Mini Me's Beach Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are exceptionally well settled at this awe-inspiring and unique nursery. They are mesmerised by the experiences on offer. For example, children attend regular beach school sessions, take trips on the ferry and explore the local woods. Children learn to follow rules and understand how to keep themselves safe. The incredible environment allows children to play and become immersed in their learning. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, parents and children had some anxiety when separating from each other. Managers have now implemented a thorough settling-in procedure which includes home visits. Parents truly value this approach as staff know children exceptionally well and fully understand children's individual needs and how to support their emotional well-being. Staff, parents and children build wonderful relationships with each other. This helps children to feel happy and secure.

Children are incredibly engaged in their learning. Babies babble with delight while making their own choices during their play. They develop their senses and become excited when exploring shaving foam and pretend snow. Older children eagerly compare the sizes of the leaves that they harvest. They focus intently while counting stones and develop their mathematical concepts as they balance items on the scale to explore the weight. Children are motivated and keen to learn; this will benefit them immensely when they move to school.

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

• The leaders of this nursery are inspirational. Their ambition to prepare children for school is consistently embedded across the nursery. Every single person involved, including children, staff and parents, fully support the ethos. This is what makes this nursery so special.
• All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make excellent progress. The curriculum is inspiring. It progressively builds on the knowledge and skills that children already have, and what they need to learn next. Staff expertly follow children's interests to keep them highly engaged in all that they do. This means that children are exceptionally well prepared for their next stages in learning.
• Huge consideration is given by staff to developing children's communication skills. Staff support children to learn sign language from the earliest age. They use highly effective questioning techniques to help children to think carefully and develop their vocabulary. For example, while talking about acorns, children learn the correct vocabulary and explain the 'cupule' looks like a hat. Children are extremely confident communicators.
• Staff expertly promote children's physical development. For example, babies build strong core muscles and learn to move about. Toddlers learn how to balance on bicycles and climb on low-level equipment. Older children show remarkable strength as they dig holes in wet sand on the beach to search for water beneath. These activities help children develop coordination and dexterity.
• Children access an abundance of quality books throughout the day. They relish in the sheer delight of sitting together quietly in a cosy tent reading in the garden. Children love their visits to the local library and proudly explain they have their own library cards. Parents are eager to lend books from the nursery library to share with their children at home. Children develop a tremendous love of reading.
• Care practices are exceptional. Children's independence is promoted from the very start. For example, babies feed themselves with spoons. Children hang their belongings up and persevere while getting their outdoor waterproof clothes on. They eat and serve themselves healthy, home-cooked food. Children grow their own produce, such as herbs and carrots, and are excited to harvest these when they are ready. Children develop into exemplary responsible characters.
• Children's learning about the world around them is phenomenal. They visit the beach. Children litter pick to keep the environment safe and learn about life cycles as they investigate rock pools. They understand about similarities and differences between themselves and others. Children visit local nursing homes and deliver food parcels in the community. Children learn that differences should be celebrated and respected. Children are extremely confident in social situations.
• Partnership working is excellent. Leaders create strong links with local schools and staff work astoundingly well with external professionals and parents so that children get the support that they need to truly thrive. In addition, the links with the local community are excellent. Parents who need help are offered it immediately or referred on to other agencies. This means children and their families feel supported and valued.
• The leaders offer a programme of bespoke training and support for staff. This is tailored to staff's individual needs and helps them to achieve qualifications and improve their skills. Staff identify training they feel would benefit the children, and leaders ensure they have every opportunity to develop skills. Staff feel supported and have exceptionally high levels of well-being.