Stars Day Nurseries Ltd t/a Shining Stars Pre-School Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children receive an exceptionally high standard of teaching at the setting and develop a love of learning from a young age. They demonstrate what they know and can remember by reflecting on their previous learning, and connecting it with what they are learning now. For example, children begin planting cress in the flower beds outdoors. They tell staff that they planted the seeds in the pot. Children recall watering the flowers and talk about what they need to help them grow. They fill watering cans from the tap and water their plants, and talk about the sun shining. Staff ask children open-ended questions to encourage and support their critical thinking skills.

Children are independent learners. They wash their own hands and use the bathroom independently. Children sit down for snack and use knives to cut up their fruit, developing their fine motor skills and hand-to-eye coordination. They are confident and proud of their achievements. Children share their experiences with peers, staff and visitors. They are friendly to each other and enjoy each other's company. When children do not want to share, staff are close by to support them. They skilfully remind them of being kind to others and of taking turns.

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

• The setting has implemented a curriculum highly focused on the needs of the children who attend. Communication and language development is embedded throughout practice, giving children the opportunities they need to develop an extremely secure foundation for their next stage of learning.
• Staff provide children with a range of trips in the local environment. Children regularly visit the local church, mosque and care home throughout the year. This helps them to learn about modern Britain. Children understand and appreciate the different people they meet and are excited by new experiences.
• The interactions between children and staff are exceptional. Staff interactions contribute to delivering the intent of the curriculum. Staff prioritise children's language and communication development, using stories and singing to engage children. Staff use fantastic expressions and talk to the children throughout stories. Children listen carefully, following the pictures, captivated by staff's reading.
• Staff provide children with a language-rich environment. They talk to children about their interests and what they have been doing at home. Children who speak English as an additional language quickly gain confidence and begin communicating. This is due to the high-quality interactions between staff and children. Staff skilfully support children's understanding of English and teach new vocabulary during their play. Children listen to staff and repeat and practise words. Staff introduce new words, such as 'gooey' and 'sticky', when playing with the play dough. Therefore, children learn new words rapidly and expand their vocabulary, giving them a rich understanding of language.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported to an exceptionally high standard. Staff provide one-to-one support when needed. They know and understand children's needs and provide parents with ongoing feedback regarding their child's development. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to provide children with a high level of support and teaching. This gives children opportunities to learn new skills quickly.
• Communication between staff and parents is excellent. Staff share ongoing information regarding children's development, and therefore parents know and understand what their children are learning. Parents are provided with consultations every term, and staff talk to parents about any concerns they may have. Staff provide home-learning packs for children to share at home, supporting children's learning both at home and in the setting.
• The exceptionally strong management team provide staff with ongoing support and guidance. Staff feel appreciated and supported in the workplace and enjoy working for the company. There is a strict recruitment process in place that checks the suitability of all staff. New staff are provided with a robust induction programme and training needs are identified immediately. The manager carries out regular supervision and regularly checks staff's ongoing suitability throughout their employment.