Miriam Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children clearly enjoy attending this extremely warm and welcoming nursery. They are excited to arrive and separate from their parents and carers with confidence. Children settle quickly into nursery life because of the highly flexible settling-in arrangements that carefully consider children's individual needs. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They are happy, content and ready to learn.

The manager and staff consider children's well-being to be integral in children's development and progress. As such, the curriculum for children's personal, social and emotional development is strong. Extremely caring and supportive interactions between staff and children are evident. Carefully designed activities and experiences encourage children to develop their ability to recognise how they feel and regulate their emotions. Children behave well for their age because they are able to safely express their feelings and emotions. They are continuously praised for their efforts and good behaviour which fosters high levels of emotional well-being. Children understand what is expected of them. They are learning to share and to take turns and show kindness to one another. Staff are positive role models and are careful not to over-direct. They sensitively ask children if they would like any help which encourages children to develop a positive 'can-do' attitude.

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

• Children and their families are at the heart of everything that staff do. Initiatives such as a 'swap shop,' free dental health resources and a lending library support families in a confidential, sensitive and respectful way. Robust partnerships with other professionals ensure that families quickly receive any additional support that they may need.
• Children benefit from a broad and sequential curriculum. Staff understand what it is that they want children to learn. Activities reflect children's individual interests and developmental stages. However, occasionally, staff do not recognise when resources are being mishandled or that activities are not attractively presented. There are often too many resources presented to younger children which means that some children quickly become overwhelmed and disinterested. This impacts on children's engagement and the learning opportunities provided.
• Overall, staff promote children's communication and language skills well. As children play, staff provide a running commentary. This means that children are able to hear a rich variety of words. Staff introduce new vocabulary. For example, as children play with dough, staff model language such as 'stretchy' and 'sticky'. However, sometimes, staff do not allow children sufficient time to process what is being asked. This means that children do not always have opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas.
• The support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is strong. The knowledgeable special educational needs coordinator works well with staff to ensure that children with SEND are effectively supported. Successful partnerships with other agencies help to ensure the best outcomes for children.
• Children learn the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Staff encourage children to try healthy foods and ensure that children have daily opportunities to engage in energetic play. Children understand that they must wash their hands before eating. They learn the importance of oral hygiene and independently help themselves to fresh drinking water throughout the day.
• Children develop an awareness of responsibility and relish helping staff with routines. For example, children learn to care for living things as they help to look after 'Cookie' the nursery hamster. They visit the local pet shop to buy her food and enjoy caring for her in their homes during holiday periods.
• Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents are extremely complimentary in their feedback of the nursery. They praise staff's kindness, care and patience and appreciate the support offered to the whole family. Parents feel well-informed about their child's progress and welcome guidance given by staff.
• The dedicated and passionate nursery manager leads a team of well-qualified and knowledgeable staff. Collectively they have a clear and ambitious vision for the nursery and the children that attend. Staff benefit from a continuous cycle of professional development and reflection which helps to ensure positive outcomes for children.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• review how staff working with younger children organise activities to ensure that all children are able to benefit from the learning opportunities that they provide
• strengthen staff's ability to allow children sufficient time to process information, share ideas and respond to questions.