Loddon Nursery School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children flourish in the exceptionally nurturing and stimulating environment. They demonstrate high levels of curiosity and enthusiasm as they explore the carefully planned indoor and outdoor spaces. These environments are expertly designed to ignite children's interests and inspire their learning. Children confidently make independent choices from a wealth of rich, varied and imaginative resources that are thoughtfully and attractively presented. As a result, they become deeply engaged in their play and show genuine excitement in their discoveries. For example, children eagerly point out and talk about the 'rainbow' they can see as the sunlight reflects on a mirror outside.

Children respond exceptionally well to the staff's consistently high expectations and clear guidance. They fully understand what is expected of them, for example, as they engage in risky play. Staff sensitively monitor what children are doing, offering timely support when needed, encouraging independence with phrases such as, 'if it is tricky'. Staff are fantastic role models. Their calm, respectful approach fosters an environment in which children thrive, developing remarkable levels of resilience, self-assurance and confidence in their abilities.

Children exhibit high levels of well-being and a strong sense of security. Across all age groups, children engage in warm, respectful interactions with the highly attentive staff. These trusting relationships enable children to display high levels of confidence in social situations. Babies and toddlers beam with delight as visitors enter their room, and older children are eager to talk about recent experiences. For example, they share that 'a real dinosaur' has visited the nursery and proudly point out the stickers they are wearing.

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

• Leaders demonstrate a clear passion and commitment to improving outcomes for children. They set high expectations for staff, which is evident in everyday practice. Staff are highly motivated and consistently implement an ambitious, inspiring curriculum to give every child the best possible start to their education.
• Children listen attentively and respond enthusiastically to staff as they sing songs and read stories. Staff's support to develop children's listening and attention is excellent. Adult-led activities create anticipation, hold children's engagement and fill them with amazement. Children benefit from a language-rich environment and develop into confident, competent communicators. For example, children comment, 'he shocked me' in response to an 'alien' jumping up in the air during a group session.
• Partnerships with parents are exceptionally well established. Parents feel extremely well-informed about their children's daily experiences and ongoing progress. They express how the nursery has had 'a profound impact' on their child and commend the 'enthusiasm, energy and kindness of staff'. Parents share that staff provide valuable guidance on practical matters and encourage them to support children's learning at home.
• Children have many opportunities to learn about, and experience, the natural world. For instance, they show excitement in observing the Giant African land snail and keenly point out pictures of 'Sheldon the snail' in a non-fiction book.
• Leaders and staff meticulously reflect on all aspects of provision to continuously drive improvement. Staff, who have an excellent breadth of qualifications, experience and skills, show a genuine enthusiasm in their roles. They receive ongoing coaching, mentoring and support to continually enhance their teaching practice. Leaders prioritise staff well-being. Staff comment that they feel extremely well supported and valued, stating they 'love coming to work'.
• Staff promote children's understanding of good health practices effectively. Children confidently follow hygiene routines, including regular handwashing and the use of hand sanitiser. They demonstrate a secure understanding of oral health and confidently recall knowledge that they have learned to the visiting dental nurses.
• Leaders and staff provide a highly inclusive environment where all children are individually valued. They work extremely closely with parents and other agencies, such as health professionals, to make sure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, receive the support they need to help them be successful learners.
• Staff provide babies with warm, consistent care and respond sensitively to their individual needs, offering comfort and reassurance. Staff expertly support children in recognising and managing their feelings and emotions. They are quick to offer praise to children for their efforts and congratulate them on their achievements, which boosts children's self-esteem and well-being. As a result, children develop a strong sense of self-belief in their own abilities.