Magdalen Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in this caring nursery. They quickly settle as they arrive, and they are greeted by the enthusiastic and nurturing staff. Children's emotional well-being is supported through the smooth transition procedures that are in place and the positive relationships that children form with staff. Staff know children well and are sensitive to their individual needs. For example, staff quickly notice when babies need reassurance and use strategies that soothe them effectively. Children feel safe and secure. Children of all ages demonstrate high levels of confidence. They can independently access a wide range of resources that spark their interest and curiosity. Older children listen carefully to instructions as they help to set up activities. This supports their preparation for moving on to school. Younger children enjoy lots of sensory play as they explore ice cubes in a tray. Children are developing positive attitudes to learning.

Children develop their curiosity as they play with the water. Babies giggle as they stop the water spouting from the fountain with their hands. Children are supported with their emotional development as they explain how they feel and link their emotions to different colours. They show determination and persevere with tasks. They enjoy receiving praise for their achievements. Children understand the rules and know what is expected behaviour and behave well. They share resources, take turns, help each other to carry out small tasks and use good manners.

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

• Staff plan and implement a broad curriculum which is strongly linked to children's interests. Staff observe children and use assessments to monitor their development. Staff respond quickly to any concerns that they have about children's progress and ensure that children receive the support that they need. The special educational needs coordinator and managers work in partnership with other professionals to ensure that staff receive specialised training to be able to meet the individual needs of all children. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress from their starting points.
• Staff interact positively with children and lead activities that engage children through their interests. Staff know children well and use this knowledge to support them in planning for their next steps in learning. However, at times, staff do not prepare younger children who are engaged in an activity when it is time to finish. Therefore, children become upset as they do not understand what is happening or expected of them.
• Children benefit from experiences that help to promote their physical development. For example, children whizz around the outdoor area on bicycles, racing down the incline. Children show great strength and determination as they work together to carry the trays they need for their foot spa. Children's physical skills are well supported.
• Children snuggle up as they enjoy stories read by staff in cosy areas inside and under the cover outside. They delight in using props to retell from memory the stories that are familiar to them. Children enjoy looking at factual books, explaining to visitors the different insects they see. Children who speak English as an additional language share books from home and flourish as they teach their friends animal names in their home language. Children are developing a love of reading.
• Children benefit from being in this language-rich environment. Staff talk to children about what they are doing. Older children enjoy communicating with each other and are confident to join in with group discussions. Overall, children's language and communication skills are developing well. However, on occasions, staff do not use the correct word for children to learn. This impacts on children developing their vocabulary even further.
• Parents are complimentary about the nursery. They are pleased with the progress that their children are making and say that staff have high expectations. Parents appreciate the advice and support given to them by the nursery and say that they are kept well informed about their children's progress.
• The managers place a large emphasis on promoting the well-being of staff. Staff comment that they feel supported and valued. They develop their expertise over time through effective coaching and the many professional development opportunities they are offered. The managers and staff are committed to providing high-quality care for children.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• improve routines to ensure that children are prepared for what is happening next, to therefore minimise their upset and confusion
• develop staff's understanding of the importance for children to hear the correct word to enhance their vocabulary.