The Avenue Nursery Dronfield

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are happy and settled at this vibrant and welcoming nursery. They develop close bonds with the caring staff and show that they feel very safe and secure. Younger children go to staff for a reassuring cuddle, and older children readily turn to staff when they need help undoing their lunch boxes. Children respond positively to the high expectations of staff. They are active, curious and keen learners. Older children practise counting objects. They display resilience and resolutely try again if they get the wrong number. Younger children show a keen interest in literacy. They happily look at books independently and share stories with adults.

Children are independent, well behaved and choose their own play. They enjoy exploring play dough and learn to roll and shape the play dough in different ways to make a face. Children play in the well-resourced garden. They acquire early writing skills as they make marks in the sand pit, develop their imagination as they explore the mud kitchen, and improve their gross motor skills as they ride on tricycles. Children show curiosity as they explore the natural world. They examine slugs and worms using magnifying glasses and talk about what they can see.

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

• The manager and her team are passionate about their roles. They have a clear vision for providing high-quality care and learning for children. They have planned a broad curriculum, which children benefit from as it encompasses all areas of their development. Children demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and concentrate well on the activities that they have chosen. For example, they are highly focused and show attention to detail as they mix their own paint for their pictures.
• Staff monitor children's development closely, to identify their next steps in learning. They ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive effective support to make the best possible progress. For instance, staff work with children on a one-to-one basis to help them develop their physical skills. Staff work closely with parents and, where appropriate, with other professionals to draw up focused plans for children, to promote their learning and support them when they move on to school.
• Older children's fine motor skills are promoted well. Staff sit alongside children as they enjoy exploring a range of sensory activities. For example, children use a variety of tools and equipment to fill pots and buckets with sand. However, at times, staff can become preoccupied with daily tasks, such as cleaning, and miss opportunities to fully support children's learning.
• Staff model good language skills. They use lots of descriptive words to develop children's vocabulary. Staff sit alongside children in areas such as the home corner and join in with their play. However, they do not always make the most of opportunities to enable children to use words themselves, to further develop their communication and language skills.
• Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the nursery. They receive regular information about their children's progress, and staff share ideas to extend children's learning at home. Parents comment that the staff ensure they are looked after, as well as their children.
• Staff support children's understanding of personal hygiene needs. They promptly help younger children to wipe their nose and sensitively remind them of nappy changes. Older children independently use the toilet and understand that they need to wash their hands.
• Staff support children to understand about similarities and differences. For example, children have discussions about how they are the same or different to their peers. They behave well and develop an understanding and respect for others.
• The manager values her staff team and involves them in the organisation of their rooms. Staff have good opportunities to extend their knowledge and use training to develop their lead roles within the nursery. There is a strong focus on staff well-being. The manager ensures that all staff can talk openly and seek advice and support if needed. Staff meetings and in-house training are regularly provided. These help staff to feel valued.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• deploy staff consistently so that their time is spent with children and their focus is on children's learning
• develop staff interactions to provide greater support for children's communication and language skills as they play and learn.