The Discovery Pre-School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children at this setting are happy and behave well. They take turns on the slide and understand the importance of being kind to each other. Children are encouraged to take risks during play to develop confidence and self-esteem. Staff are always close by to support children when needed. Children are encouraged to be independent throughout the day. They are given numerous opportunities to practise skills such as pouring drinks, finding their own belongings, choosing activities and getting dressed. These are all skills children need to develop for their next stage of learning.

Children access a well-sequenced curriculum at the setting. Staff skilfully weave mathematical skills into children's play. When children are exploring the musical instruments and ribbons, they use dance and movement to teach children mathematical concepts, such as positional language and counting. There is a strong emphasis on communication and language throughout the setting. All staff use clear language and support children to communicate effectively. In doing so, children continuously show good progress. Staff understand the importance of early reading and encourage children to share stories. Children who speak English as an additional language are given extra support to develop their communication and language skills. They make good, fast progress.

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

• The setting provides families with a warm and inviting environment. The manager has a clear and ambitious vision for the setting. She has a plan in place to develop areas of improvement. The manager supports the team of staff through regular supervisions and ongoing well-being support. The manager understands the importance of staff morale and the impact it has on the setting and the children that attend. Training is focused and tailored to staff's needs. This is identified by the manager through ongoing supervision.
• A large proportion of children who attend this setting speak English as an additional language. There are many languages spoken within the setting. The manager is keen to celebrate everyone's individual cultures. The setting holds a celebration day where all children and parents are invited. Children demonstrate their understanding and awareness that everyone is different through kindness and appreciation. All children are provided with an education that teaches them about the world they live in. Children learn about different cultures, languages and the people around them, developing an understanding of modern British values.
• The setting promotes healthy eating. Staff encourage parents to provide a healthy packed lunch for children and give them the relevant information to support this. Children are encouraged to eat certain foods first. However, staff do not discuss the reason why with the children. Staff also do not model these expectations. Therefore, children do not learn enough about the importance of being healthy and what effect it has on their body.
• The setting ensures strong relationships are formed with all parents and children. They provide families with home-learning packs to promote a love of reading. Each child chooses a book to take home to share with parents and siblings. Staff go above and beyond to support parents. They are aware of potential barriers and ensure all families are included and information is accessible. The setting fully understands the importance of the key-person role and provides children with an environment where they feel safe.
• Staff provide children with a range of learning across the early years foundation stage. Children have broad access to resources and are encouraged to be independent when making choices. Children have access to both indoor and outdoor learning environments, and there is also a sheltered outdoor area to encourage children to access the outdoors at all times. Staff use clear language and communication with children. However, they do not always use open-ended questions to encourage children's critical thinking and extend their learning.
• Staff provide exciting opportunities for physical development, early mathematics skills, reading and exploring the outdoor environment. However, they do not always provide engaging mark-making opportunities. Therefore, children do not choose to engage in these activities to develop early writing skills.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• teach children about the benefits of healthy eating to help them understand how they can keep themselves fit and well
• extend the use of open-ended questions to give children more opportunities to think critically and extend their learning
• develop opportunities for children to independently explore mark making and early writing throughout the day.