The Lime Trees at Crossdale Primary School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive with smiles and eagerly join their friends in a welcoming song. They confidently follow the nursery's arrival routine, showing independence and self-assurance. Their faces light up with joy as staff offer praise and encouragement. These friendly interactions and familiar routines foster children's strong sense of belonging in the nursery. As a result, children are emotionally secure and demonstrate a strong motivation to learn.

Children show excellent attitudes towards their learning. They follow their interests and engage in play without delay. Staff boost children's knowledge and skills by interacting thoughtfully, modelling effectively and providing sensitive support. For instance, when children spot a minibeast's habitat, staff encourage them to share their ideas and help to lift the heavy log as instructed. This collaborative approach enables children to test and reinforce their predictions. This sharpens children's thinking skills and fosters a greater understanding of the natural world.

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They listen closely and follow staff's instructions. This shows that children understand and respect the rules that keep them safe. In the woodland area, when staff say, 'One, two, three, come back to me', children stop and return right away. Their calm and friendly behaviour helps to make a positive learning space where everyone feels safe and valued.

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

• Children are highly confident communicators who express their ideas clearly and listen attentively. Staff spark lively discussions with them, introducing new words and inspiring deeper thinking. For example, during outdoor exploration, staff ask thought-provoking questions such as 'What might live under this log?' These interactions extend children's thinking and help them acquire rich language. As a result, children confidently use their language and communication skills in daily life.
• Children demonstrate strong mathematical understanding. Staff provide hands-on activities that allow children to explore concepts in meaningful ways. For example, children create patterns and designs using natural materials such as leaves, conkers and pine cones. They also use mathematical terms such as 'full', 'empty' and 'more' when carrying water in jugs to make mud. Through these real-life experiences, children develop a solid understanding of patterns, capacity, volume and problem-solving.
• Leaders and staff have high aspirations and provide the best possible experiences for all children. They work closely with parents and carers and external agencies to create effective and personalised plans for children. This helps all children to experience an ambitious curriculum. Staff use additional funding well to provide resources. This helps to remove barriers to learning and support children with specific needs. This inclusive approach enables all children to make excellent progress and reach their full potential.
• Children show high levels of emotional maturity and care for others. They play harmoniously, taking turns and cooperating during activities. Staff model kindness and empathy, helping children to understand how their actions affect others. When playing hide and seek, staff and children work together to find good hiding spots. They make sure that everyone is included and has a place to hide. As a result, children develop strong social skills, empathy and self-regulation. This supports their readiness for future learning and life beyond the nursery.
• Staff expertly support children to develop independence in their personal skills. They know children well and tailor their support to maximise children's progress. Staff encourage children to take their time when dressing after using the toilet, with caring reassurance. Children develop greater self-sufficiency and take pride in managing their own self-care.
• Children demonstrate excellent physical skills. Staff consistently find innovative ways to enhance their fine motor control. For example, children use tweezers to pick up minibeasts with precision and control. As a result, children gain confidence in their fine motor skills. This helps them to gain independence in daily tasks and prepares them for future writing.
• Staff build strong and trusting relationships with children and their families. Parents say that staff show genuine care and respect for their beliefs and values. Staff ask parents with care how to include religious celebrations. They also use important keywords from children's home languages within the nursery. This inclusive approach helps children and their families to feel valued and respected. As a result, children develop confidence in their identity. They embrace new experiences and approach new challenges with assurance.
• School representatives commend the nursery, noting that children start school with 'impeccable learning behaviours'. Staff collaborate with the school to ensure smooth transitions. This helps children to settle and build positive relationships with their new teachers, fostering their confidence. As a result, children begin school confident in their new surroundings and eager to learn.