Lynton Childcare

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children enjoy attending this homely and welcoming nursery. They settle quickly with the help of warm and encouraging staff and begin to explore resources and activities. Children access a varied, exciting curriculum that builds on their interests. They explore a pestle and mortar, using their fine-motor skills to grind down chalk and mix it with sand. They then use water and wooden spoons to mix it to a paste. Staff use clever questioning techniques to discover what the children already know, and build on their knowledge by suggesting what may happen next. Children discover with delight that by mixing two colours, they can make a different colour.

Children work well together to create perfumes in the inviting outdoor area. They carefully and safely use their small-motor skills to manipulate scissors to snip a variety of herbs. They smell these and guess which herbs they have cut. Children carefully handle funnels to tip the perfume into the pot. They comment 'I need to be very careful' as they gently push the herbs in first. The children then work out how to use the spray. Staff encourage the children to name their perfume, using their literacy skills to think of letter sounds.

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

• The experienced management team is passionate about driving improvements in the nursery. The manager ensures the staff benefit from regular training and supervision to enhance their overall knowledge. However, at times, staff working with younger children rush activities and move them on too quickly. As a result, children fail to understand what is expected of them and occasionally wander off.
• Staff encourage children to investigate and experiment. Children create 'volcanoes' from coloured sand. Staff encourage them to predict what will happen when water is added to the sand. Staff support children to learn that the sand will soak up the water. Staff further support learning as they talk to children about how hot a real volcano is.
• Children show good levels of independence. Older children confidently use the toilet and wash their hands after. Staff encourage children to serve their own meals. They praise the children for taking care of themselves and being independent, which helps to build their self-esteem.
• Younger children explore rhythm as they take part in musical activities. Staff encourage them to move their bodies to the music, join in with actions and shake instruments in time to the beat.
• Children learn about the natural world. They are encouraged to care for the nursery's pet rabbits and to water the herbs and vegetables they are growing. After noticing insects on the flowers in the garden, children show an interest in bees. Staff nurture this interest by providing information on bees and interesting items such as honeycomb.
• Parents talk about the homely, welcoming feel of the nursery. They are happy with the progress their children are making. Parents are kept well informed about what their children are learning. They comment that they appreciate the support the staff have given them if they have had any concerns regarding their child's development.
• Staff provide healthy and nutritious meals for the children. Children learn through discussions with staff how to keep their bodies healthy by exercising and eating a well-balanced diet. Staff promote children's understanding of the need for good oral health practices.
• Staff have high aspirations for children's behaviour. Children are gently reminded to use their manners and to be kind to their friends. As a result of this, they take turns in their play. Children are aware that certain actions may hurt others and are polite and courteous to both visitors and those that attend nursery.
• Children gain opportunities to learn about mathematics through play. Staff encourage them to estimate how much fluid they need to fill up containers, and support children to identify written numerals as they play matching games.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• strengthen the monitoring of staff practice so that they receive coaching and support that helps them improve the implementation of planned activities.