Treetops Nursery Hethersett

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are wonderfully cherished from the moment they arrive at this exemplary nursery. They are greeted with genuine warmth and kindness by friendly staff who know them very well. Key-person relationships are extremely strong. As a result, children flourish and transition through the nursery effortlessly. Children receive affectionate care from staff, who sensitively look after them and ensure their individual needs are met. They demonstrate strong bonds with staff, frequently approaching them for cuddles and reassurance.

Staff use their knowledge and interactions to promote the curriculum. They help toddlers understand the words 'up', 'down' and 'halfway' as they sing songs. Staff working with older children introduce the word 'particles' as children explore floating and sinking. They bring out children's knowledge of 2D shapes while children make observational drawings of real tadpoles.

Staff tell children they are 'wonderful' and express how proud they are of them. This helps boost children's self-esteem. Children beam with delight when they are awarded personalised stickers for 'wow' moments. Other children spontaneously clap and say, 'Well done', echoing language they have heard from staff. Staff have the highest expectations of children's behaviour. They model how to share and praise children for 'keeping their friends safe' when playing outside. Staff use well-being areas to further promote children's emotional security. They show children emotion 'monsters' and help them identify their feelings.

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

• Staff plan a highly-engaging and ambitious curriculum which is securely and consistently embedded across the nursery. Staff make ongoing observations of children's play and continually liaise with parents to help children continue with their learning at home. As a result, children make rapid progress in their learning.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are extremely well supported. Staff identify any gaps in learning and these are swiftly acted on through additional support. For example, highly-trained staff are strategically deployed to offer bespoke interventions and one-to-one sessions.
• Teaching is of a consistent high quality across the nursery. Children show deep levels of engagement in exciting adventures that staff create. Staff expertly use sessions with the nursery pets to teach children about the world around them. Children become mesmerised by how pet snails move and leave a trail of slime. Staff hold in-depth conversations with children, continually building on their learning. They inspire children to ask questions and offer their own thoughts.
• Children demonstrate exceptional behaviour, manners and conduct. They play harmoniously and make firm friendships. Children show kindness to one another and are quick to notice if their friends need help. For example, children hold each other's hands to cross stepping stones. Children's interactions are respectful and caring. They embrace each other with hugs and ask, 'Can I sit next to you?'.
• Staff nurture children's independence from the very start. Toddlers pour drinks and serve themselves fruit at snack times. Older children manage their own self-care and show competency in scraping and washing used plates. Staff consistently use the phrase, 'I start, you finish' to help children become proficient in learning new skills, such as managing to do up their zips.
• Children's opinions are sought and valued. Staff plan opportunities to ensure all children can express their choices. For example, non-verbal children use pictures to indicate which fruit they would like at snack times. Children have involvement in the development of the nursery. They have ongoing input into how money can be spent on new equipment.
• The managers place a strong focus on widening children's experiences to improve outcomes. Children benefit from regular visitors into the nursery to teach them about healthy eating and oral health. Staff make full use of local amenities, such as nearby libraries, fields and woodland.
• Parents say it is an 'absolute blessing' to have their children attend the nursery. Parents comment that staff are 'incredible' and always provide a safe, stimulating environment for their children. They say their children love attending and are thriving.
• Managers lead the nursery with integrity, passion and commitment. They prioritise staff's well-being and professional development. They invest in their team through regular one-to-one sessions and staff meetings, which supports all staff to develop their practice. Staff reflect that they could not work anywhere better and that they feel fully supported and listened to.