The Nursery on the Green at Eltham

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in this bright and inviting nursery. They build strong bonds with the supportive staff, who have high expectations for them. Relationships between staff and babies are nurturing and receptive, and all children form secure attachments. Staff are positive role models and children giggle with delight as they join their play. Children separate confidently from their parents with support from familiar staff who greet them at the main door. Children feel safe and secure at the nursery. Purposeful activities are planned to support children in their learning. For example, younger have fun filling pots at the mud kitchen and adding herbs as their flowers. Older children draw their favourite character from a familiar story. Staff support children to make good progress in their development.

Children relish their time outside and demonstrate good physical dexterity as they climb and balance on climbing equipment and navigate obstacles as they ride balance bikes. Younger children practice climbing steps to develop their skills. Staff teach children to take appropriate risks and challenges as they play, building their confidence and self-esteem. Children enjoy opportunities to gain real-life experiences. For example, they eagerly look for spiders and giggle as they see the spider making his web.

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

• Managers plan an ambitious curriculum and share what they want the children to learn with the staff. Staff are well supported to plan the activities in the classrooms. Activities are often linked to the seasons and the children's interests. Children engage in their work and develop creative skills and an understanding of nature. Older children work with a regular artist and learn different techniques and skills to enhance their creativity even further.
• All staff establish secure and trusting relationships with children. They get to know their individual personalities well. This includes what they like and dislike. Staff fully understand children's individual needs and any particular interests they may have. Therefore, children make good progress from their start points, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Children's learning about the world around them is excellent. They visit local wetlands to feed the ducks, and babies enjoy regular sensory classes within the local community. Children plant seeds and discover life cycles. They learn about similarities and differences between themselves and others, for example by celebrating each other's festivals and beliefs. Children learn that differences should be celebrated and respected.
• Staff skilfully support children's communication and language development. They engage children in meaningful conversations and use effective questioning techniques. Staff support children to build their vocabulary by narrating their play. For example, babies enjoy a singing activity using instruments and listening to different sounds and tones. Staff introduce new words during planting activities, such as 'quilt' to describe how the children need to cover their seeds. Older children enjoy describing their pictures for staff to scribe for them. Children are very good communicators.
• Overall, children behave well, and staff promote children's positive behaviour from a young age. This includes learning to take turns and respecting their environment. Staff regularly praise children for their efforts and engagement during daily activities. This promotes children's self-esteem and confidence securely. However, older children do not always listen to instructions and requests from staff, which are at times unchallenged by adults. Therefore, children are not responsive of what is expected of them.
• The manager and staff get to know the children and families particularly well. Parents speak very highly of the 'professional' staff. There is a two-way sharing of information that greatly enhances learning and development. For instance, staff follow babies' sleep routines. Parents are encouraged to share in regular nursery events, such as 'drop in' baby clinics with local health visitors, to help them support their child's development.
• Staff are professionally qualified. They speak enthusiastically about their roles and say they feel valued and supported by the management. Staff receive information during their induction about the expectations of their role. They are well supervised and meet regularly with the manager to discuss their professional development. Staff receive guidance and training to help them improve their skills and knowledge.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• help older children to listen to instructions to better understand what is expected of them.