The Gables Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children positively flourish in this exceptional setting. They confidently explore the very well-thought-out environment and eagerly participate in the meaningful activities staff provide. Children benefit from a sequenced curriculum, developed by the knowledgeable staff and based on their secure understanding of how children learn. Children's individual needs are wonderfully catered for. Staff understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many children experiencing speech and language delays. They use highly successful strategies, such as signing, to help develop children's communication skills. Staff model language very well. This helps children to quickly learn new words and become confident talkers. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make excellent progress. This prepares them very well for the next stage in their learning.

Staff treat children with the highest respect for their own unique characters. The kind and nurturing staff know the children extremely well. Children settle in quickly and form strong, trusting attachments with them. Their behaviour is exemplary and they happily take part in unrushed routines that enable them to practise their independence skills. For instance, children eagerly find their own shoes and sun hats and learn to put them on before going into the garden.

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

• The whole staff team is highly ambitious about providing quality care and education for all children, including those with SEND. When children need additional support, staff work in partnership with other agencies to meet their needs. Staff are highly experienced and well trained to understand the development of babies and toddlers. Teaching is consistently effective. Staff accurately assess each child and identify next steps in their learning.
• Staff make a range of enticing books available for children to choose throughout the setting. They provide a library for parents to share books with their children at home. Staff read to children in a way that excites them. Children join in with the stories with delight. For instance, they pretend to fly like butterflies when reading 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. Children quickly develop a strong interest in books and stories.
• Children have ample opportunities to develop their physical skills, both inside and in the well-equipped garden. Children water plants, build towers and help to make play dough by pouring and mixing. Staff regularly praise them for their efforts, and children relish in their achievements, as they clap and smile. Staff encourage children to take appropriate risks as they challenge themselves. This helps them to gain good control and coordination of their bodies.
• Staff introduce a range of different festivals and celebrations in an age- appropriate way. Children enjoy playing with scarves and headdresses during Diwali, for example. Staff regularly take children into the local area to visit farms and shops. Children are beginning to learn about the world around them and gain an understanding of different communities.
• Mealtimes are wonderfully sociable experiences. Babies and toddlers demonstrate high levels of self-control as they sit together with the staff. They learn to feed themselves and they take a keen interest in food. For example, they help to cut up fruit and vegetables to make smoothies. Staff are aware of the importance of healthy diets and they promote good oral hygiene. Children enjoy brushing their teeth and they pretend to do this in their play.
• The setting has very strong links with the local pre-school and the primary school. Before children move on to the pre-school, they have opportunities to visit with their key-person. Staff also support them to get used to new routines, for example sleeping on mats instead of in cots.
• Parents are extremely happy with the education and care provided at the setting. Staff keep parents well informed about their children's progress and how to support them at home. Parents report that they are impressed with how well their children's development progresses. They value the warm and professional staff and the genuine bonds they make with their children.