Little Oaks @ The Parish Rooms

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive eager and happy, demonstrating that they feel safe and well cared for in this nurturing environment. They settle quickly each morning, greeting staff with smiles and engaging in daily routines. Some children join group activities straight away or choose their favourite toys, while others separate calmly from their parents, reassured by familiar staff. Strong attachments with staff support children's emotional well-being. Children confidently seek comfort and reassurance, inviting staff to share a book or asking for a cuddle when needed. Staff respond warmly and listen attentively, offering encouragement and helping children feel valued.

The staff enable seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas, ensuring children move safely and confidently as part of the daily routine. Free flow access is firmly established, allowing children to choose their play and take age-appropriate, supervised risks. For example, walking on the balance beam encourages curiosity, independence and strengthens children's gross motor skills. Opportunities like these support children's physical development in a safe and nurturing environment.

Parents report high levels of satisfaction with the setting. They consistently praise staff for their caring and nurturing approach. Parents describe the environment as safe and secure, and note that staff are approachable, professional and attentive to each child's needs.

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

• The strong leadership team are experienced, knowledgeable and understand how children learn and develop. They are passionate about their setting and have a clear vision for the future of the nursery. Managers encourage staff to use children's interests as a guide when planning experiences that are challenging and stimulating. Staff comment that leaders are always accessible and are on hand to offer well-being assistance and professional advice as needed.
• Staff develop strong links with other settings. For example, they visit other nurseries to share best practice. They develop positive relationships with staff at other nurseries as children at The Parish Rooms leave when they are three years old. This helps to ensure a smooth transition for children when the time comes. Staff work closely with their colleagues in their partner setting. This is illustrated when they plan transition visits before children move from one setting to the next. Children have an opportunity to meet their new key person. Staff also share information about children's learning and care needs.
• Children have good opportunities to learn about different cultures and backgrounds. Staff arrange a variety of celebrations and events to help children to understand about their similarities and differences. Staff support children well to develop respectful attitudes about other people's lives that are different to their own.
• Staff nurture children's curiosity and independence by offering a selection of snacks, fresh fruit and vegetables, as part of the café-style routine. Children choose when to eat, which encourages self-regulation and responsibility. However, at times, staff do not consistently encourage children to pour their own drinks to further develop their independence.
• Parents consistently commend the setting for its caring and nurturing staff. They state that the environment is safe and secure, and they find staff approachable, professional and attentive to each child's individual needs. Parents appreciate the robust communication systems, receiving daily updates through various media platforms and face-to-face conversations at drop off and collection. Staff regularly inform parents about their children's well-being, progress and any incidents, which keeps parents well informed and reassured.
• Leaders and staff bring a wealth of experience to their roles and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the individual needs of children with special educational needs/and or disabilities. They promptly observe and assess children's development, enabling them to swiftly identify any potential delays or emerging concerns. Their proactive approach also involves working closely with parents and other professionals, fostering a consistent and coordinated support network for each child.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• ensure that all staff understand how they can consistently support children to make independent choices.