The Fun Hub

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The quality of education for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), is exceptional. The curriculum intent and implementation are embedded securely and consistently across the nursery. Children's early communication, language and literacy skills are given the highest priority. When children are at earlier stages of development than expected, they are supported well to catch up, which they do.

Babies show their learning as they independently use signs alongside words to say 'thank you' to staff. Toddlers ask questions as staff read to them, showing their engagement and interest in the story. They pick up cards, name the animals they see and match these to the photos in the book. Pre-school children name the first initial of their friend's name and then spell this letter using hand movements. Children demonstrate very well what they remember and have learned.

Staff support children to understand their feelings and emotions. Children learn how their behaviour has an impact on others. They very politely ask their friends if they can have the paint that they are using. Children respond positively to each other and share their resources well. They demonstrate their positive attitudes to learning through high levels of concentration and enjoyment in their play.

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

• Staff are very skilled at delivering an inclusive and ambitious curriculum. All children, including those with SEND and high achievers, are provided with the challenge that they need. As a result, all children experience success in their learning.
• Stories, songs and rhymes are at the heart of the curriculum. Staff select high-quality texts to develop children's language skills and a love of books. This includes books to support children's emotional well-being. A lending library is also available to parents to enhance continuity of learning between the nursery and home.
• Staff ensure that all children, including those with SEND, learn alongside their friends. Additionally, they offer bespoke sessions closely tailored to children's individual needs. Children with SEND clap pretend bricks together to help develop their hand and arm muscles. They enjoy the sensory experience of water on their hands. Children with SEND experience progress in their learning, such as feeding themselves with a spoon.
• Staff go above and beyond what is expected to support children with SEND. The level of training they undertake and knowledge they have about individual children's conditions and needs is amazing. Staff complete language programmes that help to ensure that every child's voice is heard. They collaborate exceptionally well with a host of professionals. Funding is used well to support children's outcomes. Additionally, there are strong links with local schools. This helps to ensure the right level of support follows children into their next stage of education.
• Staff encourage children to learn through practical first-hand activities. For instance, toddlers show great engagement as they independently use brushes to apply paint to paper. Toddlers know that mixing red and blue paint together creates the colour purple. They delight in stepping in paint to create their own butterflies using their feet. This is following the story 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. Staff use books well to inspire children's learning and to extend their vocabulary.
• Mathematics is sequenced throughout the nursery. For example, babies independently count from one to six and then on to ten with help from staff. Toddlers count their toes as they paint their feet. They learn words such as ginormous and tiny. Older children and those with SEND recognise shape as they play alongside staff.
• Thorough recruitment and vetting procedures are in place. Leaders ensure that highly effective and meaningful engagement takes place with staff at all levels. Leaders give staff extra breaks where they may need to step away from the demands of the job. They organise social events and employee of the month awards. Leaders consider staff's well-being very effectively.
• Leaders place children and families at the centre of everything they do. Events such as barbecues for Father's Day and special lunches for Mother's Day take place. Staff support parents with weaning and healthy eating for their children. Feedback from parents is overwhelmingly positive. Leaders and staff are united in providing the highest quality education and care to children. Also, they are united in their pursuit of constant improvement for all children and families.