Splat Day Nursery & Forest School

What it's like to be a child at this setting

Children flourish and thrive in this incredibly warm and nurturing nursery. They build positive and trusting relationships with their key worker and other staff. Their individual needs are extremely well met by the caring staff, who are passionate about children doing their best. Therefore, children feel a solid sense of security and belonging, which gives them high levels of confidence to try new activities and to persevere at more challenging tasks. For example, children make small dens from sticks. They learn how to balance them, so they stay upright, showing perseverance and resilience until they manage to achieve this. Staff know exactly when to step in and support them and when to let children keep on trying.

Children have excellent attitudes to learning and talk about learning from previous topics, such as being able to name the cloud shapes. Younger children learn how to cut carefully with gentle and patient guidance from staff, who step in only when necessary. Babies develop language well; staff model and repeat what the child says, extending their language at every opportunity.

Children behave exceptionally well. They are kind and helpful, following the role modelling of staff. Staff teach children explicitly how to manage their emotions using stories and familiar routines to deepen their understanding. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported where necessary to access the same learning as their peers. Children play collaboratively with each other with little need for adult support. They take turns and share resources easily.

Children thoroughly enjoy the forest school sessions. They show independence and resilience when knocking poles into the ground for their den. With guidance, they cut vegetables safely, strengthening the muscles in their hands. They use their large-muscle skills when balancing and climbing over equipment.

Leaders and staff work closely with families in promoting children's attendance to ensure that children can build the trusting relationships that enable deeper learning.

What Ofsted found in each area

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• Leaders and those responsible for governance should sustain their work to ensure continued improvement and high standards. They should focus on creating a transformational impact on the outcomes and experiences of disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.