The Growing Tree Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive happy and settle well for their day with the support of caring and welcoming staff. Staff provide a variety of interesting resources and equipment to support children's development in all areas of learning. They plan activities to build on what children already know. For example, children show an interest in builders and construction sites, and staff help them to learn more about the tools that builders use, such as the spirit level. Staff encourage children to explore tools and find out for themselves what they can be used for. This supports children's thinking and problem-solving skills very well. Staff enrich children's learning based on their interests and the experiences available to them outside of the setting.

Staff want children to achieve all that they can. They help them to develop important skills so that they are well prepared to move on to school. Overall, all children make good progress from their starting points. Children show that they feel secure as they explore the environment happily. They behave well and follow instructions. Staff are good role models of the behaviour they expect. They help children to get to know routines, which helps them to feel safe and settled. Staff encourage older children to self-register their attendance. This helps to support children to gain a sense of belonging.

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

• Staff support children's language and communication skills well. For example, they use a range of props to help to bring stories to life. Children develop a love for books as they listen attentively to familiar stories. Staff engage with children, help them to concentrate and introduce new vocabulary. Children join in regular singing and rhythmic sessions. They use a range of musical instruments, while staff play the guitar for them. This helps children to remain focused and excited about their learning.
• Key persons know their children well. They use timely assessments and observations to plan for children's next steps in learning. Staff provide activities that reflect the planned learning intentions and children's interests well. However, there are times when bank staff are not fully aware of children's skills and abilities. This means that although children are stimulated and provided with quality interactions, their learning is not always supported and extended as much as possible.
• Children's physical development is well supported. They run, balance, jump and climb while outside. Children practise the use of different tools and materials. Staff provide children with many opportunities for them to strengthen their small muscles. For instance, they explore with sand, play dough, paint and make detailed drawings.
• Children learn about how to be healthy and benefit from regular vigorous physical activities. Children eat healthy, nutritious and balanced meals. Staff remind children to stay hydrated. However, on occasion, the organisation of some parts of a day is not fully effective. At times, staff have not fully considered how they can deploy themselves more effectively so they can sustain children's engagement at less-structured times, such as during preparation for lunch.
• Older children learn to manage their self-care needs on their own. For instance, they use the toilet themselves and dress up for outdoor play. Children happily help with small tasks, such as putting toys away after an activity. This helps them to gain a sense of responsibility and prepares them for the next stages of their learning.
• Staff support children's mathematical language and knowledge very well. Children happily explore shapes and measures, as they play with water and practise pouring. Staff help children to use rulers to measure the length and height of their creative constructions.
• The manager evaluates practice well and swiftly makes plans to address any identified weaknesses. Staff feel valued and supported by the management team. They speak about the regular training and supervision meetings, which help them to ensure that they stay up to date with their knowledge of the requirements.
• Staff work well with parents to keep them informed about their children's progress. Parents report that they receive regular updates and support on how to continue learning at home. Parents praise the welcoming and caring staff, who help children to settle well and quickly.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• enhance the information shared with bank staff so that they can support children's learning more effectively
• review the organisation of the nursery day to ensure that children remain fully engaged and their learning is maximised.