Tarporley Pre-School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children flourish in this extremely warm and welcoming setting. They quickly form strong bonds with peers and staff, which gives them a sense of belonging. Staff are always close by with words of support and they encourage children to use their critical thinking skills. For example, when children cannot balance their tower, staff offer possibilities and work with children to find a solution. Consequently, children are resilient and eager to learn. Staff are extremely successful at creating a culture that enables children to develop their emotional literacy to the highest level. They give children ample time to express their thoughts and feelings. This helps children to feel safe and secure. For instance, children confidently speak about past events and what has made them joyful or anxious.

Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff skilfully teach children right from wrong and help them to understand the consequences of their actions. Those who are unable to manage their behaviour when they first arrive at nursery receive targeted support and reassurance. As a result, their behaviour improves significantly.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff went above and beyond to stay in touch with all families. They provided a wealth of resources to support the continuation of children's learning at home. Children's personal, social and emotional development were given a high priority. For example, children received twice-weekly phone calls with their key person and additional time to settle after their absences.

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

• All staff know the children exceedingly well. They collect a wealth of information from parents and spend time getting to know children before they start. They use this information to provide exciting learning opportunities from the outset. Staff use precise ongoing assessments to identify and close gaps in children's learning and development swiftly. Consequently, all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make exceptional progress from their starting points.
• Children benefit from experiences that are based on their interests and are of exceptional quality. They are extremely confident and instigate their own play. For example, children use their vivid imaginations to design their own shields and build tall castles, which they defend while pretending to be knights.
• Staff are highly skilled in supporting children's early language and communication. They model language exceptionally well and continually introduce new words that build on children's vocabulary. Staff work with other professionals, such as speech therapists, to implement effective strategies to help children who may need additional support. As a result, all children are confident and articulate.
• Children demonstrate a love for literacy. Staff enthusiastically read stories while children recall their favourite characters and join in with familiar phrases. Children use their imaginations to create and act out their own stories. They carefully consider what will happen next and how their stories might end.
• Children have many valuable opportunities to learn about the world around them. For example, children thoroughly enjoyed hatching ducklings and caring for caterpillars as part of their theme of life cycles. Children learn about the many people in the community who help them. For example, they learn from police officers, farmers and doctors about what they do. This helps to prepare children for life in modern Britain.
• Children's knowledge of how to lead a healthy lifestyle is inspiring. Children are excited to grow their own fruits and vegetables and talk about what they would like to take home for dinner. They make their own compost from leftover fruit peel and explain how it will 'feed' the plants. Children thoroughly enjoy their time outside. They develop their physical skills and learn to assess risks for themselves. For example, when riding down a slope they consider what might happen if they go too fast.
• The passionate leadership team has a clear vision for the nursery and provides exceptionally high-quality care and learning. Leaders give high priority to the views of staff, parents and children in developing the service provided. Staff have many opportunities to access a wide range of training and development opportunities that are tailored to meet their needs. They are very motivated and support each other to succeed in their roles. Staff feel highly valued as members of the team.
• Partnerships with parents are exemplary. Parents know precisely what their children are learning and appreciate the support they receive to help further extend their children's learning at home. They feel that their children are very well prepared for school and express 'enormous gratitude' for the kindness of the staff. Parents state that staff are 'like family' and praise the wonderful open communication.