Little Stars Preschool Nursery Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are happy and settled at this nurturing nursery. They receive lots of individual attention from the caring staff, therefore they feel welcomed and included. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure, as they explore freely. They display their positive relationships with staff, chatting to them happily and engaging them in play.

Children thoroughly enjoy the learning experiences and focus well on their chosen activities. For instance, children of different ages are eager to participate in bathing the dolls. They develop their social skills as they learn to share and take turns with the resources. Children investigate how to work the pump on a soap dispenser and squeeze toothpaste from a tube. They make links to previous learning as they remember that sweets can cause tooth cavities.

The manager and staff have high expectations for all children and want them to be confident and inquisitive learners. Children learn to carry out tasks for themselves and develop their independence throughout the day. For example, on arrival, children put away their belongings and find their photo to register their attendance. They confidently choose the toys they want to play with and learn to manage their personal care, such as handwashing and using cutlery. They are well prepared for the next stage of their learning, including starting school.

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

• The experienced manager is passionate about providing all children with a positive start to their education. She has implemented effective changes to improve the quality of the provision. Staff speak enthusiastically about the enhanced supervision and training. They describe how they implement their learning and its positive impact on children. For instance, staff use what they know about emotional attachments to help children settle smoothly into the nursery.
• Staff use observations effectively to determine children's interests and establish the next steps in their learning. They plan motivating activities which support children's progress. For example, staff recognise that children enjoy filling containers with small objects and use this activity to promote counting and number recognition. However, on occasion, staff do not fully consider how to implement their intended curriculum outdoors to further enhance children's learning.
• Staff carefully consider how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. For example, they use visual aids to help children understand the routines and communicate their choices. Staff are quick to identify any concerns about children's development. They work with parents and make referrals to outside professionals if needed. This early intervention helps all children to make good progress.
• Children are active learners and acquire a good range of physical skills through their play. For example, children develop strength and coordination as they negotiate climbing apparatus and participate in yoga sessions. They learn to manipulate objects and use simple tools, through activities such as cooking and painting. This provides a strong foundation for children's future learning, including starting to write.
• The nursery is inclusive, and staff value the diverse backgrounds of children attending. They ensure that the resources and activities reflect children's home lives and cultures. Parents are also invited to share experiences, such as a graduation ceremony for children who are starting school.
• Children have excellent opportunities to explore their community. For example, they regularly visit the local sports centre, park and shops with staff. Staff also organise joint events with other local groups, such as a centre for people with learning disabilities. This helps children to develop tolerance and respect for others and prepares them well for life in modern Britain.
• Staff are positive role models and encourage children's good behaviour. For instance, they remind children to say 'please' and to listen when others speak. Children show that they understand the rules and boundaries. They follow the nursery routines and are kind and friendly towards others.
• Parents are positive about the nursery and speak highly of the staff. They are happy with the communication and updates they receive about their children's development. Parents are complimentary about how staff help children settle into the nursery. They report that children quickly develop confidence and learn new skills.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• support staff to strengthen the implementation of the curriculum outdoors to further enhance children's learning.