Stepping Stones

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children radiate joy, giggling with delight as they engage with staff during puppet play. This reflects the strong bonds staff develop with them. They thrive under the attentive care of knowledgeable staff, who have a deep understanding of their needs, interests and developmental journey. Children show that they feel safe, as they independently explore a peaceful sensory room, captivated by the shimmering reflections of bubbles from a lamp. Their cues are responded to swiftly and sensitively, fostering their security, self-esteem and confidence.

Children make extraordinary progress through the expertly crafted and ambitious curriculum. They are fully immersed in engaging activities that enhance focus and attention, such as watching a balloon being inflated by staff. Through rich interactions, children are supported to express themselves, form friendships and make independent choices. Children learn to process language and navigate routines with confidence using visuals, such as photos of parents, to signal it is home time.

Staff bring enthusiasm, passion and unwavering commitment to their roles. They work seamlessly as a team, proactively monitoring each child's progress, adapting their strategies as they weave learning into every playful moment. Staff celebrate children's uniqueness and every milestone. This dedication fosters a vibrant team culture, where children's well-being and development remain at the heart of everything they do.

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

• Children flourish through leaders' exemplary approach to settling them into the setting. From the initial referral, staff gather detailed information about children, and work closely with everyone involved in the child's journey. They tailor their approach to each child. They offer stay-and-play sessions, and often visit children in their homes, current settings, or welcome staff from those settings into their own. This enables consistency in care and ensures every child's settling-in process is thoughtfully planned.
• Leaders build exemplary partnerships with external agencies, enabling staff to develop the expertise needed to meet children's individual needs. Staff share this knowledge with staff from children's other settings, equipping everyone working with the child to deliver targeted interventions that promote each child's learning.
• Children benefit from highly skilled and experienced staff. Leaders carry out rigorous interviews and induction processes. Staff embrace ongoing professional development with regular training and opportunities to collaborate with specialists. Staff take part in regular evaluative and reflective practice daily, enabling their practice to be ever evolving.
• Parents highlight how regular meetings, clear communication and shared targets create a genuine partnership. Leaders invite specialists into the setting for talks with parents to share training and advice on key topics, such as building healthy sleep habits or using core boards to promote communication. Many parents praise the significant progress their children have made, putting this down to the consistent techniques staff use in the setting and providing the support needed to continue them at home.
• Staff act as excellent role models for children, consistently treating one another with respect and offering support. For example, in the outdoor space, staff regularly check in with each other to see if help is needed.
• Parents report exceptional support. Several parents report that they feel listened to, empowered and no longer feel alone in navigating their child's needs. They receive practical help with tasks, such as completing school transition paperwork and funding applications. Some parents describe leaders' and staff's guidance as lifting a heavy emotional burden.
• Leaders place strong emphasis on staff well-being, with an appointed well-being lead in place. Staff speak positively about their happiness at work, and regular morning and afternoon briefings provide opportunities to share challenges, access support and celebrate achievements. This creates a positive atmosphere within the setting and promotes a supportive and motivated team culture.