Poohs Nursery School Ltd.

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children love to attend this nursery. They are warmly welcomed by staff and enthusiastically run towards them as they are greeted at the door. Children establish lovely friendships with each other and form exceptionally strong bonds with staff. Leaders and staff show exceptional dedication to children and families. They provide a challenging and exciting curriculum, and children can make independent choices about the activities that capture their interest. Children receive rich and unforgettable experiences that support them in the next stage of their education. For example, they retell stories using puppets. They eagerly articulate the story of 'The Three Little Pigs' to the inspector. Children imaginatively and thoughtfully describe how the three little pigs were not scared because 'they have each other'. At every opportunity, staff encourage children to discuss their feelings.

Teaching the children about the diverse backgrounds of their friends is an important priority for the staff. For example, parents who speak English as an additional language come into the nursery to talk about foods and clothes that are part of their culture. As a result, children gather an excellent understanding of cultures other than their own. Children demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to their learning. They become engrossed in activities and concentrate for long periods of time when playing and learning, enthusiastically chattering about their discoveries.

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

• The dedicated leaders continually reflect on their provision in order to provide an outstanding and ambitious curriculum. They provide an extensive training programme for the staff team, which helps to support children in areas such as communication. For example, a number of staff participate in speech and language training. As a result, children are making excellent progress in their communication skills. Leaders provide a well-being ambassador for staff to talk to. Staff mention that they feel incredibly valued and that working at the nursery is a 'dream job'.
• Staff work hard to widen their knowledge about the children. They do this before children start at the nursery and continue to gather information as they progress through the nursery. Parents mention that communication is excellent and that they appreciate the ideas they are given for home learning. Ideas on how to make packed lunches healthy are much appreciated. Parents tell the inspector that their children are 'thriving' at the nursery and that they love the outside experiences that are provided.
• Staff enthusiastically demonstrate their understanding of how children learn and develop. This enables them to provide targeted support to those children who are at risk of falling behind. For instance, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are swiftly identified. The nursery works closely with parents and other professionals so that children receive the necessary support. As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders have been tirelessly proactive in designing a curriculum to strongly support children in their communication and social and independence skills.
• Children's interests are closely followed in order to enhance their learning. They particularly enjoy using their imagination with puppets and books. For example, staff use high-quality interactions and an interactive storybook to support children to develop their vocabulary and questioning skills. Children patiently take their turn when finding items to go into the book. They are proud of their contribution to the story.
• Children are exceptionally independent. For instance, very young children roll up their own sleeves, take paint down from the shelves and carefully squeeze just the right amount of paint onto the paper. Children eagerly volunteer to clean the tables in preparation for lunch. They open their own food packets and beam with pride when staff praise them for 'giving it a go'. Children access the toilet independently and wash their own hands without being told to do so.
• Physical development is a key strength within the nursery. Large muscles are developed to the highest level as children chase staff and skilfully manoeuvre themselves in the outside space. Children take part in a strenuous daily workout, which they delight in, excitedly telling the inspector, 'Oh, I love this!' They are taught how to use their breathing to relax their bodies. Children learn that being still and calm is important for developing a healthy body and mind.
• Staff are extremely well supported to progress their professional development. Leaders model how to lead small intervention groups. Consequently, staff are confident as they deliver small group sessions very effectively. Children show clear anticipation of these learning opportunities. They squeal with delight as they are challenged during these learning activities, saying, 'Can we do that again?'