Playmates Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive at the nursery happy and eager to learn. Parents and children are greeted warmly by the professional and friendly staff, who create an inviting and inclusive environment for all children. Children are making good progress from their starting points. They learn through an effective balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Children are extremely confident and their behaviour is exemplary. They play cooperatively and develop special friendships. They interact with their peers with tolerance and kindness. Children take turns and share the resources without being prompted by staff.

All children form strong bonds with the attentive and loving staff, who give them time to talk and value what they say. Children receive an abundance of encouragement and praise. This helps to promote their self-esteem and enhances their sense of belonging. Children have opportunities to develop their physical skills outside in the fresh air. They have fun throwing beanbags to see how far they go. Children take part in regular outings to the local park, where they can challenge themselves on larger climbing equipment.

Children develop an understanding of the world. For example, older children learn about life cycles. They observe how caterpillars grow, turn into cocoons and then transform into butterflies. Children have opportunities to learn about different cultures and beliefs, which helps to increase their awareness of inclusion and diversity.

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

• Staff support children's early literacy and language development well. Children are encouraged to develop a love of books. Babies and toddlers are introduced to books with flaps and buttons to attract their attention. All children love to snuggle up close to staff and listen to stories.
• Staff support older children to recognise their own names and they plan small-group activities based on letters and sounds. Children are challenged to develop their early writing skills as they practise writing the letters in their name.
• The manager has developed strong links with the local schools to support smooth transitions. Children are supported well to develop their independence in preparation for their next stage of learning.
• Babies and toddlers have lots of fun as they move their bodies to music. They babble and squeal and use their developing hand-to-eye coordination to try and catch the bubbles blown by the staff. Staff sensitively talk to babies and toddlers about what they are doing, so that they link words with actions. Older children excitedly join in with energetic singing activities. Staff use effective methods to channel children's energy into purposeful play.
• Children are curious and eager to learn. They have impressive concentration skills and become deeply engaged in their chosen activities for long periods. Staff understand how children learn and involve them in meaningful conversations that support their learning and development.
• Staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) effectively. The manager and staff work closely with parents and other professionals to ensure that they are well equipped to improve outcomes for children with SEND.
• All children have many opportunities to explore their senses. For example, older children learn about the smells and textures of different herbs. They have opportunities to take risks and develop their independence as they skilfully use scissors and knives to cut the herbs into small pieces. Staff take this opportunity to introduce mathematical language, such as 'bigger' and 'smaller'.
• The manager and staff share valuable information with parents and keep them informed about the progress their children are making. Parents say their children are always happy to go to the nursery and have made good progress since attending.
• The manager monitors staff practice to identify any specific training needs and ongoing support. However, strategies in place do not always identify areas of inconsistency in the quality of the already good standard of teaching.
• The manager is passionate, dedicated and strives for excellence. She cares about the happiness and well-being of her staff. As a result, staff enjoy working at the nursery and feel valued. The manager and staff have adapted well to the challenges faced due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic to ensure that all children are supported and continue to make good progress.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• strengthen the monitoring of staff performance to further raise the consistency of the good teaching that already takes place.