Manor Farm Nursery School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive at nursery excited and eager for their day. Kind, welcoming staff greet them with enthusiasm and happiness. Approachable, caring staff give parents time to share any information they need to about their child as they drop them off. As children walk to their classrooms with staff, they discuss the exciting day they have ahead at nursery and all the fun things they can do.

Children display very good behaviour. This has been a big focus since the last inspection. Babies play cooperatively as they excitedly bang cups together. They look to each other and giggle at the sounds they make. Toddlers share willingly when they do puzzles together. Skilled staff sensitively support them to negotiate when they both want the same puzzle. Older children sit together for 'assembly'. They intently listen to their friends speak and patiently wait for their turn. Children are aware and respectful of others.

Managers and staff have a clear intent for the curriculum. They value the importance of ensuring children have the best learning experiences at nursery. Staff use their knowledge of the children to develop exciting activities centred around children's interests to entice and engage them in learning. Children make good progress from their starting points.

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

• Staff have attended various training courses including communication and interactions with babies to improve their practice. It is evident to see this is embedded throughout the curriculum within the nursery. Staff communicate effectively with the youngest children and are responsive to the most subtle non-verbal cues. Babies learn their voice has value and the importance of communication.
• Children learn about their feelings and how to manage their emotions. Staff enthusiastically read children a story about feelings linked to colours. Children excitedly anticipate the story. After they listen, staff invite them to share how they are feeling today by choosing puppets linked to the colour of their emotion. Children share their colour. They confidently explain why they feel this way when staff ask them. Some share they are 'yellow' because they love their mummy. Others share they are 'grey' because they fear the dark. Staff listen intently and sensitively respond to children's words. Children learn the importance of sharing their emotions and begin to understand why they feel the way they do.
• Staff begin to encourage children's independence. Toys in the baby room are accessible for babies to choose. Toddlers learn to drink from open cups and make choices in their play. Older children put on their own coats for garden play. However, this is not consistent. Babies do not get the opportunity to have a go at washing their hands before snack time and toddlers are not encouraged to wipe their own noses. Children do not consistently learn to be independent with their hygiene routines.
• Parents share their love for the nursery and all the staff. They express how happy their children are to attend and the good progress they have made since they have started. Staff are very supportive of families and provide good communication. Parents are well informed of their children's learning and their day at nursery. Children and families are excellently supported.
• Children have daily opportunities to develop their physical skills. Babies build their confidence as they climb on soft-play blocks. They smile when they 'bump' down the steps. Staff close by praise their achievements. Older children run, climb on large tyres and ride bikes in the garden. Children learn to become physically confident.
• Children use their senses to explore messy play. Babies try foods that are safe for them to taste to encourage them to explore new textures. Staff play alongside, using words like 'crunchy' to describe the foods. Toddlers play with oats. They use cups and spoons to tip and pour. Children find dolls and 'feed' them 'breakfast'. They tell staff this is how mummy feeds their baby at home. Older children make 'pizza' with play dough. They discuss their favourite toppings and what they have on pizza at home. Supportive staff listen to children, introduce new words and value their input. Children become confident to explore new textures and share their experiences.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• increase the opportunities for younger children to develop their independence with their hygiene routines.