Scallywags Nursery Chelmsford Limited

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Teaching is outstanding. Children thrive and make excellent progress in their learning, as a result of attending this Hygge inspired and accredited nursery. Children flourish in this exceptionally well-designed, homely and magical environment. Children's well-being is the focus of all decisions made. Highly skilled managers, and team of staff, have a deep rooted knowledge of child development. They have a secure understanding of different theorists' approach regarding child development and provide children with an environment that is rich in learning opportunities. The education programme is differentiated and sequenced to ensure activities inspire and ignite children's curiosity and interests. The curriculum is meticulously planned around what children already know, their interests and the principles of Hygge to ensure the highest level of learning is achieved. Staff consistently promote the skills children need to be confident communicators and independent learners. Children demonstrate enquiring minds, and are well prepared for the transition to school and successful future learning.

Children are warmly greeted by attentive and nurturing staff, who know them extremely well and are genuinely pleased to see them. As a result, children leave their parents with ease. They show immense curiosity and wonderment in the activities provided and immediately immerse themselves in their play. Children are respectfully listened to, have a voice, and can influence what they learn next. For example, monthly children's committee meetings enable them to express what interests them and informs the planning. For example, they decide they need to know more about mushrooms and fairies. Therefore, activities are planned to support and extend their knowledge further. Children have a strong sense of self and belonging. They understand the high expectations of the staff and their behaviour is exemplary.

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

• The nursery provides outstanding learning and care. Children are totally immersed in their play throughout the inspection. The curriculum is designed around the Hygge approach to learning. This means children experience a very ambitious education programme, within a nursery that is meticulously designed to promote a feeling of peace, family, warmth and happiness. This is successfully achieved and children feel secure and demonstrate a thirst for learning. The nursery practices are worthy of dissemination.
• Parents speak highly of the compassionate and inspiring team. They are keen to express how the staff are genuinely dedicated to their children. Many comment on the nurturing and sensory rich environment, and very much appreciate the holistic approach to their children's assessments. They welcome home visits from staff before their children attend and comment on the ease in which their children settle as a result.
• Children demonstrate a wide and extensive vocabulary. They are inquisitive and ask many questions. They are confident speakers and explain to visitors to the setting about the water colours they use for their still-life paintings of flowers. They excitedly explain how they visit a local store to buy the plants and flowers.
• The team of happy, nurturing and experienced staff comment on the inspiring management team, and how their enthusiasm is infectious. They say they are fully supported and priority is given to support their own professional development. They say they feel valued as part of a team. Many commenting that they genuinely look forward to coming to work.
• The management team is very experienced. Their commitment and dedication to provide children with the most enchanting and welcoming environment is exceptional. Children are the centre of all decisions made and the environment and quality resources promote the Hygge principles. This ignites children's curiosity and enables all children to explore with confidence.
• Babies are comfortable in their environment. The skilful staff treat them with upmost respect. Their unique needs are recognised and fully supported. Babies engage in a vibrant and fun singing session. They explore the props and visual prompts and choose instruments of their choice. Their concentration is excellent as the staff capture their attention. They giggle as they jig to the music. Staff have established strong, trusting and caring relationships with them.
• The importance of healthy lifestyles is promoted. All children participate in a 'wellness' walk each morning. They walk in the local fields and wooded spaces as they learn about nature and the world around them. They return ready, keen and eager to learn. Children are aware of sounds in the environment. They spot robins and wonder if their excitement scared them away, explaining to visitors the birds were 'searching for wiggly worms'.
• Mealtimes are regarded as sociable occasions. For example, children serve themselves. They follow the guided number of scoops displayed, recognising numbers with ease. Authentic resources, such as china crockery, placemats, menus and flowers, create a homely atmosphere. To ensure children's play is not interrupted, older children are given a choice as to when they have their meal. This is very successful and transition times are harmonious.
• Skilled staff understand the importance of allowing children time to explore and discover, and their interactions are subtle and meaningful. Children are able to take safe risk and problem solve for themselves. For example, in forest school, children decide to make a wooden car. They are guided and supervised extremely well as they saw twigs and hammer nails, understanding the importance of how to use tools safely.