Little Star Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in this nursery. Staff provide plenty of resources and create an excellent environment. Children make choices about what they want to do. They enjoy playing with toy dinosaurs. They explore materials available to create a dinosaur swamp. Staff listen to children, observe, follow their interests and respond to their needs. Staff introduce activities which children benefit from, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff present to children a bucket of toys and introduce them one by one. This activity helps children to concentrate and maintain their attention. Children show that they feel safe and secure in the nursery. Staff form strong relationships with children from the outset. They provide reassurance as children settle into the nursery. Children are respectful of others.

Children learn and develop in an inclusive environment where everyone's culture or lifestyle is welcome. Staff create opportunities for children to think, be creative and try out their own ideas. Children have access to paint outdoors and enjoy painting the wooden fence. Staff encourage children to explore and find answers to their questions independently. Parents are happy with the progress that their children make at the nursery. They speak highly of the dedicated staff.

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

• The manager and staff provide a stimulating environment for children to explore at their own pace and become independent learners. They give children the choice of whether they would like to play indoors or outdoors. They listen to children's ideas and encourage them to use their imagination superbly. For example, children express an interest in dinosaurs and staff invite children to go on an imaginary dinosaur hunt.
• Children settle fast and start on their learning with confidence. Children behave exceptionally well. They have exemplary manners and are kind and polite. Their attitudes towards learning are positive and they are willing to have a go at various activities.
• Staff promote children's communication at every opportunity. Staff use innovative ways to support children's mathematical skills and development. At the beginning of circle time, children say their favourite shape and colour. Staff then draw it on the floor for them to sit down on. Staff show picture cards with different actions on for children to describe. They then have great fun joining in with children as they do the actions. Staff provide resources that encourage children to tell their own stories.
• Staff support children with SEND brilliantly. They work in partnership with other professionals, and they include learning strategies during circle time to support children's language development. For example, they use signs and words to help children to communicate and talk with others.
• The manager and staff provide high-quality care and teaching. The manager promotes strong teamwork and staff's well-being. Staff's professional development is a priority. Focused training has a significant impact on their everyday practice. Staff attend training about the importance of building a caring and nurturing environment for children to learn.
• Children learn to appreciate nature and respect the environment. They benefit from a range of rich learning experiences as they enjoy playing in the nearby woodland area. They explore the natural environment, using their imagination amazingly. They come across different natural objects and equipment and try out their own ideas. For instance, they use sticks and rope to build homes for imaginary characters.
• Parents have very high regard for the nursery. They report that staff are incredibly kind and caring. Parents are grateful that the manager and staff support and advise them on a regular basis regarding their children's learning and development. Parents also report that staff prepare older children superbly for the next stage in their education.
• There is a friendly and inclusive atmosphere in the nursery. Families from different backgrounds share and celebrate their culture or lifestyle. The manager and staff foster a unique culture of inclusive values and respect. All children thrive and feel highly valued.