Little Oaks

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive at the nursery. Staff help them to become enthusiastic and independent learners. Staff have the highest expectations for all children and provide specific levels of support and challenge that meet every child's individual learning needs. Children benefit from access to purposeful and exciting activities in each room at the nursery. Babies are eager to splash in the puddles outdoors, and staff model words and actions for them. Young children show exceptional levels of focus as they pour water into small funnels and containers, using mathematical language such as 'full' and 'empty' as they play.

Older children are exceptionally well-prepared to start school. Staff ensure they have the confidence and skills to join in with activities themselves. For example, children go to get their own apron before they begin to paint. They know how to use scissors safely and select the creative materials they want before they start.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, staff have worked extremely hard to minimise gaps in children's communication skills and their personal, social and emotional development. Staff are excellent role models, and children's behaviour is exemplary; they show kindness to each other and are consistently well-mannered. The nursery's special educational needs co-ordinator works in partnership with parents and other professionals to ensure children receive as much support as possible from an early age.

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

• All children make exceptional progress in relation to their starting points. The curriculum is balanced, sequenced and carefully considers children's individual needs and experiences. Staff gather information about children's home lives and use this information to celebrate their individuality in the nursery. Activities are planned to broaden children's experiences. For instance, the nursery has recently added a piano to the pre-school room. Children thoroughly enjoy pressing the keys and singing 'twinkle twinkle' as they play.
• Children's needs are at the heart of all decision-making. The management team has worked alongside staff to make continual improvements depending on the needs of the children and families who attend. For instance, it has reduced the number of children in the rooms to enable staff to provide the support that is needed. This has had a positive impact on children's progress.
• Staff provide activities that broaden children's experiences and build secure foundations for the future. For instance, they ensure children have plenty of access to the curriculum outdoors as they know this is where some children prefer to learn. Young children show high levels of independence as they get their own wellies and put on their own coats. Older children explore and learn about conkers, and staff show them what they looked like in their cases. Staff extend this into mathematical games, and children find the right number of conkers for the numeral in the egg box.
• The provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is outstanding. Staff complete regular assessments and use their knowledge of child development to identify areas of potential delay from an early age. For instance, children benefit from focused group and one-to-one activities. For example, children who speak English as an additional language show enjoyment in their session and giggle as they copy actions and words modelled by staff.
• Children's health and well-being are prioritised. They thoroughly enjoy the freshly cooked meals and healthy snacks provided. Staff ensure children follow good hygiene routines, and they offer support with self-care if this is needed. Young children enjoy yoga sessions as part of their daily routine and seek comfort from staff if they are feeling upset. Staff support children to take turns and share resources. Older children are aware of how they feel and the impact their behaviour can have on others.
• Staff know their key children and others in the group exceptionally well. They gather detailed information about children before they start. Children settle into the nursery quickly and benefit from tailored support and care. For example, children who are new to the setting are provided with one-to-one support when they arrive. Staff know how to comfort them according to the children's individual preferences. This is highly effective, and children begin to engage in learning shortly afterwards.
• The staff team is highly qualified and experienced. Staff say they feel valued here and are passionate about their work with children. They benefit from access to professional development opportunities to refresh their skills and build their confidence in their role. For example, all staff have accessed training to help develop children's communication and language development. Apprentices say they are very happy with how much support they have received from their managers to assist in completing their qualifications and developing their skills to work with children.
• The leadership team is inspirational. Leaders show dedication to providing children with the best possible start in their education. Parents speak highly of the whole team and the nursery. They say their children's 'progress is amazing' and their child 'is treated as an individual by staff who genuinely care'.