Little Hands Nursery School - Linton & Bartlow

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children gravitate towards the staff and demonstrate that they enjoy interacting with them. They show the staff what they are doing and talk about things that interest them. Babies show staff the dolls they are playing with and babble as they imitate adults and strap the dolls in the high chairs. Older children talk about their home lives as they make Christmas decorations. They talk about the decorations they have at home. Children are very content in the setting and confidently explore the environment. Children are supported to acquire new language and use this to communicate with staff and their peers.

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

• Staff place an emphasis on children's mathematical development and provide numerous opportunities for children to acquire and use mathematical language. Children demonstrate learning in these areas by confidently counting objects, using mathematical language, and correctly answering mathematical questions.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported to make good progress. The setting ensures children receive the support they need. The setting works with other professionals to access what the children need, complete referrals and hold relevant meetings.
• Parents give very positive feedback of the setting and talk about the 'amazing' staff and how they support the children to enjoy attending the setting and make good progress. Communication between the setting and parents is effective. Parents explain the setting communicates with them in a variety of ways, and they feel well informed about their child's learning and development.
• All children are supported to make good progress. Their key person has an in-depth knowledge of the individual child, how they are doing, what progress they are making and the next steps needed to further enhance the child's learning. They confidently talk about their key children and demonstrate they take time to get to know each child and work with them to make good progress.
• Staff use a variety of teaching methods when interacting with children. They narrate children's play and activities, effectively question children and pause and allow them time to respond. Some staff demonstrate high-quality teaching skills. However, this is not yet the case throughout the setting.
• Leadership is strong. The manager has a clear vision for the setting, and they strive to continually improve. Staff are well supported with regular supervisions, management observations and training.
• Children are encouraged to be independent. They put their own coats on to go to the garden, pour their own drinks at mealtimes and prepare their own snacks.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• find ways to raise the quality of teaching to a consistently high level so that this further improves outcomes for children.