Smarty Pants @ Lye Limited

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive happily at this warm and nurturing nursery. Staff greet them enthusiastically and are keen to hear about what they have been doing at home. Children are eager to choose from the array of activities on offer in the vibrant learning environment. This helps them to settle in quickly and enjoy their time at nursery.

Staff plan and provide a varied curriculum for children that ignites their passion for learning. Children delight in playing outdoors. They practise their physical skills by carefully climbing steps to manoeuvre themselves up and over obstacles. Children apply their imagination as they act out working in a restaurant. They are keen to speak to new people and offer them pretend food and drinks, showing their sense of security. Children learn about mathematical concepts as staff help them to recognise what 'full' and 'empty' mean when playing with sand and water. They show younger children different sized blocks and clearly explain which are 'big' and 'small'.

Staff respect every child as an individual. They encourage children to talk to their peers about their recent Eid celebrations. Staff build on this by providing opportunities for children to make Eid cards for people who are special to them, which helps all children to learn about diversity in their community.

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

• Staff get to know every child well. They carry out regular observations and assessments of children's learning and development and use this to identify what they need to learn next. Staff use their knowledge of children's interests to plan and provide exciting activities that capture children's attention and keep them engaged. However, at times, these are not always highly challenging to extend children's learning and support them to make even better progress.
• Staff support children's communication and language skills well. They frequently talk and sing to children to expose them to a range of vocabulary. Staff interact skilfully with children to provide them with opportunities to practise using the language they hear. Furthermore, this is embedded with children who speak English as an additional language so that they develop a good standard of English in readiness for their eventual transition to school.
• Children excitedly learn about the world around them. They look at plants which they have grown, and staff help them to understand what the different parts are, such as the 'roots'. Staff explain how plants use their roots to drink water which helps them to grow. Children learn how to handle plants with care.
• Most children behave well because staff set out clear expectations for their behaviour. Staff are prompt in addressing any behaviours that may impact on children's safety. They gently explain to children how they may cause danger to themselves or others, which supports children to develop their own understanding of how to behave. Staff provide opportunities for children to share and take turns, such as when playing on a seesaw, which helps children to learn how to use equipment safely.
• Children who have SEND receive high quality support. The dedicated coordinator works closely with other professionals to obtain support for any children who need it. Staff have a sound understanding of children's individual needs. Plans in place for children are implemented effectively to help every child to reach their potential.
• Children happily sit down with their friends to enjoy their lunch. They are confident in feeding themselves and try to open their own food packaging. However, not all staff recognise the value of social and learning opportunities at mealtimes. They are quick to intervene to complete simple tasks for children, such as tidying away when they have finished, which hinders children's confidence to do this for themselves.
• Parents speak positively about the nursery. They say that staff have supported their children to settle in and that they enjoy their time there. An online app is used to share information about children's learning, and parents have opportunities to attend regular meetings to discuss their child's progress. This promotes continuity for children.
• There are rigorous programmes in place for the training and supervision of all staff. New staff receive thorough induction training, which helps them to understand their roles and responsibilities. Staff access meaningful training opportunities regularly, which are closely matched to the needs of children who attend the nursery. This supports staff to continually build on their strong teaching skills and promote the interests of children.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• explore ways to provide higher levels of challenge for children to extend their learning even further
• review the organisation of mealtimes to enhance children's social experiences and independence.