Summerhill's Little Treasures

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in this nursery. They show enthusiasm and high levels of engagement in activities. They flourish from the very strong attachments to staff, who are extremely attentive to children's needs. Staff tailor the stimulating and engaging curriculum around children's individual needs. As a result, all children make exceptional progress in their learning and development. Children show excitement and curiosity as they confidently explore the broad range of activities and experiences available to them. They are eager to share their knowledge, and confidently recall past experiences.

Children learn from an early age to be independent. They are fully encouraged by staff to make choices and are given time to explore and practise key skills. For example, younger children are encouraged to independently peel the skin off an orange and put their straw into a milk carton. Older children put on their own coats and practise pulling up their zips.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders and staff have worked exceptionally hard to close gaps in children's communication and personal, social and emotional skills. This has had a significant impact on children's development and progress. Staff work in close partnership with the school. They regularly reflect on the skills children need for the next stages in their learning. As a result, children are extremely well prepared for starting school.

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

• Highly trained, outstanding leaders and staff construct a strong, ambitious curriculum, which is well sequenced and thoroughly embedded throughout the nursery. They plan for children's next steps in learning around children's individual interests. The highly knowledgeable staff weave these next steps throughout children's daily play. They ensure that children embed these skills before moving them on to the next stage. As a result, children make exceptional progress from their starting points.
• Promoting children's communication and language skills is a priority at the nursery. Staff model sophisticated word use to promote vocabulary growth. All children undergo screening through a local authority initiative tool at the start of each term, to assess the progress in their communication skills. If any gaps are identified, a plan of support is swiftly implemented. As a result, all children make rapid progress and become confident in their communication skills.
• Staff support children's early reading development through fostering a love of books, songs and rhymes. Staff sing throughout the day to support children's understanding of routines and transition times. During story time, staff read with expression and enthusiasm. Children ask questions and comment on the story they are listening to. Children confidently recall some key elements of their favourite books. Staff recognise the benefit of sharing children's love of books. The well-used lending library encourages children to choose books to take home and share with their families.
• Staff are excellent role models. They are calm and show genuine respect and interest when engaging in conversation with children. These positive behaviours are reflected in the way children socially interact with one another. All children behave exceptionally well and show kindness and consideration towards their friends. For example, when looking at books, children ask if their friend has finished before taking a book, politely saying please and thank you.
• Partnerships with parents are exceptional. Parents took time out of their working day to come and meet with the inspector as they think so highly of the setting, staff and everything they do for their children. Staff communicate with parents in an effective way. Parents feel fully informed about their child's progress and development.
• Managers have a strong ambition and encourage staff training and support through dedicated supervision activities. Staff are able to identify their training needs in order to enhance the outcomes for children. Highly effective monitoring by the leaders ensures the quality of teaching is consistently outstanding.
• Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is outstanding. Leaders are meticulous in ensuring children receive targeted support. They regularly liaise with parents and external agencies who may be involved with the child's care. This approach ensures that children make the very best progress.