The Rainbow Day Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children, and their families, are at the heart of this inclusive setting. Relationships throughout the setting are extremely positive. Staff are kind, patient and supportive of children. This is especially true for children with special educational needs and/ or disabilities (SEND). Children with speech and language delays enjoy a small-group activity. They practise turn-taking as they wait their turn to push their car down the ramp. They repeat simple three-word phrases, such as 'ready, steady, go!'. Staff support the children's critical thinking skills by allowing them time to work out why a chain of cars will not slide down the ramp.

Children thoroughly enjoy playing outdoors and being physically active. Babies explore different textures in a barefoot trail. Toddlers confidently make marks in sand and on the whiteboards. They proudly show off the marks they have made. Children cheer with excitement and delight when it is their turn in the woodland area. They climb, balance and jump off crates. Staff support and encourage them to take risks. Children role play as they make a soup on the pretend campfire. They talk about the ingredients and consider what they need to add next. Outdoor play opportunities support the setting's curriculum wonderfully.

Children respond well to directions from staff, supported by familiar routines. Staff use opportunities to remind children of the setting's rules. For example, when children find a spider in the woodland, they are reminded that they need to respect nature.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• strengthen staff's knowledge of how to promote mathematics in younger children's play to further enhance children's early mathematical knowledge
• support staff to consistently deliver high-quality interactions for the youngest children during free-play experiences to enable them to make the best possible progress in their learning.