Smarty Pants @ Pattingham Limited

Inclusion: Strong standard

Staff and leaders act quickly to assess and identify any emerging needs that children have. They gather a wealth of information about children before they start so that they can implement any individual support children need from the outset. Leaders create a fully inclusive environment where every child is valued. They get to know families well and understand the diverse needs of their nursery community. Leaders sensitively find out about cultural and religious beliefs so that they can ensure they respectfully tailor learning opportunities for children. Staff are considerate when planning activities for children and make adaptations so that all children can fully access the curriculum.

Staff are knowledgeable and well-trained. They understand local processes to access support from external agencies. Leaders and staff work closely with other professionals and families to ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive the targeted support they require. They ensure support plans include advice from trained experts. This collaborative approach means that children make the progress they are capable of. Leaders work closely with schools so that children who are ready to move to school transition smoothly. This allows continuity and consistency of care for all children. Funding for children is used thoughtfully so that significant improvements are made to children's development.

Curriculum and teaching: Expected standard

The curriculum is ambitious for all children. Leaders ensure it is sequenced throughout the nursery so that children build on their existing knowledge and skills. Staff provide ample opportunities for children to practise the skills they are developing so that this learning is consolidated. For example, children learn to make different marks and follow patterns. Staff provide different tools and materials for children to repeat this skill throughout their nursery day. This ensures that children maintain their enthusiasm and interest in the activity.

The curriculum covers all areas of learning and development. Babies have space to crawl and move around. Furniture is cleverly placed so that children can learn to pull themselves up and progress to walking. Older children move with confidence as they navigate the space outdoors. However, there is limited opportunities for children to engage in risky play. Staff are sometimes overly cautious and prevent children from climbing on appropriate equipment. This restricts the development of their upper body strength and stability. Staff are skilled at developing children's communication and language. They constantly talk to children during their play and include stories and singing regularly in daily routines. Children are generally engaged in learning, showing enjoyment in what they do. However, on occasion, those children who are less familiar with the environment struggle to understand how to use some resources purposefully. Staff do not always provide the guidance they need to make learning intentional. As a result, children sometimes pick up resources and just drop them on the floor. That said, this is rare, and regular staff interaction ensures that children are exposed to learning during their play.

Achievement: Expected standard

Children typically learn to be independent. This is a focus across the nursery. Babies learn to use cutlery to feed themselves and have a go at washing their own hands and face after eating. This is done with guidance and support from staff. As children progress through the nursery, they learn to use cutlery confidently and serve their own meals and drinks. They learn to take care of their personal needs and put their own shoes and coats on.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who face other barriers to their learning, generally learn to follow routines and join in play with their friends. Adaptations are made so that children are fully included. For example, where children struggle to follow instructions, staff adapt their style of communication so that children have extra time to process information. This ensures they make the progress they need to prepare them for their move on to school.

Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines: Strong standard

Children are extremely well behaved. They are respectful and considerate. This is modelled by the kind and caring staff. Behaviour expectations are high across the whole nursery. This is implemented consistently by staff. They gently remind children of behaviour expectations where needed. Children respond well to this and show that they understand what is expected of them. Children develop skills of cooperation and turn taking. They are patient with one another and wait their turn when other children have resources they want.

Routines are very well established. Young children demonstrate confidence and familiarity when following routines. Staff communicate with one another well to ensure that routines run smoothly and there is little disruption to children's play. After meals, staff efficiently support children to clean themselves, brush their teeth and settle down to sleep quickly.

Children have positive attitudes to learning. They develop curiosity and inquisitiveness. They enter nursery keen to engage in the fun and stimulating activities on offer. They are confident to have a go at new things and persevere when they encounter difficulty. Staff praise their efforts which promotes their self-esteem. Leaders respond quickly to absences and work closely with families to establish regular attendance.

Children's welfare and wellbeing: Strong standard

Staff are highly responsive to children's needs. They make developing attachments with children a priority. This is especially true for babies and children who are new to the nursery. Staff ensure they understand children's routines and comfort needs, before they start. They make adaptations so that children are comfortable in their new environment. This means that children settle quickly and feel safe with staff.

Children develop a sense of belonging and learn to manage their feelings. Staff are excellent role models and demonstrate how to be respectful and understanding. This helps children to regulate their emotions. As a result, the nursery atmosphere is calm and relaxed. There are quiet spaces in each room throughout the nursery where children can sit calmly and look through books. Staff understand how these spaces can be used effectively for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to help them to manage their feelings.

Children learn to make healthy choices. They are served nutritious meals throughout the day. Allergy-management arrangements are robust so that children are not exposed to foods they are allergic to. Staff take children to brush their teeth after lunch time. Children are familiar with this and engage in toothbrushing with increasing confidence. Staff understand how to keep children safe when they sleep and check them frequently.

Leadership and governance: Strong standard

Leaders have excellent oversight of the nursery. They are dedicated and passionate. They are committed to maintaining high standards across the nursery. Their devotion to the children and families who attend is evident. Leaders regularly source further training for staff. They ensure any training is relevant to the children who attend and has an impact on practice. They accurately identify where there are areas for improvement and are proactive in tackling these. Leaders have created a culture of continuous improvement. Staff are keen to improve their own knowledge and skills and actively seek out their own training opportunities. They are enthusiastic and strive to progress in their career and gain further responsibilities.

Staff say they feel extremely supported in their roles and their wellbeing is valued. They are given time to complete further training and work as needed, which ensures their workload is manageable. Leaders prioritise staff wellbeing and constantly provide different incentives and rewards to show their appreciation for staff. Parent partnerships are a strength of the nursery. Parents and carers are valued as part of the nursery community. Parents comment extremely positively about the care children receive and recommend the nursery highly. They particularly like the homely feel, the friendly and attentive staff, the support they receive as a whole family and attribute the progress children make to the leaders and staff.