Smart Stars Nursery Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Staff greet children warmly as they arrive at this inclusive setting. When children feel unsure, staff provide warm cuddles and gentle reassurance, which helps children to settle quickly. This supports children to feel safe and secure. The garden offers a stimulating outdoor environment where children enthusiastically explore. For example, they investigate toy animals in the water, imitating their sounds and movements. Staff talk to children about where these animals might be found, developing their awareness of the natural world around them.

Throughout the day, staff take time to listen to children's voices. During group activities, staff encourage all children to participate and share what they have created. For example, children proudly talk about their tissue-paper and paper-plate creations. Staff celebrate their contributions with an abundance of praise. This helps to build children's confidence and self-esteem.

Staff consistently model positive behaviour expectations. They come down to children's eye level to talk to them about how their behaviours can affect others. This respectful approach supports children in recognising and managing their emotions. As a result, children respond positively, showing increasing confidence in resolving conflicts independently. They show kindness and respect for others.

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

• The setting provides strong support for children who speak English as an additional language and for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff work closely with families and other professionals to implement timely, individualised support plans. Staff monitor these rigorously to ensure that all children make expected progress.
• Staff embed good hygiene practices and healthy choices through daily routines. They talk to children about the importance of handwashing. Children confidently explain that washing hands helps to get rid of germs and keeps themselves healthy. Children enjoy a balanced and nutritious menu. Staff encourage children to stay active through a variety of ways. Children participate in a morning 'wake up, shake up' session. They copy actions and activate their muscles, which helps energise them for the day ahead.
• Staff plan a broad range of activities to spark children's curiosity and support their development. However, on occasion, the organisation of resources and group sizes at table-top activities indoors can sometimes hinder engagement. When spaces become overcrowded, some children struggle to maintain focus, limiting opportunities for deeper learning and purposeful play.
• At the heart of the curriculum is communication and language. Staff provide regular opportunities for children to develop vocabulary, listening and speaking skills. They foster a love of books across the nursery. Children regularly borrow books to read at home with their families. Staff use these experiences to talk with children about the stories they have read. This helps them to learn to recall information and build their vocabulary.
• Staff plan activities and consider how they are going to close gaps in children's learning. They encourage children to go and choose where they want to take their learning next. However, on occasion, during some adult-led activities, staff do not always extend children's knowledge beyond what they already know and can do. Consequently, opportunities to maximise learning are occasionally missed.
• Leaders and staff work hard to develop strong partnerships with parents. Staff provide parent workshops to support the families that attend. They share regular updates with parents about their children's learning and development. Parents give positive feedback about the level of care and attention staff provide for their children.
• Staff work collaboratively together. Leaders support staff well to reach their individual targets and any ongoing professional development following their supervision meetings. Staff praise the level of support and encouragement in their role. This contributes to a positive and nurturing environment for both children and staff.
• Staff celebrate each child's uniqueness and actively promote a sense of belonging in the setting. Children take part in a range of activities that reflect their own cultural backgrounds and those of their friends. This helps children develop respect for different traditions and celebrations, fostering their understanding of diversity and the wider community.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• help staff to recognise when to adapt or tailor the indoor learning environments more effectively to enable children to stay focused in their learning
• refine how staff deliver the curriculum more precisely to further extend children's knowledge and understanding.