Rainbow Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children flourish and are extremely happy at this all-inclusive setting. They come in happily, greeted by welcoming staff and homely environments. Children settle quickly, forming close bonds with adults. Staff get to know children well, supporting their individual needs. They create exceptionally well-organised play experiences and children show they feel safe and secure.

Children's behaviour is exceptional. They understand and take pride in following the nursery rules. Staff are excellent role models for respecting others, sharing and turn taking. This helps children to develop kindness and consideration towards others. Children learn about different emotions from a young age. They learn to recognise reactions we may have, and the effect these have on others. Children then learn to self-regulate their emotional responses and behaviour. As a result, children enjoy a calm and positive learning environment and form lasting friendships.

Children have extensive opportunities to develop their imagination and role play skills. Whether playing in the play kitchens outside or home corners inside, children are encouraged and praised for expressing themselves in imaginative play. Children thrive under the praise and take pride in play experiences and narratives. They become confident storytellers and enjoy exploring with others.

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

• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make excellent progress. This is due to the superb support from the proactive special educational needs coordinator. Managers are actively involved, ensuring staff receive training in relevant areas to support children. Staff then become confident and knowledgeable, and children are highly supported and settled.
• The nursery provides incredibly high-quality and nutritious snacks and meals. Children enjoy having a choice, with daily opportunities to try new foods alongside their friends. Snack and mealtimes are fun, social occasions for children. They sit alongside friends and staff, talking and enjoying the tasty and popular food.
• Staff strongly encourage and promote independence from a young age. Children take responsibility for looking after resources and tidying up after themselves. Older children learn to pour drinks and self-serve food, and younger children learn to feed themselves and put their bibs on.
• The quality of education is outstanding. Senior staff act as effective role models, setting examples of incredibly high standards. As a result, all rooms adopt high-quality interactions and teaching moments for children. Staff consistently set challenges and promote problem-solving abilities. Children thrive under the challenge and praise, taking their learning to deeper levels.
• Staff provide stimulating and enabling environments for children. Across the nursery, children show extremely high levels of engagement in activities. Children access activities independently and take a lead in their play. Staff seamlessly integrate learning into these play experiences. This results in high-quality play and learning for happy, engaged children.
• Staff welfare is commendable. Managers recognise the importance of ensuring staff feel valued and have a voice. Staff report that managers are approachable, that they listen and put support in place. Staff appreciate the training opportunities and chances to build on their personal development. As a result of the high-quality support, staff stay at the setting long term and feel well supported.
• Partnerships with parents are incredible. Parents highly appreciate the support their children have when settling into the nursery. They praise the nursery for the quality of the food and activities for children to enjoy. Parents feel confident that their children are happy, settled and safe. They recommend the nursery to others.
• Children develop a love of animals and a deep respect for wildlife. The nursery has two pet rabbits that the children enjoy feeding and looking after. Children also love feeding the fish in the pond. Children noticed bees in the garden that need water, so created a 'hydration station' with sugar water. Older children experience wildlife at weekly forest school sessions. They learn about natural habitats and appreciating animals and plants in nature.