The Learning Tree Childcare Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Staff are dedicated to helping children form strong bonds that allow them to flourish and thrive. They show children warmth and kindness, which is especially effective in supporting children who are moving on to new rooms. Children feel safe and secure. Staff engage with children actively and playfully, bringing joy to their playtime. They guide children in behaving well and encourage sharing and turn taking. Children play together harmoniously. This is evident, for example, when children work together during a story session or a painting activity outdoors.

Staff's curriculum strongly emphasises developing children's physical literacy. They use the spacious outdoor area effectively, which allows children to explore various physical movements. Children engage happily in age-appropriate activities, such as balancing, climbing and digging, which support their growth and development. Indoors, staff encourage children to sing and dance to music, which children enjoy very much. Additionally, staff focus on teaching children self-sufficiency skills. Over time, children learn to dress themselves, put on their shoes and self-serve at mealtimes. Children display strong independence skills. As a result of staff's efforts, children develop positive attitudes towards learning and acquire essential skills necessary for their next stage of education.

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

• The management team demonstrates strong knowledge and passion in their work with children. They set high expectations for staff, children and families. This enables them to provide high-quality care and education.
• The management team is very active within their community. They forge strong relationships with other professionals involved in children's care and education. This promotes a consistent approach to children's learning.
• Staff regularly observe and assess children's learning to identify any gaps. They are good at addressing concerns about children's personal, language and physical skills. All children, including those who speak English as an additional language, progress significantly from their starting points.
• Staff support children's communication and language skills well. There is a strong curriculum focus on promoting children's language skills and vocabulary through listening to and participating in stories. Staff read with great enthusiasm, capturing children's interest in the storyline, promoting excellent language comprehension. Children learn the skills they need to become confidence communicators.
• Staff describe the support they receive from the management team, professionally and personally, as 'amazing'. They have access to many training opportunities that promote their continuous professional development. Some staff have completed training that has enhanced their knowledge of creating a more calming environment. This has had a positive impact on children's behaviour. Children listen and follow staff's instructions well.
• Children have many opportunities to explore the world around them. They frequently visit an allotment to learn about plant cultivation and sustainability. Staff also take children to different parks to experience various weather conditions and observe environmental changes. These learning opportunities help to enhance children's knowledge of the world.
• Children, including babies, are enthusiastic learners, who enjoy being physically active. They develop and refine their stretching, balancing and coordination abilities with increasing proficiency. Children express happiness through smiles and hand clapping.
• The management team prioritises children's safety in the nursery. They work closely with their early years adviser to promptly address any safeguarding concerns that may arise.
• The management team consists of reflective practitioners. They continuously evaluate the learning environments to ensure that children are motivated to learn. Parents acknowledge staff's commendable efforts, such as in promoting equality and diversity. They find that staff are highly effective at teaching their children to develop life skills, including self-confidence and resilience. The management team acknowledges the need to explore additional ways to enhance communication with all parents.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• focus more precisely on engagement with parents that promotes an effective and mutually agreed two-way-flow of information sharing.