The Tree House

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive extremely eager to learn and play. Staff create an inclusive culture where children feel respected and where their voices are heard. For instance, children vote on the books they would like to read that week by placing a wooden figure on their book of choice. They declare with enthusiasm that 'we are doing democracy'. This gives children an excellent foundation for understanding life in modern Britain. Children demonstrate a secure understanding of mathematical concepts. For instance, they state which books have the most and second most votes. Staff expertly support children's mathematical development by embedding mathematics into daily routines and activities. As a result, children have high levels of engagement.

The nursery has a child-centred approach to learning that places children's health and happiness before their academic achievements. This means that all children make excellent progress because they are confident learners, happy, secure and well nourished. Staff consistently model positive interactions and prioritise children's emotional well-being. They guide children's behaviour thoughtfully and promote their independence with clear, supportive boundaries. Children's behaviour is exemplary. The quality of teaching is consistently exceptional. Children sit completely enthralled as staff read stories with wonderful expression and hang on their every word. This supports children to develop a love of books and make the best possible progress with their early reading skills. Leaders use training to ensure the curriculum for literacy is appropriately sequenced.

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

• Staff create exceptionally inviting environments, including sensory areas and quiet spaces. They expertly encourage children to explore their emotions through a range of activities and resources, such as colour monsters, to help children talk about how they feel. As a result, children show greater emotional awareness, empathy and self-regulation, contributing to a calm and respectful learning environment.
• Staff plan outings to local green spaces and gardening activities such as developing a wildlife pond. These hands-on experiences promote physical development and environmental awareness and help children build responsibility, observation and care.
• Leaders plan the curriculum with the input of other staff members to ensure that learning builds over time. Staff ensure that children can revisit their learning often throughout the day, ensuring it is fully embedded. Staff know all the children incredibly well, enabling them to support learning very successfully.
• Assessment is used exceptionally well; children are tracked on entry and at key points to ensure staff swiftly identify any emerging gaps. Interventions are then put into place to ensure children quickly catch up. Children demonstrate pride in their achievements, declaring 'I did it!' when succeeding in bat and ball games. Children's achievements are displayed on a personalised superhero board. This helps build children's confidence in their abilities from a very young age, which encourages a positive attitude to learning.
• At mealtimes, children receive a nutritious meal that is cooked on site. Allergies and preferences are easily accommodated, and staff have an excellent knowledge of all the children in their care. Staff support children's early understanding of healthy lifestyles through discussions about healthy and unhealthy foods. Older children confidently demonstrate their understanding of healthy diets and how to take care of their teeth. Children display impeccable table manners.
• Staff provide a wealth of advice and support parents to contribute consistently to their child's learning at home. Parents overwhelmingly share positive feedback about the nursery's support with life events happening outside of the nursery, such as a new sibling or a visit to the dentist. A system of parent representatives ensures that all parents are supported to feel confident in raising any concerns or queries. As a result, parents feel involved, listened to and welcomed.
• Leaders are exceptionally skilled and have a deep understanding of the children and families they support. They continually evaluate provision and practice to ensure they continue to meet the highest standards. They plan highly effective professional development opportunities for staff. This contributes to an overall learning ethos at the nursery where staff and children are learning and developing.