Wakoos Centre4Children Ltd Petworth

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The staff are friendly and smile enthusiastically as they greet the children on arrival. Children settle in well and demonstrate a sense of trust and belonging. The staff have gentle interactions with the children, especially the youngest children. The staff share the love of learning with the children, and the children see them as a secure base. The relationships between the staff and the children are respectful, which create a positive culture that supports children's personal, social and emotional development.

Staff are committed to giving children valuable experiences to learn about the world that they live in. For instance, children learn about their community, different occupations and the people who help us. Staff take children for a walk to the library to find books to support their learning. While walking, they pass the vets and the doctors and see an ambulance. Staff hold meaningful conversations that encourage the children to make connections between their thoughts and what they are seeing. Staff interactions are consistent, rich and well considered. Children are developing good communication skills and an understanding of the world.

Children demonstrate good listening skills and follow clear instructions from staff. Staff encourage children to wait for their turn when playing games. For example, children play a fishing game together that requires taking turns. They wait patiently as their friends skilfully hover their magnetic fishing rod over the toy sea creature they are trying to catch. Staff praise children for successfully waiting and encourage them to congratulate their friends for catching their toy fish.

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

• Managers and staff have created a curriculum that is well sequenced and supports the children's current needs and abilities. The staff understand what it is they are teaching children, and they know them well. They are skilful at building on children's existing knowledge through their meaningful interactions and by providing experiences that encourage children to achieve their goals. Children have access to learning in all areas and are developing new skills and knowledge to prepare them for future learning.
• Children learn in an environment that is safe. Staff undertake routine risk assessment on the indoor and outdoor environment. They are teaching children how to identify risks for themselves, and they talk about ways to avoid or reduce dangers. For instance, while out walking, staff reinforce road safety and potential hazards with the children. Children demonstrate their understanding by offering their opinions and identifying the risks independently. They are developing a good awareness of what they can do to keep themselves safe.
• Managers and staff value parents as partners in their children's development.
• Staff give parents good daily feedback about their child's day. They offer advice and guidance where needed. Parents express their gratitude for the learning experiences that their children receive. However, staff do not always communicate ideas to enable them to continue children's learning at home.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well. Staff know the children well and understand what is needed to provide support in intended areas of learning. Managers and staff have created an environment that is inclusive of all children. Staff plan activities that are adaptable and suitable to support all children's needs. Therefore, all children receive the support they need to make progress in line with their abilities.
• Staff encourage good hygiene routines. Children wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet and after messy play activities. Children respond well to the rules and the boundaries that are clearly communicated by staff. They sit well at the table at mealtimes and are polite. Mealtimes are sociable, and staff encourage conversations. Staff award children's positive behaviours with recognition and praise. This reaffirms the behaviours that are expected of children, and they develop a good understanding of right and wrong.
• Managers and staff have worked tirelessly to make the necessary changes since the previous inspection. They are passionate and have a clear vision of the quality of care that they provide for the children and their families. Managers and staff are committed to making continuous improvements that enhance their provision even further. They are reflective and evaluate the systems in place that support the learning and development of all children. The staff are well supported, and their thoughts and opinions are valued. They have created an environment of strong teamwork and respect.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• extend the information shared with parents to enable them to support children's learning at home.