Little Owls Nursery Meanwood

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children show they feel happy, safe and secure in the nursery. They benefit from strong relationships with staff and develop good levels of self-esteem. Staff celebrate children's culture and individuality. Children develop their own identity and know about similarities and differences. For instance, children know which language they speak and learn about those who speak English as an additional language. Staff support them to develop friendships and help them to manage their own feelings and behaviour. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, staff focus on developing children's communication skills. They offer flexible settling-in sessions to meet families' individual needs. This has had a positive impact on their emotional well-being.

Children have plenty of opportunities to play and explore outdoors. They develop good physical skills as they run around in the fresh air and use their imagination to become different animals. Staff have high expectations for children. For instance, they swiftly identify areas of potential delay and make plans to minimise any gaps in children's learning. Children benefit from continuity of care and learning. Staff have close relationships with families are communicate effectively to meet children's needs. Parents are happy with the care and learning their children receive. They say their 'children have flourished here' and 'they are happy and safe'.

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

• The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Staff have a good understanding of what children already know and what they need to learn next. For example, older children show excitement outdoors in the animal hunt. Staff use repeated phrases from a favourite book to build on children's awareness. This will enable them to join in with the 'story-ballet' sessions in the coming weeks ahead.
• Babies benefit from close relationships with staff and the key-person system is effective. For instance, staff who are new to the room find out how to meet their individual care needs and quickly build relationships with children. Staff focus on supporting children's developing personal, social and emotional skills. Children grow in confidence and have good social skills.
• Children develop good communication and language skills. This is a key strength of the curriculum. Staff consistently model key words and introduce new language to children as they play. For example, staff who work with babies provide a narrative as they play. Toddlers explore the sand and water trays while staff ask basic questions and model actions to them.
• Children benefit from fresh air and physical exercise every day. Staff encourage children to explore the environment and provide activities for children who prefer to learn outside. Children develop good physical skills and talk about nature, such as the squirrels who visit regularly.
• Children show awareness of routines in the nursery. Staff work hard to promote consistency and good manners. Children wash their hands before lunch and sit together to enjoy healthy cooked meals. However, staff do not support young children to use cutlery or encourage them to get their own drinking water. This hinders their self-help skills, particularly when preparing for the next stage in their learning.
• Staff say they feel valued and supported in the nursery. They speak passionately about their work with children. There are a wide range of opportunities for staff to develop their skills to help them support children. The manager has high expectations for staff and children. She provides thorough supervision meetings and encourages reflective practice to drive improvements forward.
• The management team provide effective support to staff, children and families. A particular strength of the nursery is the arrangements for supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. For example, the deputy manager works alongside staff, parents and other agencies to create tailored plans to help children while they wait for specialist support. In addition, partnership working with parents is highly effective.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• help children to extend their learning during self-chosen play to deepen their understanding and develop concentration skills
• enhance ways for children to further develop self-help skills, particularly at snack and mealtimes.