Pine Rivers Kindergarten Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are warmly welcomed at the nursery and arrive happily at the setting. They separate from their parents well; extra support is provided to those who need it to help them settle swiftly. Children demonstrate they are happy and feel safe. They all make independent choices about what they would like to do, which supports their learning. For example, children are seen accessing toys that interest them from low-level storage areas. Activities are plentiful and children show they are excited and engaged as they play. For instance, babies are curious as they play with animals and dolls; toddlers have fun as they explore with sensory activities. Older children enjoy tea parties and making food using dough.

Children play well together and have formed positive relationships with each other. Staff support children's developing awareness of their own emotions effectively. For example, younger children use mirrors to look at their facial expressions and talk to staff about how they are feeling. During group times older children talk about how they feel and how they can support each other. As a result, children behave extremely well. Overall, children's communication and language development is promoted effectively across the nursery. Staff know the children well and identify areas where children may require additional support. This helps to ensure children receive the support they need to make good progress.

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

• The leader has appointed a new manager at the nursery since the last inspection. The leadership team and staff have made significant improvements to the environment and the curriculum. For example, all staff have received effective support and training to improve their quality of teaching. The leader and manager have a good vision and secure plans in place to ensure the continuous improvement of the nursery.
• Staff provide a good range of activities to engage, challenge and support learning outcomes for the children. For example, all children enjoy playing in the garden. Babies confidently practise their developing physical skills as they explore in the sand. Toddlers have fun with balls and older children enjoy exploring in the mud kitchen. However, at times, staff do not organise some routines or activities effectively to support children's needs and learning. During these times, some children become restless and distracted.
• Staff provide a wide range of activities and support children's development well. For example, as children explore with water and dough, staff incorporate discussions about colours, counting and number. All children behave well and have many opportunities to develop skills for early writing. For instance, they explore with arts and crafts to build up their dexterity in hand control as they make marks and patterns.
• Overall, staff communicate well with children throughout the nursery. They sing songs, read stories and talk to children consistently throughout the day. This helps children to hear new words which supports communication and language. Staff ask children a range of questions to engage with them and to develop their understanding. However, at times, staff do not give children sufficient time to think and respond to questions.
• Staff support children's understanding of health and hygiene well. All children are taught the importance of handwashing before eating and are encouraged to drink plenty to keep them hydrated. Older children are developing a good understanding of the importance and benefits of good oral hygiene. For example, children learn how to brush large models of teeth and they talk with staff about the benefits of healthy eating.
• The manager and staff complete effective risk assessments to ensure that children access a safe and secure environment. Staff teach children about risks so that they can learn how to keep themselves safe. For instance, older children undertake safety checks in the garden to ensure this is safe for their friends.
• Parents are happy and comment very positively about the care their children receive. Parents benefit from the home-learning library, which allows them to take books home to share with their children. Staff regularly share information with parents about their child's learning to support continuity of care.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• improve the opportunities for children to think and respond in detail when staff question them
• review the organisation of some routines and activities to ensure children remain interested and purposefully engaged.