Oak Tree Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children form strong and meaningful relationships with staff at this well-run nursery. Across the nursery, children are confident, secure and very independent. On arrival, they quickly settle, greet their friends warmly and immediately explore the stimulating activities on offer. Key persons make sure that they know children well. This helps them to plan activities which are tailored to children's individual interests and learning needs.

Staff have high expectations for all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language. They place a focus on children developing their language. Babies choose books to read with their key person and excitedly join in with singing and rhyming activities. Older children sit and read with their friends and talk about their favourite books. They then go and write their own stories, based on the key elements of the story they have just read.

Staff maintain a calm and purposeful atmosphere throughout the nursery. They ensure that children understand how to behave appropriately and constantly emphasise the importance of sharing and being kind to others. Children learn about different cultures and beliefs, such as through discussions and by learning about different celebrations. This helps them to develop a better understanding of their own uniqueness and the world in which they live.

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

• Managers have a very good understanding of the early years curriculum and how young children learn best. They plan a comprehensive programme of learning that takes account of children's individual needs and their age and stage of development.
• Most staff know how important it is for children to be given time and freedom to explore the resources and activities. This allows children to practise and extend their own learning. However, some staff working with the youngest children do not consistently encourage this. Also, some routines are not as flexible as they could be. Staff implement some routines without taking account of children who are engrossed in their learning and, as a result, this affects some children's engagement.
• Staff teach communication well across the nursery. They talk to children constantly, introducing new words and developing their awareness of language structures. Staff use questioning effectively to deepen children's understanding.
• Older children are well prepared for their transition on to school. Staff focus on children's social and emotional development so they are secure when they move on. However, some activities staff plan for these children do not consistently challenge and extend their knowledge and skills. This means they are not always as interested in learning as they could be.
• Children develop their independence skills very well. They develop a good understanding of how to manage their personal care needs. For example, staff give babies tissues to wipe their noses and encourage them to throw them in the bin afterwards. Older children are encouraged to identify when they need changing and to get a nappy from their locker, which they then take to staff, who help them.
• Children show respect and kindness for each other. Younger children play alongside their friends, learning to share their toys. Older children listen carefully to each other when sharing books in small groups. They wait patiently for their friends to finish reading.
• Staff place a focus on healthy living. They provide many opportunities for children to be physically active, inside and outside. Children are keen to show the inspector how they can jump and stand on one leg. They talk about how much they enjoy running and climbing in the outside space.
• Staff organise trips to enhance the curriculum and broaden children's experiences. Children enjoy regular visits to museums, the aquarium, the theatre and walks around the local area. These activities help to provide some children with experiences that they might not normally have.
• Parents share very positive views about the nursery. They are particularly pleased with the daily updates they receive about what their children have been learning at nursery. Parents are also happy with the progress that their children make.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• develop the teaching practice of some staff working with the youngest children, to make sure that all children have opportunities and are encouraged to fully explore the nursery
• review routines, providing flexibility where possible, to ensure that the youngest children's focus and engagement in learning are not disrupted
• extend the provision for older children, providing further opportunities for them to extend their learning and skills.