Pitter Patter Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children settle exceptionally well at this inspiring nursery. Staff create an interesting learning environment in which children are safe and secure. Children arrive eager to learn. They greet staff as they enter with a smile and a hug. A culture of respect is evident in this nursery. Staff chat to parents, offering reassurance, guidance and support, when needed. Staff expertly use their knowledge of children's interests along with what children need to learn next to plan exciting learning for the day ahead. There are an abundance of opportunities for children to explore the local area. Staff are excellent role models who carry out their roles with care and compassion. Children learn to follow rules and understand the nursery routines.

The well-designed environment allows children to play, explore and become immersed in learning. Leaders have noted significant gaps in the emotional regulation of some children. They have supported staff to implement activities to use sensory play to help children feel ready to learn. Staff plan activities for children to discuss their emotions and participate in sensory circuits and yoga sessions. The result is a curriculum that is focused to ensure all children are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their learning.

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

• Leadership is strong. Managers ensure that consistent evaluation, self-reflection and collaboration put children's needs first in every decision. The arrangements for professional development are focused and centred around benefiting children. This approach ensures that staff are skilled and knowledgeable. This commitment helps all children thrive.
• Staff are supported to be effective in their roles. They have access to focused supervision sessions. These include discussions around well-being and specific feedback to help improve their practice. The leadership team creates an effective and supportive system for staff. As a result, teaching is consistently good.
• Staff mostly support children to develop their communication skills. For example, staff teach children to use signs and visuals to communicate their needs. Staff introduce new words to children as they play. However, staff do not always allow children time to respond to their questions and requests. They fill the silence with more questions. These strategies do not help children consistently engage in back-and-forth interactions.
• Managers and staff are committed to removing barriers that children face in learning. Staff complete thorough assessments of children's development. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get rapid and targeted support to help them thrive. Managers create robust links with external professionals. Staff work closely with parents and carers. They swiftly put interventions in place to ensure all children progress.
• The ethos in the nursery is based on respect and kindness. Staff work hard to ensure all children feel secure and valued. They want children to enjoy their time in the nursery. Children are happy as they participate in yoga and relaxation sessions. They begin to use positive words to describe themselves and others. This helps children to develop self-confidence.
• The highest priority is placed on promoting children's personal and social skills. Snack times are regularly enjoyed in a local café. Staff seize the opportunity to teach children about people who help them, for example the crossing attendant who helps to keep them safe. Children are proud of their contribution to the community. They beam as they discuss recent fundraising events, such as sponsored walks. These events help children develop responsible attitudes.
• Staff help children to develop a real love of reading. They introduce children to a wide range of engaging texts. Traditional tales have become a firm favourite. Children learn new words and confidently explain that a harp is a string instrument. Staff provide opportunities for children to snuggle up and listen to their favourite stories and take books and related activities home to share with their families. This helps to establish a consistent approach to learning.
• Parents are grateful for the support that staff offer them. Staff provide parents with advice and guidance. This has a positive impact on children's development. Staff provide parents with information to help their children learn at home. Parents appreciate home learning packs that contain advice about toilet training, weaning and other significant events. Parents appreciate opportunities to attend the nursery for stay-and-play sessions and workshops. These events make a positive difference to engaging parents in children's learning.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• support staff to consistently implement strategies to support children's communication and language development.