The Elmfield Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are extremely happy and excited to arrive at this wonderful nursery. Every child receives an exceptionally warm welcome, which makes them feel cherished and valued. Staff fully appreciate the importance children place on treasured belongings brought from home, and show great kindness as they acknowledge their special and irreplaceable worth. This supports a child's self-esteem and emotional security. There are remarkable relationships between the staff and children, through which very special bonds are formed.

Children are excellent communicators. They chat confidently with staff and with one another. They respond to the thoughtful questions staff pose, and use descriptive language in their conversation. Children share information about a prized possession in 'Show and Tell' sessions. This helps develop their self-confidence and understand what makes them unique. Staff are highly skilled in supporting language development, and children make excellent progress.

Staff are extremely respectful of children, and agreement from children is sought when deciding to end or change activities. This shows children that their opinions are valued and important. As a result, children's behaviour is excellent. They develop splendid social skills. Children have high levels of respect for each other and there is a harmonious atmosphere. They work effectively together as a team. For example, children working collaboratively to build a townscape, offer resources to each other and suggest tips to help with construction. They are extremely kind and caring to one another. When a child trips in the garden, another child immediately helps them up and offers to 'rub the knee better'.

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

• The passionate and committed management team shows commendable dedication to supporting children's learning. Self-evaluation is embedded within the setting. Staff continually reflect upon the quality of the provision and make any possible improvements. The inspirational manager works with the staff team to create a shared ethos and a drive for excellence. Staff well-being is prioritised, and staff say they feel well supported and valued.
• Staff create an atmosphere that is calm and inspiring. Children are settled and engrossed in their play. The expertly chosen resources offer children opportunities to extend their knowledge and experiences. Staff plan the activities meticulously, building on previous learning, which ensures that children know and remember more. For example, in outdoor play, children use water and containers to learn about mathematical concepts of volume. Children discuss what they already know about container sizes and the water they can hold. The staff expertly extend the learning, knowing when to step back to allow children to take the lead. This helps children to develop positive attitudes to learning.
• There is a strong focus on developing children's communication and language skills throughout the nursery. Children are captivated by books at every age, and staff competently support their interest, introducing puppets and picture cards to enhance children's experiences. Staff and older children create their own stories, and record them in hand-made books, which the children illustrate. Children demonstrate a deep love of reading. Staff are highly skilled communicators, and every chance is taken to support a language-rich environment. For example, staff and children sing happily together at every opportunity, and the children initiate singing with confidence and flair.
• Children have excellent opportunities to learn about being healthy. For example, they wash their hands on arrival and are reminded to do so throughout the day. Children become increasingly independent with their self-care. For example, children serve themselves at lunchtimes, and enquire of each other whether they can serve them too. They understand the food is healthy, and express a willingness to try vegetables they have not tasted before.
• Partnerships with parents are highly effective. Parents enthuse about the support they receive from the setting. They value the wonderful opportunities that their children experience. They feel fully informed about the children's learning though online diaries, comprehensive handovers, and parents' evenings. One parent commented, 'the attention on each child's developmental stage and milestone is astounding.'
• Processes are in place to identify and support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff are rigorous in their assessment of children, so that needs can be identified quickly. There are experienced specialist staff in place. Staff are knowledgeable about how to recognise children who might need support, including those who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.