The Courtyard Nursery School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Staff create exceptionally close bonds with children at this nurturing nursery. They talk about the children with pride and joy, and parents feel that the staff love their children as if they were their own. Children are extremely happy and confident at the nursery. For example, they approach visitors to show them their favourite toys or ask them questions. This shows that the children feel very safe and assured within their environment. Staff have consistently high and clear expectations of children's behaviour. They frequently and sensitively explain to children why behaviour rules are in place and talk about the impact that their behaviour has on others. For example, when a child raises their leg on the carpet, a staff member explains how this may impact on the person next to them.

The curriculum is rich, broad and highly responsive to each child. It is based on staff's in-depth knowledge of the children's individual needs, interests and experiences. Staff provide a highly stimulating environment, which helps them to deliver their intended curriculum exceptionally well. They plan exciting activities that interest and inspire the children. For example, babies explore herbs and play dough, and older children plant and grow their own herbs and sunflowers. Staff organise an extensive range of high-quality natural and man-made resources for children to self-select. This ignites children's curiosity, investigative and problem-solving skills as they develop a sense of awe and wonder about the world. Children flourish at this nursery and are well prepared for their next stage in learning.

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

• All staff have an excellent understanding of the curriculum priorities and what they mean for their practice. They skilfully observe, assess and plan for children's next steps in learning. They plan challenging activities with accurate and clear learning intentions, which they implement precisely. This ensures that children's individual needs are catered for exceptionally well and that gaps in learning are swiftly identified and acted on.
• Staff expertly use highly effective teaching techniques. For example, babies benefit from clear and explicit modelling of how to roll, pinch and stretch play dough. This helps them to understand new concepts and attempt new skills. Older children engage in deep discussions with staff about their interests and experiences. For example, one child spoke about the tall buildings he saw on holiday. Staff later refer to this when building towers from cubes and encourage him to draw a picture of the buildings. This helps children to connect their experiences and makes learning meaningful.
• Staff place a strong emphasis on children's emotional well-being. Children learn to recognise, name and understand their emotions through story times, activities and interactions. When a child struggles to regulate their emotions, staff take swift and compassionate action to support them. This creates a calm and respectful environment where every child is valued and able to thrive.
• Developing a love for books and reading is at the heart of the curriculum. Cosy and attractive book corners are provided in every room and outside area. Throughout the day, staff read high-quality books and orally retell traditional tales such as 'The Gingerbread Man'. They use soft toys, props and gestures that excite, engage and help children to understand new ideas, concepts and vocabulary.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive excellent support. Specialist staff work closely with parents and external professionals to ensure children receive the support they need so that they make remarkable progress.
• Leaders and managers are passionate about the service they provide. They are highly skilled and knowledgeable. They continuously disseminate their expertise across the team through supervisions, regular meetings and ongoing, focused and highly effective professional development. Leaders encourage and give time for staff to progress to the next level of their career. Practitioners' subject knowledge and practice consistently build and develop over time and lead to highly qualified and motivated staff.
• Parents are extremely complimentary about the nursery. They are 'amazed' with what their children learn and the progress they make. Parents feel they are kept very well informed about their children's learning and experiences, and they are invited into the setting daily and for special events. Many families have had children attend since the nursery opened, and parents regularly recommend it to family and friends.