Mace Annex

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The manager and staff create a warm and welcoming environment where children independently explore the resources and make choices in their play. Staff are very responsive to children's needs and give lots of support and cuddles when needed. They have implemented effective settling in processes and have strategies to support children. For example, children delight in looking at photos of their parents or activities they have previously done. Staff are very nurturing and build positive relationships with children. They give lots of praise and encouragement to support children's confidence and self-esteem and as a result children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure and have a positive attitude towards learning.

Staff know the children well and plan a range of fun and exciting activities based on children's next steps in their learning. For instance, children delight as they make marks in cornflour with cars and enjoy the sensory experience. Staff place a strong focus on developing independence skills and it is part of their vision for the nursery. Babies' confidently feed themselves at meal times and help with simple tasks such as wiping the table before snack time.

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

• The manager and staff have a good understanding of their curriculum and how children learn. They plan a range of activities based around children's interests and monthly themes and closely monitor children's learning. Staff quickly identify any gaps in children's learning to ensure all children make good progress from their starting points.
• The manager and staff effectively support children learning English as an additional language. When children start they collect words from parents to use with the children. They also celebrate home languages with a language of the month and invite parents in to read stories and sing songs in their home language.
• The manager and staff build effective relationships with parents and involve them in their children's learning. For instance, parents have access to an online application and can see regular updates and photos of what their children are doing. Parents are also invited in for special events such as Mother's day activities and stay and play sessions.
• Staff effectively support children's physical development. Children enjoy exploring a range of sensory play such as sand and water, feeling the different textures between their fingers and using different tools. Staff also set up a range of soft play equipment and do yoga sessions to support children to move their bodies in different ways. Children also enjoy regular opportunities to go to the local park of visit the garden.
• The manager and staff regularly reflect on their practice and look at what they can do to improve the outcomes for children. The manager collects feedback from the staff and parents and makes changes to the nursery. For instance, recent feedback has led to staff sharing more photos of the children completing activities.
• Staff are well supported by the manager and attend regular meetings, supervisions and events. The manager also completes regular peer observations to support staff's continuous development.
• Staff attend regular training which has a positive impact on their practice. For example, all staff have attended specific baby training. This has resulted in all staff have a good understanding of how to meet babies' individual needs.
• Overall, staff are good role models for communication. They talk clearly about what children can see or are doing and introduce new words to support their language skills. However, at times, staff talk to quickly and do not always give children time to think or respond.
• Staff are good role models for behaviour and have high expectations of children. They encourage children to share and take turns and talk about feelings and emotions. As a result children are well behaved and considerate to each other.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• enhance staff's teaching skills to speak at an appropriate pace and allow children sufficient time to respond to questions to fully enhance their learning.