The Kinderhouse Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Staff support children to become fully engaged and focused in their learning from the youngest age. Babies listen intently as staff read to them. Older children lead a group singing session and read a story to their friends, confidently engaging their peers' attention. Children demonstrate superb attitudes towards their play and learning. They show high self-esteem as they chat to staff about their future ambitions. Staff support children's aspirations and talents, children's artwork is displayed alongside that of Van Gogh to celebrate children's achievements. Staff implement consistent strategies to support children to understand and regulate their emotions. Children understand why rules are in place and remind their friends to follow those rules to keep themselves safe. Children behave very well.

Staff support children to become increasingly independent. Children manage their own self-care needs from a young age and learn key life skills as they eat meals with their friends. Children's individuality is celebrated as staff reference children's different backgrounds and heritage. Staff and children learn and use new words and phrases in a variety of languages. Children are curious about other languages and discuss with staff how they can find out how to say tricky words. Parents are invited to read to children in their home languages. Outings in the local area and community involvement are integral to the nursery's offer. Children are involved in the local carnival and kite festival. They enjoy regular trips on the tram to visit and learn about the lifeboat service. Staff forge strong links in their community to enhance children's learning through a wide breadth of experiences. They promote an enthusiasm for what life has to offer.

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

• Staff are passionate and dedicated to offering all children exceptional experiences, this shines through every area of the nursery. The provider shows meticulous attention to detail and tireless dedication to attract and train high-quality staff. Consequently, children learn from each interaction as they experience the world through play and fun at the bright and busy nursery. Staff prepare children very well for their next steps in life.
• Staff well-being and training are key. Individually tailored staff training and welfare packages ensure that the staff team are well cared for. Consequently, staff morale and commitment to their roles are high as staff know their value as part of the team. This means that children benefit from consistently strong teaching by motivated and skilled staff, and make excellent progress.
• The provider's commitment to continual improvement is evident. They have implemented a parent forum where parents meet regularly to discuss and feedback their views about the nursery. The opinions of staff and children are also sought out and acted on. Continual feedback helps to ensure that children's experiences are planned with thought and purpose. This helps children to confidently develop their talents and personalities, building their self-esteem.
• Staff know children very well and tailor their teaching to support each child's interests and needs. Staff communicate continually with parents about their children's learning. The 'focus child' system ensures that all children's progress is monitored thoroughly and regularly. Children make exceptional progress across the broad and exciting curriculum.
• Staff ensure that children are well prepared for the next stage of their education. They arrange regular visits for children to their new schools. This means that children are familiar with staff and routines before they start. Staff focus on boosting children's listening and attention skills to help them develop the skills they will need to get the most benefit from school. Children talk with excitement about their move on to school.
• The provider ensures staff are champions of the curriculum to ensure that children are achieving maximum benefit in all areas of learning. For instance, the provider ensures staff focus on communication and language and implement internal interventions to close gaps in children's speech and language skills. This means that less external agency referrals are needed. Children catch up and exceed expectations quickly.
• Children with specific health needs, special educational needs and/or disabilities and those in receipt of additional funding are very well supported. Staff attend specific training to support children's needs. They work closely with a range of outside agencies to ensure that children have targeted and timely support. Therefore, all children make the best possible progress.
• Children's early mathematical skills are promoted as a key focus. Staff weave number and mathematical thinking throughout their teaching. Staff ask children how many seats they will need in their imaginary aeroplane and if they have remembered to count themselves. Consequently, young children are proficient at counting and confidently discuss mathematical concepts.
• Staff promote children's physical skills purposefully. Weekly sports sessions help children to learn specific physical skills. Children delight in regular rhythm and rhyme sessions where they sing, dance and practise tricky balances. Baby yoga helps babies to stretch and strengthen their muscles. Children quickly become proficient at and enjoy physical activity. This gives them a firm base from which to build healthy lifestyles.