The Mulberry Tree Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive excited to start their day at this cosy and welcoming nursery. They separate well from their parents as friendly staff greet children warmly. Children safely explore the nursery environment with interest and curiosity. Children develop across all areas of learning through the varied activities on offer. They investigate the natural resources, carefully selected by staff to enhance dough-making activities. Children discover natural scents and learn about textures as they discuss the different ways to use these. Babies enjoy the thrill of sharing floor painting together and copy each other's actions. This helps children to create friendships and learn from each other.

Staff model respectful communication and encourage turn taking in conversations. Staff listen to children and give them time to think and respond. As a result of this, children learn to listen to each other. This helps them to have very good behaviour.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic staff have continued to support children and families with a variety of initiatives. They have introduced 'time for tea' sessions to encourage parents of the nursery and the local community to engage with each other. This contributes to a shared vision for a sense of community for everyone.

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

• The manager and provider have a clear vision of their curriculum. They focus on communication and language throughout the nursery. For example, children find their favourite stories and retell the story to staff. This helps children to build on what they already know. Children make progress in their personal, social and emotional development as they develop confidence in their own abilities.
• Staff know what children need to learn next and the best way for them to do this. Staff encourage young children to pull themselves up and move along the furniture. Children use their own judgement when using climbing equipment. This helps children to learn physical skills in a natural way.
• There are lots of opportunities for children to experience the local community. All children regularly go to the local beach, farm and park. This helps children to understand their local environment and have experiences that they might not otherwise have.
• Children persevere and concentrate in play. They keep trying while stacking wooden rings, and their friends clap when they succeed. Children learn positive motivation and enjoyment in learning at an early age. This helps children to make very good progress, and they are ready for the next stage in learning. This includes children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Most children learn to feed themselves and access their own drink by identifying their own photograph. Occasionally, staff are not consistent in their approach to teaching children to be independent. For instance, children serve their own food and wash their own hands at some mealtimes but not at other times. Staff peel fruit for older children without supporting them to do it for themselves. Staff are sometimes too quick to intervene to do things for children that they are capable of doing independently. This prevents children from learning what is expected of them and hinders their independence.
• The manager and provider are very invested in staff well-being and happiness in nursery and beyond. They ensure staff are well supported and confident in what they do. Staff have access to an employee assistance program, have regular supervisions and staff events. This helps to create a positive culture where both staff and children thrive.
• Parents report they are fully informed of their child's progress and development. They receive information online and through regular parents' evenings and monthly update summaries. Parents say that their children always have an enjoyable time at this 'wonderful and homely' nursery. They can clearly see the progress their children are making.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• support all staff to provide consistent messages to children when teaching independence and self-care skills.