University of East Anglia Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children proudly tell their parents how to use the zebra crossing as they approach the nursery door. Staff warmly welcome them into the nursery. They know the children extremely well. They realise when they need to allow children to knock on the door independently and they are made to feel very special as the door is opened just for them. Once inside, children rush to join their friends for breakfast. They self-select some fruit and cereal. As they talk to their friends, they notice that all the children at their table have chosen the same cereal. When children are finished, they confidently wash up their own bowls.

Children engage in exciting play opportunities and are extremely curious learners. For example, they use climbing apparatus and stepping stones to develop their core strength and coordination. Babies and toddlers become deeply engaged as they enthusiastically explore green gloop. They stomp the feet of their dinosaur up and down in the mixture and stir it with wooden sticks. Children enjoy a forest school session where they collect leaves, herbs and petals to make 'potions'. They enjoy a cooked meal made on their campfire as they recall how they collected some wood and used a spark to start the fire. They chat as they eat and spot a jay nearby, noticing its pink head.

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

• Staff plan and implement an excellent curriculum that builds on what children know and can do. They repeat activities so that children become confident in managing them independently. For example, when children make cupcakes like what they have made before, staff provide just enough assistance so that children can achieve the activity as independently as possible. Children follow photographic instructions to understand what they need to do next. This helps them to feel a sense of satisfaction in being able to complete tasks for themselves.
• Staff support children to become confident communicators. For instance, staff gain the attention of babies as they talk to them and they babble back in conversation. They speak to children during the day, asking questions and giving them enough time to respond. Staff learn keywords and phrases from children's home language. All children, including those who speak English as an additional language, use a wide range of vocabulary with increasing confidence and fluency.
• Children have excellent opportunities to spend time outdoors. They enjoy playing in the water trays and work extremely well together, taking turns and readily sharing resources. Other children hunt for bugs and show their friends that they have found a spider. They talk about how it might be feeling as it is all alone. This shows that children are developing empathy for living creatures.
• Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff provide excellent support to help children to express their feelings and manage their behaviour. They read a book about a colour monster that helps children to recognise feelings. They provide quiet areas where children can relax and use breathing balls to help support their self-regulation.
• Staff are extremely nurturing and respond swiftly to children's individual care needs. They encourage children to participate in routines, such as having their nappy changed. This helps children start to have some control over their personal care. Staff provide a calm and nurturing home-from-home experience for babies. They have an in-depth knowledge of children's home routines and preferences. This helps to provide continuity of care.
• Partnerships with parents and other settings children attend are exemplary. Staff share daily information with parents via an online platform and discussions. Parents appreciate the support they receive with home learning and advice from staff, who have a 'depth of experience'. They value the consistency of staff, who get to know their families extremely well. Parents feel that their child's experience in the nursery is tailored to them.
• The members of the management team have a superb oversight of the nursery. They know their staff well and give support to their individual professional development. Staff select training that has a purposeful impact on children's experiences. For example, they understand the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children and focus on training to support children's mental well-being.