Stanley's at Bede

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children flourish in this exciting and well-organised nursery. Managers have high expectations for every child. These are matched by staff's ability to teach children to the highest level. Children are excited to engage in stimulating activities that have been designed around their interests and learning styles. For example, they independently measure out the ingredients to make play dough. This is a regular activity, and they take pleasure in discussing what the mixture needs next, such as more flour when it is too wet. When children spill some water on the table, they know that they must wipe it up.

Staff have a lovely manner with the children. Children form close bonds with them. Staff subtly join in with children's play to challenge their thinking. For example, they encourage children to think about whether they can have a storybook at the snack table, be able to cut their snack and eat it at the same time. Children decide that they cannot do this.

Children behave extremely well and respond to prompts from staff quickly. Staff have recently focused on golden rules with children. In particular, they focused on being kind. This has helped children to develop high levels of respect for each other. They are more caring towards their friends. For example, they give them a hug when they are upset.

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

• Since the last inspection, the manager and staff have worked hard to address the issues raised. They have received training focused on room management and worked with the local authority. They looked at how to maximise the supervision of the children. As a result, they have made changes to areas in the nursery. This has successfully stopped children from running around the space and means that accidents are minimised.
• Staff observe and assess children's progress very well. They show a comprehensive knowledge of children's individual learning and development needs. The support for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, is highly effective. Staff work closely with other professionals and take on board any suggestions that they make, to help with children's development. This inclusive approach helps all children to achieve their full potential.
• Staff benefit from practical and effective supervision. The manager works alongside them. She observes and models good practice. Regular supervisions provide the opportunity to discuss key-persons' children and to check how they are developing. This also helps to identify any training that staff might need that will benefit the children. For example, staff have identified delays in children's speech and communication. As a result, they have received training to help children, such as using visual aids.
• Children's communication and language skills are extended and supported exceptionally well. Staff use sign language to build strong foundations for listening and speaking. Children develop an appreciation for books. They sit and listen and join in with well-known refrains. Staff introduce new words and ask children to repeat them. Staff explain what the words mean, such as 'cauldron'.
• Snack time is an excellent learning experience for children. Staff help children to make their own choices. This helps children to develop their independence as they choose what they would like to eat. Staff introduce mathematical language, asking children what shape cracker they want. Children say whether they want a square cracker or a triangle one.
• The team makes excellent use of all additional funding sources available. Funding is spent well and has a highly positive impact on children's lives. For example, soft-play climbing equipment has been purchased to help children with mobility issues. Different mark-making resources encourage children who are not interested in making marks. For instance, steps to climb up help children make marks on the paper attached to the wall. They enjoy reaching up high to make marks and talk about what they are drawing.
• There is strong partnership working with parents. Staff share a wealth of information with parents from the start to establish a high-quality consistent approach. Parents are highly complimentary about the nursery and staff. They appreciate the help that staff give them.