Small World Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Inspirational leadership lies at the heart of this nursery's success. Staff are enthused by the leaders' passion for realising children's potential. Each child is truly considered as an individual, and their education and care are tailored to their unique needs. The broad curriculum is filled with opportunities for children to use their talents, find out more and hone their independence skills. As a result, children are highly motivated to learn, confident to follow their interests and have a thirst for knowledge. Children make excellent progress in all areas of learning.

Leaders and staff know each child and their family exceptionally well. Parents describe the tailored support the staff give, the difference this makes to children's whole lives and the rapid progress they make. The word 'family' is frequently used as parents talk about the relationships children have with their key persons. Staff share knowledge about a wide range of issues. For example, staff recently shared their own stories through 'Neurodiversity Celebration Week' and welcomed anyone who wished to share their own. This reinforces parents' appreciation and understanding of each child's uniqueness.

Children are delighted to arrive at the nursery and find out what adventures the day holds. They may visit their companions at the local residential home, take a trip to the park or buy ingredients for a recipe at the shops. The constant support of the staff helps children to feel safe and have the confidence to challenge themselves. They show pride in their many achievements and support each other, following the excellent example set by staff. There is a culture of positive behaviour in which all children and staff speak to each other with kindness and respect.

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

• Children learn from a securely embedded curriculum. Staff contribute to planning the curriculum and are therefore enthusiastic about what they teach. They challenge each other on keeping the quality of practice high by asking, 'What impact will that activity have?' As a result, children benefit from exceptionally high-quality learning experiences.
• Children show deep engagement and concentration in their learning. For example, inspired by the nursery caterpillars Papooda and Cassandra, children make clay models of the butterfly life cycle and talk about how they themselves have changed since they were babies. Later, children ask questions about caterpillars, and staff help them find the answers in books. As a result, children accumulate knowledge built on a strong foundation of key skills.
• The support given to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and their families is exemplary. Children's individual needs are central to all planning. Leaders champion the children in their care, encouraging parents to hold high ambitions for all children. Leaders hold frequent café mornings at weekends to give children and families a place they can play, support each other and share experiences. This support has been life-changing for many children and their families.
• Children respond very well to the high expectations of behaviour held by staff. Children learn to navigate difficult situations, such as competing. For example, staff plan their own 'Grand National' using hobby horses. Children excitedly recall the activity, saying, 'I won a race, and then my friends won them too!' As a result, children demonstrate high levels of respect for each other.
• Children are highly motivated to learn and take pride in their achievements. Staff model confident behaviour, saying, 'I'm good at running, it makes me feel proud.' Later, children practise counting and say, 'I'm so good at this!' Staff encourage children to see the unique strengths of others, such as Makaton signing, mathematics or jumping really high. As a result, all children feel valued as an individual.
• Staff expertly support children's emotional well-being through a wide range of methods. Daily routines and settling-in periods are tailored to each child's needs. Children use a wide vocabulary to explain the emotions they feel. Staff provide dens where children can enjoy quiet time and learn to manage their 'big feelings'. As a result, children are calm and feel secure.
• Leaders nurture very strong relationships with parents. Staff explain children's progress in ways parents find easy to understand. Staff provide activities so that children's learning can continue at home. As a result, parents understand and are highly involved in their children's learning.
• Leaders have a clear vision for delivering the extraordinary care they want all children to receive. The personalised support provided for staff ensures that high standards are maintained throughout the nursery. Crucially, leaders also ensure that staff feel valued and appreciated for the important work they do. As a result, children have the best support possible to reach their full potential.