Mulberry Bush Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are very well behaved as they play together. They collaborate in games, learning to share and take turns. Nursery leaders plan a curriculum that effectively develops the skills children need to make friends and manage their behaviour in appropriate ways. Staff are excellent role models for children. They show much interest as children talk to them about what they are doing. Staff ensure every child feels happy, valued and part of the nursery family. They praise children's personal efforts and achievements. Children develop positive views of themselves as competent learners.

Staff are very sensitive to children's different needs. They greet children warmly as they arrive and help them settle into the nursery routines. Babies demonstrate strong bonds with their key person and other staff. They enjoy the cuddles and loving care that staff provide. Babies grow in confidence as they explore the exciting range of resources in their room. Children in the toddler and pre-school rooms are very independent. Staff encourage them to manage their personal care, such as putting on coats and shoes. Children know that the staff are always ready to support them when needed.

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

• Nursery leaders nurture a love of books, which supports children's early literacy skills. The nursery has a lending library that is well used by families. Children listen to new and familiar stories during the sessions. They are keen to respond when staff ask them if they remember the names of characters and settings in their favourite stories.
• Staff focus on supporting children's health and well-being. Children have regular opportunities to be outside where they can enjoy fresh air and be physically active. The nursery cook prepares a range of tasty, well-balanced meals and snacks that support children's good health. Children learn the importance of brushing their teeth to promote their oral health.
• There are children who attend the nursery who speak English as an additional language. Some children have good opportunities to develop and use their home languages as they play and interact with staff. However, these opportunities are not consistently applied across the nursery.
• Parents are very happy with the high standards of care that the nursery gives to children. They explain their reasons for choosing the nursery, for example the home-from-home environment and the excellent staff team. Parents know what their children are learning because of the effective ways the nursery staff communicate with them.
• The dedicated staff team say they are very well supported in their roles by nursery leaders. They value the commitment of leaders in promoting their well- being and professional development. Staff explain that the support they get allows them to fully focus on providing high levels of care for the children.
• Children learn how plants grow and thrive in the nursery garden. Staff show them how to dig holes in the soil, so the plants are secure and explain that the plants need watering if they are dry. Children learn about life cycles as they observe duck eggs hatching. Staff show them how to hold the ducklings very carefully. Children gain a good understanding of the wonders of the natural world.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are able to make good progress in their learning. Nursery leaders use any additional inclusion funding that they receive, so children get the additional support they need. Staff work closely with parents and services to ensure the best outcomes for children.
• Staff interactions with children are generally very effective. They introduce new resources, such as dens for the toy animals, to develop children's play ideas. However, at times the levels of noise in the pre-school room can disrupt children's learning. Children sometimes find it hard to listen and concentrate on their play and to fully participate in group activities.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• provide a consistent approach for all children who speak English as an additional language to use their home languages in nursery
• consider ways to reduce the levels of noise in the pre-school room, so children can fully engage in their play and group activities.