The Wonder Years Day Nursery Limited

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are happy and settled at this inviting nursery. Leaders respond appropriately to any accidents. They reflect deeply and take any action needed in areas that could be improved. Risk assessments are effective. Staff complete regular checks of the resources and environment. This helps to limit any hazards to children. Consequently, children learn and play in a safe environment.

Children clearly share a love for books. Young babies reach for them independently and try to turn the pages. Responsive staff recognise that children want to listen to a story. Staff are animated storytellers. They add interest with tone to their voice as they read. Children listen intently. Staff understand the importance of talking to children and encouraging conversations. As a result, children are developing good language skills and are being well prepared for their next stage in learning.

Staff gently implement rules and boundaries. They fully explain to children why and how to behave well. Staff reinforce positive behaviour and regularly praise children. They encourage children to help tidy up and look after their resources. Therefore, children listen and behave well. They show respect and kindness towards adults and their friends. This helps them to forge important relationships with others.

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

• Leaders develop an interesting and broad curriculum that covers the seven areas of learning. Overall, staff plan interesting activities that motivate children to engage and learn. Children demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning. However, there are short periods of time in the younger rooms, such as after meals or before sleeps, where staff do not plan enough to stimulate children. As a result, during these transition times, children are not fully engaged in learning.
• Staff well-being is a priority, and there is a strong feeling of mutual respect. Staff work well as a team. They deploy themselves effectively to ensure that children are safe. Staff value the leaders' supportive approach, and they are comfortable to share any concerns. This breeds a supportive and positive culture among the whole team.
• Parents speak very positively about the staff. They describe the nursery as 'wonderful'. They say their children love to attend. Leaders know the families well and offer flexible support if they need it. However, there are further opportunities to strengthen how children continue to learn at home so that they maximise their knowledge and understanding.
• Children enjoy a varied and balanced diet of home-made meals and snacks. They learn about healthy food as part of their 'harvest festival' theme. All children have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day, and older children can access this themselves. Children wash their hands with increasing skill and independence. Staff meet the personal care needs of children with dignity and respect. This supports the overall good health and well-being of children.
• Staff gather valuable information from parents when children start. This supports staff to set accurate starting points and next steps in children's learning. Staff use regular observations and assessments to track children's progress. They share this information with parents. They use this knowledge to focus activities on children's interests and what they need to learn next. Staff quickly identify any gaps in children's knowledge. This helps children get the early and ongoing support they might need.
• Staff encourage independence from the earliest age. All children attempt to use cutlery to feed themselves. Staff offer praise and encourage a 'can-do' attitude. Children persevere with tricky tasks and proudly showcase their achievements. This helps to build their confidence and self-esteem.
• Graduated and tailored settling-in sessions support children to feel secure in their new environment. Children approach staff for cuddles, and they always respond with warmth and kindness. There are clearly close bonds between staff and children. Staff know the children well. This helps to build a nurturing and caring atmosphere within the nursery, where children feel safe and secure.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• focus planning more precisely for transition times, so that children are engaged and maximise their learning
• strengthen ways to encourage children to continue learning at home.