Stretton Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children form strong bonds with the caring and attentive staff. They demonstrate that they feel safe and secure within this nurturing environment. Children have fun and enjoy the learning opportunities and activities that are planned to reflect their personal interests. Staff support the communication and language development of children well. As older children enjoy exploring maps, staff introduce and use vocabulary such as 'country', 'customs' and 'traditions'. This helps children to develop their language skills and their understanding of how to express themselves and their feelings. Children develop an understanding of the world around them. They grow fruit and vegetables to eat, and they help to take care of the nursery's pet rabbits.

Very young children develop physical skills as they enjoy stamping their feet and clapping their hands while singing along to familiar songs. They smile and giggle with pride as they successfully follow instructions and move different parts of their body. Children behave well. They play happily with their friends, using gentle hands and kind words. Staff support children to lead healthy lifestyles. Children enjoy eating healthy snacks and meals, such as chicken casserole. Children learn about oral health and foods that are good for their teeth. Staff promote good hygiene routines. Children quickly establish independence in managing their personal care needs, such as washing their hands before eating and after visiting the bathroom.

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

• The manager has a well-thought-out curriculum that is planned using themes of work that follow children's personal interests. The curriculum is sequenced on what children know, can already do and need to learn next. Ongoing assessment and observation of children's learning inform this process. However, activities and learning opportunities are not always planned as effectively to support the progress of the youngest children and challenge their learning and development.
• Children develop good communication and language skills. Staff closely monitor children's speech and language development. They take every opportunity to extend children's language, introducing new words to the youngest children and engaging older children in meaningful conversations. For example, older children discuss family celebrations and visits to their special place of worship.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported effectively. Staff work closely with other professionals, including those at other early years settings children attend. They share information and seek the advice of outside agencies to ensure that all children are supported and make progress.
• Staff praise the behaviours and accomplishments of children effectively. Children gain confidence and self-esteem as staff recognise and praise them for being kind or using good manners. Older children are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility and independence. For example, they undertake daily jobs or tasks within the nursery, such as collecting the fruit or clearing away resources.
• Staff ensure that older children are well prepared for their move on to school. They build positive relationships with local schools. They arrange visits for staff from the schools to meet with children and discuss children's ongoing development. This helps children to feel confident about their transition to school and supports the continuity of their learning and development.
• Positive partnerships with parents exist. Parents speak highly of the nursery and the staff. They comment favourably on the caring and nurturing nature of staff. They feel that they are kept informed about what their children are eating and learning daily. Parents are delighted with the progress their children are making and know how they can continue to support their children's learning at home.
• Managers and leaders regularly review the quality of teaching and learning across the nursery and promote staff's professional development. They plan and implement training opportunities for staff that will enhance practice and support children's learning and development. For example, staff have undertaken training that enables them to use a communication tool involving signs and symbols. They implement this to support the language development of children who speak English as an additional language.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• plan and implement more intentional learning opportunities, especially for younger children, that enhance their learning and help them to make the best possible progress.