Little People of Willow Vale

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Staff offer parents and children a warm welcome as they arrive. The atmosphere in the nursery is happy and relaxed. Staff and parents exchange information at the beginning of the day. Children separate easily from their parents and show that they feel safe and secure. They have very good bonds with key staff, who they confidently approach for support and a cuddle when they feel unsure. As a result, children feel secure to go off and explore the range of stimulating activities that have been specifically chosen to help them to follow their interests.

Staff skilfully support children to develop their communication and language. For example, they quickly notice what children are interested in, and then comment on those interests to extend children's vocabularies and understanding. Staff use exaggerated and musical tones when they speak to babies. This supports children's language development well, engaging their emotions and highlighting the structure in language.

Children play cooperatively and develop their social skills. Older children become engrossed in rich role play in the outdoor mud kitchen. Staff support children well to develop an interest in early science. Children demonstrate excitement and awe as they discover seeds growing in the beans they planted.

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

• Staff help children to gain good literacy skills. Babies enjoy snuggling in to listen to a story, which staff read in expressive and interesting tones. Staff introduce older children to new words, such as the names of vegetables, during activities and by showing them photos and print. This helps children to understand that print holds meaning. Parents speak very positively of the nursery. They value the library system, where they can borrow books to develop their child's love of reading at home.
• Staff skilfully and consistently support children to develop their mathematical knowledge and skills. Toddlers learn to match numbers to quantity, such as through counting out pieces of pasta. Staff expertly introduce concepts such as division and problem-solving through play activities. They support children effectively to learn the language of size. For instance, staff comment about items being 'massive' or 'tiny' and accompany this with gesture to reinforce the meaning.
• Children enjoy ample opportunities for fresh air and exercise. There is a safe and enclosed garden for older children and babies. In addition, staff take children to the local park. Children benefit from tasty and nutritious food that is cooked on site. Managers listen carefully and respond to parents' feedback when considering the nursery's menu.
• Transitions, such as when children join the setting or move to another room, are well planned, considerate and unrushed, with the needs of individual children at the centre. Staff ensure that they meet with parents prior to their children joining the nursery to understand children's needs and interests. Parents of children who are settling in join for lunch. This helps to establish strong relationships between staff, parents and children from the beginning. Parents feel fully included in their child's learning. They value the electronic app that allows them to see the progress that their child is making in the nursery. They comment on how staff have explained to them about how these activities support their child's development.
• The dedicated and passionate special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) monitors children's progress closely to ensure that any gaps in children's learning are addressed swiftly. Staff ensure that advice from other professionals is followed. Staff ensure that children's home cultures are valued. For example, they celebrate special days together. However, there are fewer opportunities for children to experience diversity and difference through their play.
• The nursery is led by an energetic and passionate management team. Partnerships with the local authority and the local community, including schools, are good. Managers place a high value on staff's well-being. Staff report that they feel valued and encouraged. Managers provide new staff with a thorough induction and appoint them a mentor to help them fully understand their role. They ensure that all staff benefit from targeted training so they can feel confident in the roles.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• build further on the existing support given to children that helps them to develop their understanding of similarities and differences between people during their play activities.