Suffield Park Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children flourish and make rapid progress at this friendly, inclusive nursery. They are warmly welcomed by caring staff, who take time to chat to them. Children show that they feel safe and happy. They eagerly enter the nursery and explore the many well-thought-out and inviting activities. Children seek out their friends and favourite toys. They quickly become deeply engaged in activities that interest them.

There is a tremendous sense of purpose around the nursery. Children show excellent attitudes to learning and high levels of self-motivation. Babies spend time feeding and washing dolls. Older children use scissors to snip paper to make Christmas tree decorations. Children confidently make choices and lead their own play. For example, they decide to search for frogs in woodland areas. They find magnifying glasses and rush off excitedly towards piles of logs.

Children are exceptionally happy and transition effortlessly throughout the nursery. They demonstrate warm, trusting relationships with staff. Children affectionately snuggle on staffs' laps to listen to stories and join in with action songs. They spontaneously wrap their arms around staff for a cuddle. Staff interact extremely warmly with babies and are sensitive to their preferences and needs. For example, they are quick to notice when babies appear tired.

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

• The curriculum is highly ambitious and very well planned. Staff make ongoing rigorous assessments and know how to move children on quickly in their learning. This results in all children making excellent progress from their starting points. Learning is consolidated through revisiting activities, ensuring knowledge is embedded. For example, staff encourage babies to remember animal names during story time.
• Staff use every opportunity to support children's communication and language. They give clear, concise narration of what children are doing and are experts at knowing when to intervene. Staff in the baby room name key words and leave time for babies to repeat them back. Interactions are meaningful and woven with new vocabulary. For example, staff introduce the words 'amount' and 'change' during activities when making pretend ice creams in sandpits.
• Children develop a real love of books. Staff ensure story times are special and captivate children's interests. Children sit quietly for long periods and are enthralled by interesting stories. Staff expertly alter the pitch and tone of their voices and use props to maintain children's focus. Babies are keen to take turns to lift flaps in books. Older children access reference books to find pictures of their favourite birds.
• Children show high levels of physical proficiency. Staff carefully plan outdoor opportunities to ensure children develop their physical skills. As a result, all children show excellent strength, coordination and control. Children make the most of woodland areas to climb, balance and dig. Toddlers enjoy pedalling tricycles around obstacles.
• Children's behaviour is exceptional. They thrive by having clear boundaries and routines. Staff are reassuring and encourage turn-taking. For example, they use sand timers to help children understand when their time has finished with a popular toy. Children show kindness. They help each other to put on coats and tidy away toys. They hold hands and wait patiently in line for their turn to climb trees.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are extremely well supported. Leaders are knowledgeable and skilled in the early identification of children with SEND. They promptly implement strategies to support children and use extra funding to target gaps in development. Staff use sign language, visual prompts and one-to-one sessions to support children's learning.
• Parents are incredibly happy with the service provided by the nursery. They say their children make 'fantastic' progress and love attending. Parents comment that they 'completely trust and value' nursery staff. They say that staff provide 'a genuine atmosphere of love and care'.
• The manager is an inspirational leader. She drives forward improvement with clear sight and ambition. She nurtures a culture of professional development and well-being for staff. As a result, staff feel incredibly well supported and show high levels of enthusiasm in their role. Training is well targeted and has an immediate impact on staff's practice.