The Cornerstone Day Nursery and Preschool

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children develop close bonds with the staff and each other. This helps them to feel safe, relaxed and settled. Babies are reassured by a smile and cuddle with their key person when they start to feel unsettled. Children are encouraged to develop their confidence in new situations, such as learning to use the toilet more independently. Older children often contribute to conversations and talk confidently about their ideas during group activities. In the main, younger children enjoy listening to stories and show a growing interest in looking at books. Babies and children learn to use basic sign language alongside learning new words. This also helps them to begin to appreciate that people communicate in different ways.

Many children enjoy playing outdoors. They move around energetically and refine their control and strength when pedalling bicycles and ride-on cars. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) respond well to the direct support they receive. They show a determination to succeed with challenging tasks, such as using scissors and folding paper to fit into an envelope. Children play cooperatively together. For example, older children remind each other of the rules before lining up patiently to have a go at the hopscotch game.

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

• Staff play alongside children and support them to develop their imaginative thinking and creativity. For example, they help children to reorganise furniture and introduce real-life props to extend their role-play themes. Staff ask children questions as they play, which helps to extend their speaking skills and introduce new vocabulary.
• A wide range of tools and equipment are provided to help encourage children to develop their physical skills. Staff show children how to dunk paintbrushes into water and use them to make marks on the wall. This inspires children to strengthen their muscle control and learn to make more precise circular movements. Staff show a good understanding of how this will help children to develop the skills they need for writing in the future.
• There is a strong emphasis on supporting children's behaviour and independence skills. Staff make sure children have plenty of time and direct support to take the lead in managing their self-care, such as putting on their coats, serving food and tidying away toys. Children are proud to tell their key person that they have done something well, such as finding a cup for their friend.
• Staff complete accurate assessments of children's development and plan well for the next stages of their learning. They make good use of guidance from outside professionals when planning activities to support children with SEND. Overall, they demonstrate good teaching skills. However, there are times when activities, such as story times, are not adapted quickly enough to take account of the youngest children's developing levels of concentration.
• All children are provided with clear guidance about how to stay healthy. Staff model good hygiene practices and encourage children to wipe their noses and put used tissues in the bin. Furthermore, staff talk to children about the importance of brushing their teeth and avoiding sugary foods.
• Parents speak highly of the nursery and are particularly pleased with the care and support provided by their child's key person. They compliment staff for their good communication, provided in discussion and via the online system. Parents feel that their views are valued and acted upon when they make suggestions.
• There are effective arrangements in place for risk assessment and making sure the premises are secure. Managers and staff are vigilant in checking the identity of visitors and they ensure that children are well supervised.
• Leaders and managers monitor staff practice regularly and review the impact this has on children's achievements and progress. They encourage staff to share their views and ideas to improve the provision for children. Clear plans are in place for continuous professional development to help all staff build on their good knowledge and skills. Staff enjoy their roles and, despite recent changes in staffing, their morale is high.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• refine the implementation of group activities to enhance younger children's growing concentration and full participation.