Teeny Tots Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children demonstrate good levels of independence as they explore the nursery environments. Older children access resources they want to use to enhance their play experiences. They collect a clipboard and pencil to write food orders in the role-play area, which staff have currently set up as a cafe. Babies have many opportunities to explore their homely environment. Staff arrange the furniture and floor space so babies can safely crawl or pull themselves up to move around the room.

Nursery leaders ensure that children get off to a good start. They find out relevant information, such as children's interests and care needs, as part of the induction arrangements. Children settle quickly into the nursery routines. They make strong attachments with staff, especially their key person. Staff are very quick to respond if a child needs a cuddle or some reassurance. Children show, by their good behaviour, that they feel happy and safe.

Nursery leaders place a high priority on supporting children with their language development. They review and adapt the curriculum to ensure that all children have the appropriate levels of support they need to progress. Staff plan specific activities that help children to develop their understanding of words and communicate their needs.

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

• Staff sensitively support children who sometimes find it difficult to share and take turns. They talk to children about their frustrations, to help them to find solutions together. Children begin to develop the skills to express and manage their emotions. They start to understand the needs of others, which helps them to make friends and play cooperatively.
• Staff promote children's early mathematical skills. They encourage children to count the blocks they are using to build towers. Children learn to sequence and recognise some numbers. They confidently use appropriate language to compare the sizes of different objects. Staff teach children the shapes of common objects. Children can name some shapes, such as 'circle' and 'square', and begin to recognise their unique properties.
• Nursery leaders invite visitors, such as dental nurses and emergency services, into the nursery to talk to children about their jobs. Children show much interest in learning how these people support their local community. However, the curriculum offers limited opportunities for children to understand the cultural diversity of the modern world.
• Staff read stories and sing songs with children throughout the day. Babies learn simple musical rhymes. They make good attempts at joining in with the actions that accompany the rhymes. Older children select their favourite songs and confidently sing the words they have memorised. There are always books available for children to access independently in the environment.
• Parents and carers are very positive in their views. They praise the professional, caring staff team. Parents and carers say their children are well cared for and thrive in the nursery. They value the regular updates they receive about children's achievements. Parents say their children are well prepared for starting school.
• Staff undertake mandatory training to meet requirements, such as safeguarding and food hygiene. They report that they feel well supported to carry out their roles and maintain a healthy work and home-life balance. However, nursery leaders are currently less focused on developing staff's existing skills and knowledge, to raise teaching to the highest levels.
• Nursery leaders have high aspirations for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They work closely with parents and professionals to ensure that children get the additional support they need in a timely manner. Children are able to access the curriculum and continue to make progress in their learning and development.
• Children learn about the positive choices that contribute to healthy lifestyles. They spend time outside where they are physically active. Staff teach children the importance of washing their hands and brushing their teeth to promote their good health. The nursery cook prepares a range of nutritious snacks and meals that children obviously enjoy.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• plan opportunities for children to learn about different cultural communities that shape the rich diversity of the modern world
• strengthen the professional development arrangements for staff, to focus on enhancing their teaching skills, so the quality of education is consistently outstanding across the nursery.