Lynwood Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The enthusiastic and experienced staff welcome children into an exciting learning environment. They provide warmth, care and love to all children. This helps children to settle and have a strong sense of belonging. Staff have high expectations for children in all aspects of their learning. They provide a curriculum that helps children to experience a wide range of learning opportunities. For example, children benefit from visits and workshops at the local theatre to help them learn about their local heritage and the wider world.

Children behave exceptionally well. They demonstrate kind and considerate behaviours towards their peers. At other times, children display a 'can-do' attitude as they work together to create home-made binoculars so everyone can join in with their play. Staff are good role models and continue to support children's behaviours by using lots of positive language. This helps children feel proud of their achievements.

Staff provide children with ample opportunity to develop their independence and confidence. For example, children confidently scoop their breakfast cereals, which supports their self-care skills. They also put on their outdoor suits and wellington boots as they prepare for outdoor play. Staff are close by to offer support, if needed. This gives children the reassurance and confidence to have a go by themselves.

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

• Managers and staff plan an ambitious curriculum based on the needs and interests of all children. They have a clear focus of what they want children to know and be able to do. Staff work incredibly hard to prepare children for their future learning and school readiness. For instance, children are supported in making positive friendships and being inquisitive learners. They consistently ask questions and discuss what they are playing with. This helps to support their interactions with others.
• Staff use a variety of exciting activities to develop children's understanding of mathematical concepts and new language. For example, children count out coloured pom-poms to corresponding numbers and build towers with magnetic shapes. As they do so they learn new words, such as 'taller' and 'tallest'. However, aspects of the curriculum for mathematics are not sequenced well enough. For example, staff ask children to put items in numbered areas before they can identify the number. As a result, children become a little confused, which does not fully support their early mathematical development.
• Children learn the importance of being healthy and looking after their own personal well-being. Staff help children to understand the benefits of regular exercise and healthy eating habits. Staff take children on regular trips to the fruit and vegetable shop based at the local hospital. This allows children to take exercise and buy fresh items, which they take back to nursery to cook. These meaningful experiences have a positive impact on children's health and well-being.
• Pre-school children are well prepared for their move to school. Staff take children on visits to their new school, which helps to support a smooth transition. Children meet their new teachers and explore the new environment with their friends. Staff also share information with teachers about children's capabilities and interests. This partnership working helps children to settle quickly into their new environment.
• Staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) well. They work together with parents and other professionals to tailor support and learning to provide the best outcomes for children with SEND. Staff have also undertaken specific training courses, such as Makaton sign language, to help them support children's early communication skills.
• Children gain knowledge of the diverse world they live in. They learn about different festivals and special events by looking in books and engaging in various activities. In addition, staff provide children with opportunities to talk about what makes them unique. This helps children to gain mutual respect and tolerance for others.
• Managers ensure staff have regular appraisals, which help to keep standards raised. They also provide staff with specialised well-being support to enhance their resilience and welfare. Additionally, managers arrange training to help staff recognise the diverse needs of their local area. This promotes children's safety and well-being at all times.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• provide a sequenced curriculum for mathematics to help children develop their skills in the right order.