Stars and Sparkles Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive happily as the warm and caring staff welcome them into the nursery. They separate from their parents and carers confidently. This shows they feel safe and secure in the environment. Staff encourage children to hang their belongings on named pegs. Children greet their friends excitedly and soon become involved in a variety of activities of their choosing.

Staff encourage children to make play dough. They listen attentively to the instructions and help to prepare the activity. Children take it in turns, and they use mathematical skills to correctly count the amount of ingredients needed. Staff support children's critical thinking skills as they discuss the consistency. They explain, 'It's too sticky,' and work out what they can do to solve the problem together.

Children love to explore the garden area. They ride scooters and tricycles and throw and kick balls. Children learn to take risks with the support of staff as they learn how to climb the wooden climbing pyramid carefully. Children's behaviour is good. Together, they create their own game called 'floor is lava'. They create an obstacle course using tyres and wooden planks as they move from one side of the garden to another. This supports and develops children's balance and coordination skills well.

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

• The leadership and management team is extremely passionate about its work. Managers and leaders all work very well as a team and communicate effectively. Using children's interests, staff plan exciting and interesting activities. This helps to support the individual needs of children. As a team, staff understand what it is they want children to learn and how this can be achieved. The management team ensures that staff's well-being is paramount and continually supports professional development.
• Children's independence is highly promoted. For example, they help staff to prepare snack. They use knives as they spread soft cheese and cut a variety of foods. Children pour their own drinks confidently and support their peers. They wash and dry the equipment they have used. Children put on their own coats confidently, and with support from staff, they manage zips. Staff provide self-care stations throughout the nursery. This helps children understand the importance of good hygiene.
• Staff have formed established relationships with parents and carers. Parents comment positively and say staff are 'brilliant', 'kind' and 'always happy'. They explain their children love the variety of activities the nursery has on offer. Parents receive regular information regarding their children's day, activities and developmental progress. Staff give suggestions and activities to support children's continued learning at home.
• Children have opportunities to make marks and paint their own pictures. Staff support children as they learn what happens when primary colours are mixed together. Children choose a variety of toys and show delight as they observe the prints they create in paint.
• Staff broaden children's experiences and extend their knowledge of the wider community. Children enjoy visits to farms, pantomimes and religious sites. Staff teach children about faiths, cultures and festivals that are different to their own. Staff organise stay-and-play sessions for parents to join in with activities.
• Children enjoy reading a variety of stories. They look at books independently and share reading moments with their peers. Staff provide books that link to the nursery's focused story, both indoors and out. For example, children enjoy reading books about fruits and vegetables.
• Staff support children's communication and language skills well. Children are inquisitive and ask questions. For example, children ask, 'Where does almond milk come from?' Staff embrace opportunities and encourage children to think. They use the internet to find answers and look at photos. This supports and extends children's vocabulary and language skills well.
• Children's behaviour is good. They play extremely well with each other and have formed strong relationships. Children are polite and use their manners. However, staff do not teach children to tidy away toys and resources after play. This does not help children to become fully independent or learn to respect the resources they use.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• take every opportunity to teach children to tidy away toys and equipment independently and to respect and care for the resources they use.