Tiddlywinks Day Nursery Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children jiggle with excitement as they wait at the door of this welcoming setting. They tumble into the arms of familiar and nurturing staff. The well considered learning environment and established curriculum are complemented by superb teaching. Consequently, children make rapid progress. Staff seek opportunities to introduce new learning. For example, as children explore the techniques of artists, staff teach them about concentric circles. Children are excited to use this concept and proudly show their artwork. Staff are thrilled with children's achievements. Their enthusiasm helps children to develop a positive attitude to learning. The daily routine is planned with precision. Transitions are seamless and children flow through the day without interruption. Staff organise activities that require concentration following more active sessions. For example, children enjoy yoga before learning phonics. This helps them to focus well. Expectations for behaviour are high. Even young children are attentive. They follow the excellent behaviour modelled by staff and their peers. Behaviour is flawless throughout the setting.

Staff consider local data when planning. For example, they want to improve children's oral health. Children are delighted as they demonstrate their teeth brushing skills. The setting continually strives to maintain an inclusive approach, sourcing specialist toothbrushes to enable all children to benefit from this experience. Exemplary systems are in place for managing food allergies. These have been developed in liaison with parents who comment on the 'thorough approach' and 'tailored support'. They say they have confidence that their children are in 'safe hands'.

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

• Robust systems are in place to support continuous staff development. Deployment of staff ensures that more experienced staff are always present to support newer or less confident colleagues. Coaching is used to continually improve the already high standards and practice in place throughout the setting. All children benefit from continual high levels of care and teaching. The result is progress in children's learning beyond that expected for their age and stage.
• The curriculum encourages continuous progression. For example, babies develop their large arm movements as they play in the sand. Toddlers are supported to tip and pour. Staff know this helps their elbow movements and strength. Pre-school children become accomplished in manipulating resources. They use tools to aid their dexterity. Children make excellent progress. They are prepared well for their eventual transition to school.
• Every opportunity is taken to foster children's independence. Even young children become increasingly able to master self-care tasks. Staff encourage children to take responsibility for their own learning. For example, children choose to practice skills and they become proficient at tasks. Children develop skills that can support their future learning.
• Staff introduce children to a variety of books. Children talk knowledgeably about authors who use rhyming words and those who use fun made-up words. In addition, staff promote children's mark making. Purposeful writing is celebrated. For example, children are delighted to make labels for the potions they have made. They develop literacy skills that support a flying start when they learn to read and write.
• Staff are skilled in supporting children as they explore the world around them. For example, they use a story to prompt children's conversations about different houses. Children are animated. They discuss what the word 'shelter' means and they consider what it might be like to live with no roof. Children think about the similarities and differences in their homes and the homes of others. This helps children to understand and respect the diverse world they live in.
• The catering team are highly effective in supporting children's knowledge of healthy foods through discussions and cookery sessions. Information is shared with parents, who say the setting goes 'above and beyond', for example, offering recipes for healthy meals and giving advice about weaning and allergies. As a result, children enjoy a nutritious and balanced diet. They develop a comprehensive knowledge of foods that are healthy.
• An innovative approach to safer internet use is in place. For example, on the day of inspection children used technology to find out the noise a panda makes. They followed the settings child friendly rules for safer internet use. This includes close supervision from a member of staff. Children benefit from researching information while minimising the risks associated with technology.
• Staff work hard to help children understanding their feelings and emotions. The setting has used additional funding to access resources, such as mirrors and emotion cards. These are used effectively to help children express themselves. Even young children learn to show consideration for their friends. Older children negotiate disagreements and play together without the need for adult intervention. Children's behaviour is outstanding throughout the setting.