet training.
• Staff provide various activities to boost children's fine motor skills. For example children use paintbrushes, play with dough and build with blocks. This helps to strengthen children's hand muscles in preparation for early writing.
• Staff encourage children to take responsibility for their self-care. Older children manage their toileting, wash their hands, dispose of rubbish and sweep the floor. This builds self-confidence and a sense of responsibility for children in the nursery.
• Staff plan routines efficiently, ensuring smooth mealtimes and consistent support for children. Conversations during meals help children to develop social and communication skills. All children receive healthy, nutritious meals and snacks to support their physical health.
• Staff support children's physical development as they navigate the climbing frame with strength and agility. They demonstrate resilience and perseverance and keep on trying, even if they experience challenges. Children celebrate each other's accomplishments, recognising various aspects of physical development.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• strengthen the arrangements for children's drop off and collection to better meet their emotional and physical needs.