Little Tewkes Nursery & Childrens Centre

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Leaders have designed a curriculum that supports children to grow and develop across the seven areas of learning. Children show great happiness and joy as they take part in the exciting and engaging activities on offer. There is a focus on preparing children for the next stage in their education. High-quality teaching offers children the progression they need to build on what they already know and can do. As a result, children make excellent progress in their learning and development.

Attachments between children and adults are wonderfully secure. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the nursery. There is a robust key-person system in place, which works in conjunction with the settling-in process for new children. Children receive the warm and nurturing care that helps them build emotional security. This enables them to quickly engage in their play and learning. They beam with happiness as kind and caring staff support them in meaningful play that excites and inspires.

Children behave well. They listen to trusted adults and follow instructions. Across the nursery, children show highly positive attitudes to tasks, such as tidying away their toys and resources. Children demonstrate good manners, which are consistently modelled by staff. Children remember to say please and thank you and are polite and respectful to adults and peers.

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

• Children show a deep interest in books. They enjoy listening to favourite stories with adults. Staff show an understanding of how to use stories to develop vocabulary and strengthen communication and language. Narration during play further extends the words that children hear. Older children use language confidently in their play and interactions with others.
• Staff provide environments that promote curiosity and wonder. Younger children explore a range of sensory activities, such as sand and water. Older children are supported by adults to ask questions and extend their ideas and thinking.
• Children are developing an awareness of risk and challenge. Babies climb on wooden cubes and learn to navigate steps. Older children learn to use the slide and safely reach the bottom. Staff help children to manage tools safely, such as scissors. They support children through stages from using safety scissors to independent cutting.
• Children learn about similarities and differences. Staff plan activities that provide positive discussions about features, such as skin and hair colour. For example, they create portraits of their parents and use mirrors as a start point for identifying features.
• Overall, children show high levels of concentration as they engage with skilful adults. They engage in meaningful conversations and interactions that develop their use of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, during large-group activities, such as circle time, the volume is too loud for some children and they struggle to stay engaged in learning. This means that they miss opportunities to be fully engaged in the learning experiences available during these times.
• Support for the most disadvantaged children is secure. Staff know the needs of children and work closely with parents and professionals to give children the support they need. This means that children who are at risk of falling behind are supported to close any gaps and are prepared for the next stage in their learning.
• Parents speak highly of the setting. They feel that children are well cared for and safe. They particularly highlight the warm and professional relationship they have with staff. Parents say they are well informed and feel involved in their children's learning and development.
• Children engage positively in physical play. The youngest children enjoy tummy time that develops core strength. Older children successfully navigate stepping stones. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, and regularly drink water to stay hydrated. This helps them to develop positive attitudes to healthy lifestyles.
• Children's understanding of mathematical concepts is developing well. Staff apply their recent training with great enthusiasm to broaden and extend the language and concepts for children. Language is rich and meaningful and supports children to develop an understanding of size, quantity and volume.
• Leaders place a high priority on staff training and development. This ensures that all staff have the skills and knowledge required to deliver good-quality care and education. There is a positive, open door culture in the nursery that promotes strong partnership working and seamless communication.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• review the organisation of large-group activities to ensure that all children are able to remain engaged and focused in the learning opportunities provided.