Noodles Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Noodles Nursery is a warm and nurturing setting. Staff skilfully create a tranquil and homely environment, where children are settled and very happy. Twinkly lights and calming music help children to relax and supports their well-being. Staff have thoughtfully planned and resourced cosy areas, where children can explore and investigate, for example staff help babies to scoop and pour sand, developing their physical skills. Children demonstrate that they love coming to this nursery, they enjoy cuddles and reassurance from caring staff, who know them and their individual needs and interests very well.

Routines are securely embedded into the children's day. Staff organise older children to sit alongside each other to enjoy a morning snack, this helps children to develop personal and social skills. Staff sing nursery rhymes and the children join in the actions, this develops their early literacy skills.

Children are supported to develop their independence skills, for example babies feed themselves and older children eat using forks. Staff encourage children to put on their own coats and shoes. Children benefit from staff reading exciting stories to them. They listen attentively and respond to questions, this builds strong communication skills. Knowledgeable staff prepare children very well for the next stage of their learning journey.

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

• Staff demonstrate high levels of enthusiasm and commitment to their work. They strive to create an engaging environment for the children. As a result, children are happy, calm and engaged in their activities. The children's overall well-being is very high.
• High expectations from staff and established routines support children to behave very well. The older children wait patiently before their yoga session begins. They listen and follow instructions as they stretch and balance. Learning is fun and engaging as they develop new physical skills.
• Staff have carefully planned a sequenced curriculum, which builds upon children's skills and knowledge as they move through the nursery. Babies begin to explore throwing and rolling balls while older children enjoy playing racing and chasing games together. Children are supported by enthusiastic staff and develop good spatial awareness.
• The nursery celebrates a range of cultural festivals and traditions, such as Holi and Chinese New Year, this enriches children's knowledge of other cultures. Staff plan some visits into the local community, for example they take children out to collect conkers. However, children do not always benefit from more varied opportunities and visits to further their knowledge and develop their understanding of the world around them.
• Children with special educational needs and/ or disabilities (SEND) are supported very well. Staff use Makaton sign language to support children with hearing loss. Staff are trained to identify children who have delayed language skills. They plan support to help children catch up quickly.
• Relationships between parents and staff are excellent. Parents praise the nursery's warm and homely environment and its high-quality care. Staff are recognised for their kindness, compassion and commitment to go above and beyond for the children and their families. The nursery's consistent approach supports children to feel content and display high levels of well-being.
• Staff plan some time outside in the garden each day for the children to play. However, sessions are short and children do not always have opportunity to further enhance their physical development and learn about the weather and seasons.
• Staff support children to learn about a healthy lifestyle. Children drink water and have healthy meals and snacks. Staff promote good oral hygiene practices by encouraging children to brush their teeth after lunch. Children are being taught to adopt healthy habits and routines, promoting their well-being.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• develop more first-hand experiences to enhance children's learning of the world around them
• extend opportunities for play in the outdoor area, to enhance the range of learning opportunities for children who prefer to learn outdoors.