Munchkins Village Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Munchkins Village Nursery is a good setting where children are confident and content, safe in the knowledge that staff value their opinions and ideas. There are lots of opportunities to learn and explore, a place where engagement with the wider community is evident. There are canal cruises, trips to the library and local woods and visits to the setting from the Fire Brigade. This supports children to extend their knowledge and understanding of the world while learning lots of new vocabulary. Children explore a microlight aircraft in the car park one day, much to their excitement. Such experiences increase the capacity of their imagination. The climbing walls and rope activities in the outdoor area provide physical opportunities that some may never encounter otherwise. Staff provide children with lots of meaningful learning experiences both indoors and outdoors. There is a strong focus on language and communication to ensure all children leave the setting ready for school.

Children behave extremely well. At mealtimes, they show each other a high level of respect and patience as they take turns serving themselves and each other. Words such as 'please' and 'thank you' are commonplace. Children are confident about the routines at this setting, they recognise the tidy-up tune and understand what this means. When children spill soil on the floor from an activity, they know to get the broom to brush this up. Adults role model the most effective way to do this and then they copy. Staff respond sensitively to the children and encourage them to manage their own feelings and behaviour.

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

• There are good quality interactions between adults and children. Staff listen to children and respond sensitively. These interactions are supported by knowledge of each child and their family. Staff respect the views of children and allow them to have a voice. Children work alongside supportive adults who are interested in what they are doing. This encouragement allows children to keep trying even if they find a task difficult.
• Staff are aware of the level at which children are currently working. They are able to plan and build upon their present capabilities to ensure they are making good progress. Staff have a clear understanding of how to widen children's experiences. This provides them with a good range of social and cultural knowledge.
• Meaningful play-based learning within a language-rich environment is effective in supporting children's communication. This begins upon entry as they learn to identify their peg and the sounds within their name. There are lots of stories, singing and conversation in every room. Staff introduce new vocabulary to extend the breadth of words children have. Children learn about insects such as the 'rhino beetle' and 'centipede' gaining new vocabulary and an understanding of the world in relation to habitats. This stimulates their early learning.
• There is good practice around the transition from the setting to local schools. A dedicated member of staff has responsibility for ensuring strategies are in place to prepare older children for school.
• Staff have a good understanding of child development and use this knowledge to ensure they stretch and challenge children of all backgrounds. Adaptive teaching is evident in the strategies used to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• A safe and stimulating environment allows children to engage in educational programmes as well as time to explore other resources. However, due to the planning of the environment, at times, the youngest children cannot always access their intended learning opportunities.
• Parent partnership is a real strength. Staff understand the importance of involving parents in their children's learning. They take a whole-family approach to ensure the well-being, safety and development of children is at the heart of this setting. The key-person system works well with staff having a good working knowledge of children. This ensures that the individual needs of all children are being met.
• A kind and knowledgeable staff team take pride in putting the children at the heart of everything they do. This promotes a real sense of community.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• consider how the planned environment can be enhanced to increase opportunities for children to explore and independently access intended learning opportunities.