The Little Ripley Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

There is a very happy and friendly atmosphere at this nursery. The sound of contented, engaged, and motivated children fills the building. Staff are kind, caring and responsive to children's individual needs. This helps children to flourish and develop warm and trusting bonds with their key person and each other. Staff have high expectations for all children. As a result, all children, including those with special educations needs and /or disabilities (SEND), make good progress in their learning in relation to their individual starting points.

Children behave well. Staff act as good role models and remind children of the rules of good behaviour. This helps even the youngest of children learn to share and take turns. Staff help young children develop their early communication skills. They read stories and sing songs to children encouraging them to join in. Toddlers are encouraged to develop their independence. Staff encourage them to manage simple tasks for themselves such as feeding themselves and taking care of their own self care needs, such as wiping their nose with a tissue. Older children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend in the garden. Staff encourage children to use their imaginations and children excitedly hunt for hidden treasure and make mud cakes with items collected outdoors.

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

• The quality of teaching is good. Staff have a good understanding of how young children learn and develop. They plan a range of exciting activities and experiences that engage and motivate children. Staff know the children well and know where children are in their development. However, while staff are able to discuss the curriculum intentions, their teaching does not always focus on what they want children to learn next.
• Children with SEND are supported well. Staff use their observations and assessments to ensure any gaps in learning are identified and acted upon. They work closely with parents and other professionals to create a plan to support children's individual needs. This helps children to make the progress they are capable of.
• Promoting children's communication and language skills is a particular strength of this nursery. Staff frequently engage children in conversations and discussions. Children are encouraged to share their ideas and thoughts. Staff value what children contribute. Children become confident communicators and are able to express their needs and wants. They confidently talk to visitors and happily share their experiences.
• Parents are happy with the care their children receive. They say that the staff are friendly and supportive. They value the feedback they receive about their child's time spent at the nursery. Parents say their children are happy and enjoy attending. They would recommend the nursery to other parents.
• Staff express how well supported they are in their roles. New staff benefit from a thorough inductions to ensure they quickly become familiar with their roles and responsibilities. Other staff benefit from regular supervision meetings with managers and ongoing training. This helps to build on their already good knowledge and skills.
• Staff promote children's good health. Nutritious and well-balanced meals are provided by the onsite cook. These take into consideration children's individual dietary needs. Staff ensure robust procedures are followed when administering medication children may need. Children are reminded of the importance of following good hand hygiene routines, such as washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating meals.
• Children have opportunities to develop their physical skills. Younger children are encouraged to feed themselves with a spoon. Toddlers enjoy negotiating the steps on the indoor climbing frame. Pre-school children excitedly race around the track in the garden riding a range of wheeled toys. Children of all ages enjoy using a range of mark-making tools, such as crayons, paints, and other malleable substances to experience different textures while strengthening their smaller hand muscles.
• Leaders and managers have a good oversight of the nursery. They monitor the overall effectiveness to ensure the required standards are maintained. The required staff-to-child ratios are maintained, and staff supervise children well to ensure they are kept safe.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• support staff to have a clearer understanding of what they what the children to learn during some adult-led activities to help children make even more progress in their learning.