Westhill Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children have a brilliant time at this nursery. They have an exceptional learning experience in a joyful and nurturing environment. The team of dedicated staff supports the children to explore, create and learn. At all times, interactions with children are of a very high quality. The impact of teaching is extremely effective. Children really enjoy playing, talking and learning with the staff. They sustain high levels of concentration.

Children have access to lots of exciting activities. They like playing with interesting puzzles and jigsaws to develop their critical thinking. Children enjoy opportunities to engage in role play with their friends. For example, they pretend to own a grocery shop and 'sell' fruit and vegetables to the children and staff who visit the shop. Outdoors, younger children experience playing with bubbly water in a role-play kitchen. Older children enjoy physical play on a climbing frame and slide. They learn how to take risks, overcome challenges and develop physical skills. The children explore outdoor learning in a forest school environment twice a week. The children enjoy these days very much.

Children have extremely positive attitudes towards their learning. They are curious and become deeply engaged in their work and play. Children are very confident in explaining what they know, can remember and can do. They make wonderful friends with the other children in the nursery and are very happy.

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

• All children make excellent progress. They experience teaching and learning that support them to concentrate, reach deep levels of thinking, retain information and form their own ideas. Children have time to think and express their ideas. Group discussions are brilliantly organised, and children really enjoy these moments. Every child who wants to take part has plenty of opportunities to contribute. Staff offer alternative activities for children who do not want to join in. Children learn that their opinions matter.
• The manager and staff have excellent knowledge and teaching skills. They ensure that every child makes the best possible progress. The manager has created an ambitious curriculum. It is highly challenging and well planned for every child. Staff know the children very well, including what they can do and what they need to learn next. Every child knows they are unique and feels treasured.
• The setting supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) brilliantly. Links with local agencies that support children with SEND are strong. Children with SEND receive a high-quality level of care and education. They make excellent progress. Families of children with SEND are very well supported.
• Children make lovely friendships. They enjoy playing with all the other children in the nursery. They cooperate well, are kind and have respect for others as they play. Children work together in groups exceptionally well. They celebrate each other's achievements, take turns and share. Several children really enjoyed playing together. They made 'spiders' out of clay and wooden sticks. They discussed their designs with each other and shared the equipment wonderfully.
• The manager and staff have excellent relationships with parents and carers. Parents report that they are very happy with the nursery and highly recommend it. Staff make sure parents receive daily updates on their children's progress and development. They send home weekly learning packs which are individual to each child. Staff give termly progress meetings. Managers ensure they gather information from parents about what children know and can do and what they like and dislike on a regular basis. Managers get feedback from parents on an annual basis. They reflect on this feedback to bring about improvements to the nursery.