Old Dairy Farm Nursery

Inclusion: Needs attention

Leaders have not ensured that inclusive practice is consistent across the setting. While staff identify some children's needs, assessment lacks precision and does not always lead to timely or effective support. Strategies to reduce barriers for disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are not embedded. Leaders' monitoring of some children's progress is limited, and reviews of support arrangements for vulnerable learners are infrequent, which means gaps in learning persist. Staff training on the graduated approach is variable, leaving some practitioners unsure how to adapt routines and activities. Leaders do not use early years pupil premium funding systematically to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children, and systems in place do not currently swiftly identify children that are eligible for this additional support. Engagement with external professionals is inconsistent, reducing the impact of partnership working with multi-agency professionals. Although leaders are committed to inclusion, actions lack urgency and coherence. They need to strengthen systems for identifying needs, reviewing provision and ensuring adaptations are effective so that every child can thrive.

Curriculum and teaching: Needs attention

Leaders and practitioners do not consistently adapt teaching for disadvantaged children, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, or those facing barriers to learning and wellbeing. Reasonable adjustments are not always made, and staff do not demonstrate secure knowledge of all children's individual needs. Leaders must strengthen systems to ensure teaching is inclusive and responsive for all children.

In general, staff interact with children warmly and use everyday routines to introduce concepts in language and mathematics. They extend children's knowledge in the moment, introducing rich vocabulary such as gigantic and enormous, and encouraging children to compare sizes and explore patterns. Babies and toddlers engage enthusiastically in imaginative play, sustaining attention for long periods. Staff make effective use of outdoor learning, prompting discussions about light, shade and shadows, which sparks curiosity and early scientific thinking. They create an enabling environment where children explore and test ideas independently, and risk assessments support children's confidence and resilience. Staff teach children how to keep themselves and others safe during daily routines and forest school activities.

Achievement: Expected standard

Children make secure progress from their starting points across all areas of learning. Despite some delays in early referrals and actions not being taken promptly, leaders and staff ensure that children develop the knowledge and skills they need for their next stage. Babies and young children communicate their wants and needs clearly, showing confidence in expressing themselves. Older children build a rich vocabulary through experimenting through their play and learning, which strengthens their language and communication skills. Children demonstrate good levels of physical development and independence, managing self-care routines effectively and adopting healthy habits. They sustain attention and listen well, which supports positive behaviour and engagement in learning activities. Children understand what is expected of them in social situations and learn to regulate their emotions, contributing to harmonious relationships with peers and adults. These achievements prepare children well for future learning and support school readiness. Leaders should continue to refine systems for early identification and intervention so that all children, particularly those with additional needs, benefit from timely support and make even stronger progress.

Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines: Expected standard

Leaders have effective systems to record and track patterns of attendance, accidents and incidents, including those occurring at home. They know when to escalate concerns to safeguard children's wellbeing. Key persons know their children well and understand family circumstances, enabling them to share next steps and plan for development in partnership with parents. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure by seeking comfort from familiar adults and quickly gaining confidence to explore the learning environment and engage in planned experiences.

Babies and young children settle quickly because staff follow familiar routines that reflect home practices. Leaders ensure that staff gather detailed information during the settling-in period and keep this updated, including stages of weaning and any changes to health or dietary requirements. These routines promote children's emotional security and help them regulate their behaviour. Children show positive attitudes to learning, sustain attention and respond well to expectations in social situations. They learn to cooperate with peers and develop independence in managing their own needs.

Children's welfare and wellbeing: Needs attention

Leaders do not have robust systems to identify and address gaps in children's learning and development at the earliest opportunity. Barriers to progress remain for some children because adaptations and reasonable adjustments are not consistently made. Leaders must implement clear procedures to monitor children's development and ensure timely interventions so that all children access their full entitlement and achieve wellbeing alongside learning.

In general, children are supported well to to recognise, express and manage their emotions across the age groups. Babies and toddlers form secure attachments with their key persons and familiar adults. They seek comfort when needed and arrive happy, separating confidently from carers. Young children settle to sleep unaided, showing they feel safe and secure. Staff work closely with parents to understand home routines and follow these in the setting, supporting children's emotional security. They communicate effectively with parents to keep information about dietary needs, allergies and stages of weaning up to date. This promotes children's wellbeing and helps them thrive.

Children explore their environment confidently and enjoy opportunities to test physical skills, such as crawling, climbing and riding bikes. They develop an appreciation of nature and learn how to care for living things, which supports their understanding of healthy choices.

Leadership and governance: Needs attention

Leaders do not retain effective oversight of arrangements for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities or those facing barriers to learning. They have not ensured that staff with additional responsibilities make accurate assessments or apply their training to secure timely referrals and early intervention for children that face barriers in their learning. This lack of oversight results in delay for some children, limiting access to targeted support. Leaders recognise the need to improve the support for children with SEND to support their transition arrangements for pre-school but have not addressed weaknesses in inclusive practice. They must strengthen systems to identify and monitor SEND provision and workload, ensuring adaptations and interventions are implemented promptly. The provider has taken steps to improve their understanding of changes that need to be notified to Ofsted in order to keep their registration details up to date.

Leaders demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm for improving the setting. The setting is lead by the experienced management team that is supported well by the provider. Staff show dedication to their work, and leaders prioritise staff wellbeing through a range of support and recognition strategies. They invest in staff continuous professional development opportunities. Partnerships with parents are strong, and feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Parents value the consistency leaders promote, including prompt attendance and routines. They benefit from a range of systems for keeping them informed about their children's learning and development. Recruitment procedures are robust, and regular supervisions are in place to help maintain staff suitability.