Queens Gardens Childcare Centre

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Nursery leaders have a strong vision, which clearly states their aspirations for every child. They plan the curriculum to support children to lead healthy lives and become successful, confident learners. The curriculum is well structured across the nursery. Staff plan the sessions around children's learning and care needs to support their continued progress. Children are well prepared for the new challenges they will encounter as they move on to school.

Babies flourish in their homely environment. Staff organise the daily routines around their individual needs, such as feeding and sleeping. Older children are increasingly independent as they play and explore. They enjoy making friends and cooperate as they play together. Staff teach children to take turns with popular resources, such as the musical instruments. Children behave well and show a good awareness of the needs of others.

Children demonstrate their creativity as they explore the excellent range of open-ended resources. For example, they design and build castles and houses made of different wooden blocks. Children become deeply involved in their self-initiated learning. They demonstrate great satisfaction when they achieve a desired outcome.

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

• Staff know children very well. They respect, acknowledge and meet children's individual emotional needs. For example, staff gently guide less-confident babies and children to explore the nursery environments. Staff ensure that every child feels included and part of the nursery family.
• Children love listening to stories. Younger children excitedly lift the flaps in a book to reveal the 'monsters' hidden beneath. Staff teach older children how to act out a familiar story about an owl. Children are engrossed as they recall the key events in the story, using words they have learned, such as 'swooped' and 'flapped'.
• Staff are adept at supporting children's social and language skills. They listen with much interest as children talk to them about their interests. Staff positively respond to the different ways that babies communicate how they are feeling. Children learn to express their thoughts and ideas with confidence. They gain the important skills that enable them to communicate effectively with adults and other children.
• Children learn about different ways they can support their health and well-being. For example, staff explain to children that their hearts beat faster after exercise. They tell children how their bodies benefit from being active. Children learn the importance of good hygiene practices to promote their health, such as washing their hands and brushing their teeth.
• Parents value the partnerships they quickly develop with staff. They know their children are safe and happy, which provides them with much reassurance and confidence. Parents say that staff go 'the extra mile' for children and their families. They look forward to hearing about their child's day. Parents appreciate the resources, such as the nursery's library, that enhance children's learning at home.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are very well supported. Staff work closely with parents and professional services in a timely and coordinated manner. Children receive the additional help they need, so they can continue to progress in their learning.
• The staff team is generally well supported by nursery leaders. All staff access mandatory training, such as safeguarding and first aid, to ensure they have the knowledge that promotes children's safety and welfare. Nursery leaders regularly monitor the quality of education and children's progress. However, they acknowledge there is not currently a plan in place to further develop the teaching skills of staff.
• Some children also attend other settings. Nursery leaders have strong partnerships with these settings. They share relevant information to ensure a consistent approach in meeting children's care and learning needs. Leaders also contact schools that children will be attending in the near future to support a smooth transition from the nursery.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• strengthen the current arrangements for staff's professional development to raise the quality of education to the highest levels.