Quince Tree Day Nursery LTD

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive at this nursery. Staff create a welcoming, enriching and nurturing environment. Children form secure attachments with the adults. Staff prioritise children's well-being and happiness. They are extremely confident to explore the creative and varied activities available. Children rush in to greet their friends and staff, excited for the day ahead. Younger children separate from parents, happy in their key person's care. Children show curiosity and kindness to each other and visitors. Staff include them in introductions and value their contribution to conversations. They confidently ask questions and talk about what they love about being here.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are exceptionally well supported at this setting. All children have full access to the wonderful learning opportunities available in this vibrant and exciting nursery. Sensitive teaching about how we all learn differently supports children to be respectful, understanding and considerate of everyone's uniqueness.

Children's ideas and interests influence every moment at this nursery. At group time, children are bursting with excitement to share their thoughts. A story ignites a detailed conversation about caring for our planet. Staff use skilled teaching to guide the learning. Discussion follows about the importance of trees, linking knowledge gained from a visit to the allotments. Children know that trees give us 'air and food'. Applying previously learned facts in different contexts demonstrates the excellent teaching these children experience.

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

• Staff use a positive approach to learning. Children develop confidence in trying new skills and develop a 'can do' attitude. They plan a broad and challenging curriculum. Staff skilfully introduce new learning opportunities to extend children's knowledge.
• Children's interests and fascinations are key in this nursery. Staff support children to explore topics, which leads to amazing learning opportunities. For example, when learning about differences between each other, they created a paper model of a child for a display. The children went on to learn about and decorate the model with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and cells. This led to a whole project which was sent to the Science Museum which resulted in further learning. The children proudly talk about the display wall and how special we all are, with different cells and DNA unique to each other.
• Interactions with children are exceptional. Staff consistently work at children's level. They watch, listen and respond to children ensuring they feel valued and respected. Conversations are extended to support language skills.
• Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. They use consistent, successful strategies to promote positive behaviour. Children demonstrate their understanding of the behaviour rules and show exemplary consideration to others.
• Parent partnerships are excellent. Parents know their child's key person and talk about a sense of family with the team. They express how well their children are cared for and supported to make exceptional progress. Some children have moved from other provisions, and parents report how different the service is here. Parents comment how much happier their children are and how secure they feel in this nurturing setting. They speak of the nursery going 'above and beyond' their expectations. Parents feel extremely well informed of their child's day and that the daily communication is excellent.
• Children experience a wide range of opportunities to support their understanding of, and respect for, the world around them. Different cultures and faiths are embraced in this nursery. Visitors are welcomed regularly to teach the children about their culture, faith or their work.
• The management demonstrates exemplary record-keeping and planning for all operational aspects of the running of the nursery. Priority is given to staff's continuous professional development. They are fully supported to build on their existing knowledge and embrace new challenges. Staff speak with enthusiasm and express a real sense of teamwork. They feel valued and respected by each other, resulting in a wonderful atmosphere to work in.
• Staff work consistently with their key children which leads to close, secure relationships with children. This is particularly evident in the younger children's rooms. Staff expertly comfort and calm babies and toddlers. Knowing the children so well means that they can anticipate their needs and address them promptly. At sleep time, children are comforted by the staff with cuddles. Their favourite music plays gently in the background. Children settle contentedly, familiar with the regular routine.