Wath Court Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

All children thrive and flourish in the nursery. They benefit from consistently high-quality interactions and staff who know how to meet their learning needs exceptionally well. Babies show very high levels of focus and stay engaged in activities for long periods of time. Staff help children to show pride in their achievements. This is a significant strength across the nursery and children have high levels of resilience and confidence. Children tell staff they are proud of themselves and receive positive praise from their friends around the table. Babies repeat standing and sitting actions, thoroughly enjoying the applause from staff. Staff help children to prepare for the next stages in their learning and challenge them at every opportunity. Children learn new concepts quickly and show enthusiasm and excitement to join in experiences.

The management team and staff team are passionate, professional and dedicated to providing children with the best possible start. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported exceptionally well and staff actively promote inclusion. For example, they ensure children benefit from the full curriculum by carefully considering the height and accessibility of resources. Since the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have eased, staff have resumed home visits as part of their settling-in procedures. This has a huge impact on their relationship with new families and children show they feel safe with staff on their first day.

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

• Staff provide every child with a curriculum that meets their individual needs. This helps children to make unique, exceptional progress and they exceed expectations for their age. For example, children choose to use marker pens to write the letters in their name in cursive handwriting. They accurately identify letter sounds in other words they hear and are keen to share their knowledge with staff.
• Children demonstrate excellent communication and language skills. Staff use a range of techniques to help children extend their vocabulary, such as 'Word of the Week'. Older children describe in detail how to 'control the fire' in the fire pit. They use language to describe their ideas, thoughts and feelings. Staff model clear pronunciation to toddlers and provide specific support immediately to close any possible gaps in learning.
• Staff ensure children feel safe and secure in the nursery. They have exceptional knowledge of their care needs and prepare activities which they know new starters will enjoy. For instance, staff plan to set up sparkly treasure baskets for a new baby based on their observations at the home visit. Older children are emotionally prepared for starting school. For example, staff show them pictures of their school and form effective links with teachers, so they are aware of expectations.
• Children's behaviour is exceptional and staff are excellent role models. Older children understand their feelings and know their actions can affect others. They are consistently well mannered and kind to each other. Staff support younger children to share and take turns. They develop strong social skills from an early age.
• Staff know that many children who attend prefer to learn outdoors. Children are excited to explore and staff help them to learn as they play. Young children thoroughly enjoy using scissors to snip leaves and make potions. Babies are engrossed in musical activities for extended lengths of time. Older children toast marshmallows around the fire pit and use their literacy skills to write shopping lists in the mud kitchen.
• Children are extremely independent from a young age and staff promote their good health. For example, staff encourage older babies to try blueberries and raspberries. They pour their own drinks from a small jug and show pride in their achievements. Older children enjoy activities which help them to prepare for their first visit to the dentist. Toddlers take an active part in their own self-care and understand the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet.
• Parent partnerships are highly effective. Staff value their feedback and use this to inform plans for children. The nursery has a parent representative to maintain high levels of communication and take part in decision-making. Parents are included in every aspect of their child's development. They borrow books from the nursery lending library to extend children's learning at home.
• Leadership is inspirational. The management team drive continual improvements and staff attend training, which is specific to their key children's needs. For instance, staff in the baby room attended an in-depth training course to ensure they provide a safe sleeping space for tiny babies. New knowledge is shared between the staff team to maintain excellence across the setting. Staff benefit from support for their mental health. The nursery has an appointed member of staff, who champions staff well-being and encourages self-care.