Oasis Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in the nursery's fun and enabling environment. They freely move between the room to the garden, accessing activities of interest. In the garden, children scoop bird seed into jugs ready to pour into bird feeders. Staff talk to them about what seeds they can see and who they are feeding. Other children play inside, exploring water with different parts of their bodies. Staff encourage children to paddle in water and feel it on their toes.

Children are confident and happy. They have formed secure attachments with staff in the nursery and seek comfort from them where needed. Staff know the children well, and areas of the room and garden are designed specifically to meet the needs of all children. Children enjoy well-designed areas, such as book and sensory corners, where they can enjoy quiet time and take part in calming activities. Staff provide good opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. Children pedal bicycles, steering carefully to navigate round the garden.

Children are aware of the behavioural expectations set in the nursery. In the garden, children give a sand timer to their friends to tell them that it is their turn to ride the bicycle. Children are receptive to this and, as a result, they play well with each other and make good friendships.

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

• Children are taught about how to lead a healthy lifestyle. They brush their teeth at the nursery and participate in various activities to promote oral hygiene. Staff support families with relevant information to ensure that they can access dental treatments. Children grow their own vegetables in the garden and plan to harvest them to cook soup. Staff encourage children to make healthy choices. They talk about different types of fruits as they encourage children to try the snack.
• Staff use Makaton signing with children to help to promote their language skills. This supports children to communicate effectively. Children who speak English as an additional language are very well supported. Staff use key words in children's home language and speak clearly, allowing children time to respond. However, sometimes, staff do not ask questions that prompt children to express their thoughts. This means that children do not have rich opportunities to develop their thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported exceptionally well. Staff work in partnership with families to ensure that children are supported with their transitions to school. Staff are sensitive to children's needs and use visual aids to support them to communicate with others. The special educational needs coordinator communicates effectively with staff and, consequently, all staff know how best to support children and have a good understanding of each child's individual needs.
• Children are given lots of choices about what they want to do. Staff provide rolling snack and mealtimes so that children can decide when they would like to eat. They make good use of learning opportunities as children explore different activities. For example, staff talk to children about the shapes that they can see as they cut up fruits.
• Staff provide great opportunities for children to be able to learn about the community around them. Children go on visits to police stations and local supermarkets. The manager arranges for people to bring in different animals to visit the children to help them to learn to care for living things. The children pick apples from their community garden and take bags of them home to share with their families.
• The manager is very passionate about delivering high-quality care and education, and models good practice within the nursery. As a result, staff work collaboratively and share best practice to improve outcomes for children and their families. Staff comment that they feel valued, and the manager ensures that staff are supported with their health and well-being. Parents are full of praise for the support that their families receive. They commend the support that staff provide for their children and the progress that their children make.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• strengthen staff's interactions and questioning skills to give children even more opportunities to express their thoughts and feelings.