Little Smarties

Inclusion: Strong standard

The provision for inclusion is very strong because leaders and staff share a passionate commitment and knowledge to make sure every child receives individualised, expert support. They successfully embed a positive culture where barriers to learning are swiftly identified and addressed through a graduated approach. Leaders and staff use their extensive knowledge of child development and professional learning to skilfully observe children and highlight any gaps in development. For children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities or barriers to learning, leaders access external professional support. They use additional funding strategically and thoughtfully to nurture children's progress.

Leaders are dedicated advocates who frequently go above and beyond to ensure all children are included. They self-fund specialist therapy and adapt the environment to support children. For example, a specially designed sensory space is available to support children who prefer to experience learning in a much more sensory way. Furthermore, targeted one-to-one support is in place for children who need extra support. Leaders demonstrate a focused dedication as they attend multi-agency meetings and provide extensive support to families to help them secure the teaching and care children need to succeed. As a result, children are supported extremely well to make the best possible progress from their individual starting points.

Curriculum and teaching: Strong standard

Leaders embed a thoughtfully considered curriculum that supports children's ongoing development across all areas of learning. They plan an extensive range of exciting opportunities that help children build consistently and well on what they know, do and understand. For example, they develop finger control and scissor skills through babies' sensory play to intricate cutting by older children. Staff use their extensive child development knowledge to make assessments of where children are in their development and plan realistic and achievable next steps.

Physical development is a priority. Staff plan interesting and exciting physical activities that children obviously relish. For example, an enjoyable outdoor session of tag rugby supports older children's movement, while toddlers develop their balance on the balance beams set out by staff. Staff integrate the teaching of mathematics very naturally into routines and through interactions. They encourage children to count and order numbers with accuracy and understanding and to use mathematical language such as 'beneath' and 'on top' with increasing precision.

The development of children's communication and language skills are a sharp focus. Leaders and staff foster a love of reading through initiatives such as book bags, which are taken home for families to enjoy together. Furthermore, simple sign language is used throughout the nursery to support early communication for all children, even the very youngest. High-quality teaching is expertly adapted for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff facilitate one-to-one support and use visual aids to ensure the curriculum is inclusive and accessible to every child.

Achievement: Strong standard

Children make excellent progress across all areas of learning. They are motivated, excited learners who show high levels of focus and enthusiasm during their explorations. Older children demonstrate significant independence as they make choices about activities and confidently manage tasks such as serving their own meals. They develop strong friendships and play harmoniously with their peers.

Children's communication and language achievement is a particular strength. Older children are confident communicators who create detailed conversations and ideas during role play. Toddlers learn new words such as 'squeeze' and 'squash' as they investigate sensory play. Babies develop early language as they babble, say single words or use simple signs. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, or those with barriers to learning, make consistent progress from their individual starting points due to targeted support. Overall, children build effectively on prior skills, and this ensures they are well prepared for their eventual transition to school.

Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines: Strong standard

Children behave very well and demonstrate consistently positive attitudes toward their learning. Leaders and staff establish a harmonious, happy atmosphere where children are safe, confident and secure. Clear, simple-to-understand routines are expertly embedded. This helps all children transition smoothly between activities and prevents boredom. Even the youngest children are learning to be considerate as they play well alongside others and begin to understand how to share and take turns. Staff expertly support children to collaborate and negotiate as, for example, they decide on who will be who in an imaginative game.

Relationships between practitioners and children are a significant strength. Staff establish secure, caring and calm relationships with children and their families right from the start. As a result, children are happy and settled. Babies seek out their named person for cuddles and reassurance, while older children benefit from being nurtured by staff who know their individual personalities and needs very well.

Leaders work closely with families to promote a positive culture around attendance and punctuality. They ensure the nursery is an inclusive, welcoming, and child-centred space. Practitioners carefully consider children's ages and stages of development when reinforcing expectations. They use praise and encouragement to help children maintain high standards of behaviour.

Children's welfare and wellbeing: Strong standard

Children are safe and secure in this nursery because leaders and staff ensure the environment is free of hazards. Children develop an understanding of their own personal safety. For example, they talk about road safety with staff and learn to use knives with increasing skill and care during mealtimes. Secure and responsive attachments are a significant strength. The key-person approach is expertly embedded, and this ensures babies and children receive the cuddles and reassurance they need to confidently flourish.

Physical health is prioritised through well-planned outdoor activities which take place in the large garden space. Children recognise the effects of exercise on their bodies. For example, they enthusiastically attempt star jumps and notice their warm breath on the cold air. Emotional wellbeing is supported intuitively, for example as staff notice when children need quiet time or additional support to self-regulate.

Children's nutritional needs are met through a healthy, balanced menu of home-cooked meals. Leaders maintain robust systems for managing allergies and dietary requirements. For example, a coloured place mat and plate system ensures easy identification of those children with food allergies, intolerances or preferences. Furthermore, oral health is promoted through various activities and the provision of toothbrushes for all families.

Leadership and governance: Strong standard

Leaders and staff are clearly very passionate about providing the highest quality early years experiences for all children. They have clear intentions and a well-considered vision that treats the nursery team and children and their families like a family unit. Leaders demonstrate a robust understanding of the setting's strengths and are proactive in driving improvements. This means that all children benefit from a vibrant, exciting and motivating early years experience. Decisions are consistently made in the best interests of the children, particularly those with special educational needs and /or disabilities or those facing other barriers to learning. An example of this focused intention is when leaders provided funding for specialist speech and language therapy when external channels proved difficult.

Staff wellbeing is a priority and is supported through an open-door policy, regular meetings and initiatives such as 'employee of the month'. This has resulted in a stable, committed team whose members are happy and motivated to provide the best care and learning they can for all children. Professional learning development is valued, and leaders encourage staff to take ownership of their learning and implement new ideas. Partnerships with parents are a considerable strength. Parents say they are fully informed about their children's development and progress. They acknowledge that they feel they are an important part of this caring and nurturing community.