The Little Lighthouse Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The nursery is a pack-away setting that offers a main play space, sensory room and vast outdoor area. Children choose between the areas in which they play, making their own choices and engaging in physical risky play both indoors and outdoors. Families are welcomed into the setting, and children demonstrate their high levels of confidence as they say 'goodbye' to their parents and join their friends. Parents praise the excellent communication and partnership working at this setting.

Staff monitor children's progress closely and communicate with parents about concerns that may arise. Where staff identify children are progressing below what is expected of their age, they quickly implement learning opportunities to help children progress quicker. For example, children take part in reading and singing activities that support their speech and language development well. Overall, children demonstrate excellent language skills and are confident to talk to visitors at the setting.

Children demonstrate an excellent understanding of the rules and boundaries in place, especially when outdoors. Staff talk about being safe, and children listen carefully. For example, children fully understand where they are allowed to go outdoors, even though there is no physical boundary. Children's behaviour is good. They play together in small groups and invite peers to join them. When children have a disagreement, staff intervene and use sand timers to support children to take turns and share resources.

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

• Reading is at the heart of this provision. Staff take time to read to children on a one-to-one basis, as well as reading in small groups each day. Children are excited to read with a staff member, and they eagerly choose a story. They listen carefully, ask questions and staff initiate conversations about the pictures they can see. Children develop a strong love of reading and, as they progress, they begin to recognise singular words and sounds. Furthermore, books are displayed in all areas of the provision to spark children's interests and attention, and children enjoy looking at books independently during their play.
• The setting is a communication friendly environment, with small cosy areas for children to talk to their peers. Staff are thoughtful about the way furniture is placed to maximise the opportunities for conversation. Staff provide multiple group times throughout the day that focus on language development and children's understanding of emotions. Children are excited to share with the group how they are feeling today and are proud of themselves for sharing their own thoughts. They listen to their peers and staff, developing a high level of confidence in their communication skills.
• Children develop their physical skills when preparing their own snack. Under close supervision, children use knives to cut their own fruit, develop important mathematics skills when counting the pieces and learn about the world around them as they discuss where the fruit has come from.
• Outdoors, children practise their large motor skills as they ride scooters and bikes. They negotiate space and gain core-strength as they balance. Furthermore, staff talk to children about risks, and children learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, staff encourage children to wear helmets, and when riding the scooter over a ramp, staff ask, 'Does that feel safe for you?' Children take time to think and choose a safe option.
• The management team is reflective and recognises the strengths in staff's practice. Furthermore, they understand the benefits of discussing their observations with staff to build their confidence and strengthen their practice to a high standard. However, at times, the quality of staff's interactions with children is inconsistent, particularly in the sensory room and outside. Therefore, occasionally, children's levels of engagement and attention are not at the highest level.
• The management team is passionate about providing children with a vast range of experiences and opportunities during their early years. They provide French and violin lessons, as well as football coaching and many different outings in the local community. Children learn about the world around them, meet new people and learn new skills.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• enhance the quality of staff's interactions with children, particularly in the sensory room and outside, so children are supported to remain highly engaged in purposeful learning.