Rowley Lane Pre-school

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The atmosphere buzzes with excitement and everywhere you look in this pre-school, children are immersed in deep learning. Children show phenomenal levels of self-confidence and independence. They cannot contain their excitement as they arrive and leave parents with great ease. Children share very warm relationships with staff, who actively engage with them as joyful play partners. Staff are outstanding role models and provide children with clear behaviour expectations. Children's behaviour is exemplary. They show exceptional attitudes towards their learning. Throughout the day, children have inspirational opportunities to access the superbly resourced outdoor area. For example, they are extremely enthusiastic to climb the trees and hunt for the centipedes in the beautiful forest area, and climb confidently up the wooden rock-climbing resource.

Children take part in activities that are highly stimulating and exciting. They experiment with mixing paints, talking about what they think will happen to the colour and why. Staff introduce words, such as 'rainbow' and 'colourful'. Children are heard confidently using the same words later in their play, recalling their learning and using this new vocabulary in context. They demonstrate an impeccable sense of belonging and feel exceptionally comfortable in their surroundings. They form extraordinarily strong bonds with the adults that care for them. This helps them to have the confidence and desire to explore their environment independently. Children move very confidently between play areas and make their own play choices from the interesting variety of experiences on offer.

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

• Children with special educational needs/and or disabilities (SEND) receive extremely high levels of support to help them to reach their full potential. This means that children with SEND are extremely well included, feel safe, and make significant progress in their learning and development. For example, staff skilfully engage children in activities that build on their interests and follow their individual learning styles. They give exceptional support to families and carers. The manager uses additional funding to target specific areas of development for children and reduce any differences in their learning.
• Leaders are relentless in their pursuit for excellence. They use their expert knowledge to ensure that each child has access to the highest level of care and learning. Staff attend regular training and have recently updated their skills to understand and improve how they meet children's sensory needs. Staff provide children with continuous opportunities for sensory exploration. This helps children to become calmer and more engaged with learning. The manager places a very strong emphasis on enhancing staff skills and knowledge to support children to achieve the best possible outcomes. Staff are motivated and enthusiastic in their quest to constantly improve.
• Children's move to school is seamless. Managers and staff work incredibly hard to build excellent relationships with the local schools. For example, teachers visit the setting to meet children on numerous occasions. The manager also organises for children to visit the school, in order for them to become familiar with the environment and different routines. This helps to support the emotional well-being of children exceptionally well.
• There is an outstanding partnership with parents. Parents describe the nursery as 'amazing' and that they have never felt as confident leaving their child anywhere else. Parents receive support in every aspect of their child's care. Staff help them to complete paperwork for additional funding and provide support for the whole family unit. Parents report how exceptionally well informed they are about their children's learning and provide very positive comments about their children's experiences at the setting. They say that staff are approachable and always have time for them. Parents are always welcome in the setting. For example, there are regular open days and parents receive reports throughout the year.
• High-quality care is consistent throughout the setting. Staff who work with babies are very responsive to their individual needs. They offer warm, positive interaction and smiles. Babies are very settled and extremely sociable with visitors. Babies benefit from nurturing relationships and secure attachments from the start.