Puddleducks Pre-school Salisbury

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are naturally drawn to an engaging and captivating learning environment. Staff grab their interest by introducing unique resources. Children create artwork, experimenting with various natural materials, such as flowers, stalks and leaves, to produce pictures and patterns. Children are proud of their achievements and confidently talk about their work. They work together in a team to overcome challenges, such as pretending to fix a post. Children select masking tape and gather cardboard boxes, which they use to 'mend' the post, securing everything in place. They work collaboratively and successfully, negotiating the task at hand. Staff allow them the freedom to work out how to play together successfully on their own, while offering support and encouragement during key moments.

Children are happy. They feel safe, secure and cared for. Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum in which children learn through exploration. Staff have cultivated an ethos where children learn to regulate their emotions. They lead yoga sessions where children calmly listen to instructions and learn how different emotions can make them feel and how these can affect those around them. Staff give children the strategies that they need if they are feeling anxious. Children feel empowered and take responsibility for their actions.

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

• Leaders have developed a curriculum that aims to provide children with a comprehensive understanding of the world, fostering their curiosity and independence. They encourage children's exploration and a deeper understanding of their surroundings. Leaders and staff teach children how to be responsible. They trust children to look after fragile objects and use real porcelain crockery at snack time. Children learn the importance of caring for delicate cups and plates and independently wash and tidy up after finishing.
• Leaders accurately assess their strengths, set ambitious goals and identify areas for improvement. They lead by example and guide staff. Leaders set clear expectations for how staff should support children's learning characteristics and attitudes. Staff instil confidence in children by motivating them to take on challenges and risks. For instance, children are confident in knowing their own skills and abilities to climb a wooden structure. They experience and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.
• Leaders and staff promote a love for books among children by offering them a diverse collection of stories to take home and share with their families. Additionally, staff read numerous books to children, captivating their attention and prompting discussions about the characters' emotions and experiences. Staff provide books in all areas of learning. Children use books provided at a painting table, which inspire their own creations.
• Staff provide children with stimulating and interesting resources and activities. They tailor children's learning experiences to their interests. Staff identify development opportunities in all areas of learning. However, there are occasions when staff do not plan activities that help children build on prior knowledge and skills effectively.
• The special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) identifies needs accurately and ensures that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have the specific support they need. They provide tailored instruction to support children with speech and language development. Additionally, the SENCO helps children with social interaction through engaging in games and turn-taking activities.
• Staff manage children's behaviour well. When children become restless, they quickly intervene, working alongside children and reinforcing appropriate behaviours. Children have a high level of well-being, feeling safe and secure. Leaders have implemented a system where each child has a key person. Children ask for help and support when they need it, particularly children with SEND.
• The setting has established strong partnerships with parents. Parents have observed noticeable improvements in their children's confidence and behaviour after attending the setting. Parents are informed about their children's development through regular meetings and developmental reports that are shared and discussed. Leaders and staff provide advice and lots of helpful ideas for parents to support their children's development.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• ensure staff plan learning and play experiences so that children can build on their prior knowledge and skills and make even more progress.