The Co-operative Childcare Woolwich

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive happy and eager to attend nursery. They form secure attachments with staff, which helps them feel safe. Staff have high expectations for all children and are attentive to their needs. For instance, staff cuddle children when they are upset. All children are confident and independent. They engage well with a stimulating curriculum and are active learners. Children play with their friends and engage with adults during activities. For instance, older children listen intently as staff shout out the countdown during running races outside. This helps to build on their early mathematical skills.

Babies enjoy songs and rhymes. They take great delight identifying each others' photographs during circle time. Children's behaviour is good. They are kind and listen to their friends. For instance, older children confidently recall events and talk about their activities during their Easter break. Younger children share ideas about how they would like to drive their cars down the wooden slope. They explore cause and effect and experiment with different sizes and speeds of cars. Staff skilfully extend children's learning. They provide resources for children to stick paper on the slope and draw road maps. Children are inquisitive and build on their language skills.

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

• Children have a good understanding of the daily routines. For example, they help to tidy up before transitions and wash their hands before snack and mealtimes. The manager has new systems in place to help build on children's independence skills. For instance, young children serve their own cereal and pour their water. Older children line up and serve themselves their lunch.
• Children have a good understanding of their allergies and preferences. They know which colour bowl they can take their food from. This helps to keep children safe. However, staff do not manage the waiting times before lunch well. This means that children sit for long periods of time and become distracted.
• The ambitious manager and staff know children within this very diverse nursery well. They gather information about families before children start. For example, staff create a display to reflect the nationalities and languages of families within the nursery. Children enjoy participating in special religious activities throughout the year. However, staff do not maximise opportunities for children to learn about each other's languages, cultures, similarities and differences. This does not consistently help children to develop a greater awareness of their uniqueness and diversity.
• The quality of education is good. For instance, children choose stories for staff to read. They sit in groups and cosy areas listening attentively. Staff in the baby room model 'thank you' using sign language to support young children's communication and language skills. However, staff do not consistently use opportunities to extend and challenge older children to develop their early literacy skills. For example, staff do not use strategies, such as visual props or literature, to support children's discussions during circle time. This does not support all children to consistently build on what they already know and extend their readiness for school.
• Staff are good role models. Children develop a good understanding of how their actions impact others. For instance, pre-school children spend time discussing their feelings. Young children ask to use the sand timer so they know when it is their turn. Children show high levels of respect for others. Their behaviour is good. Children make good progress from their starting points in learning, including funded children and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• The new manager is supported well by the senior team. She works closely with staff to drive improvements forward. Partnership with parents is effective. For example, parents appreciate the regular meetings and the opportunity to give their input. This helps to provide good experiences for children and families.
• Children use all their senses as they free-flow inside and outdoors. For example, children enjoy digging in the sand and searching for sea creatures under the water. Babies experiment with foam using their hands and different tools. Children build on their physical skills and develop a good sense of awe and wonder.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• support staff during mealtime routines to ensure that children are not waiting for extended periods of time and make the most of all learning opportunities
• strengthen opportunities for children to learn about languages and cultures and build on their understanding of diversity outside their own community
• extend staff's teaching of early literacy skills so that all children benefit from consistently high-quality learning experiences that promote their good progress.