Whitefriars Childrens Nursery Ltd

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in this welcoming and supportive nursery. Their safety and happiness are a priority for the staff caring for them. Children benefit from a well-sequenced curriculum that is individually tailored to support each child from the time they start. Transitions as children move from one room to another are particularly supportive. The experienced and consistent staff team work closely to help children to move confidently onto the next stage in their learning. Staff have high aspirations for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They provide support and encouragement to help to ensure that every child gets a good start in their education.

Children engage well during their play and learning. They become confident, curious learners who are keen to explore the very appealing and accessible learning environment. The curriculum for outdoor learning is very strong, and children excitedly investigate the natural environment. Children practise and refine their physical skills in the digging area. They play imaginatively in the mud kitchen, selecting herbs to add to their potions or imaginary meals. High-quality sensory play opportunities encourage children to explore and discover new smells and textures as they play. Children are eager to talk about what they are learning. Mathematical concepts are skilfully woven into everyday activities. Children use mathematical language with increasing accuracy, for example, when considering the height, size, and shape of the carrots that they have grown. Children behave well and achieve high levels of independence.

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

• The management team is clear about how the curriculum should be taught. They fully understand that what children are taught in the early years will help them to be successful in their future learning. Leading by example, they work closely with staff. Overall, they provide well-targeted support to help staff to improve their teaching skills and extend their professional knowledge.
• The curriculum for communication and language is strong. Staff monitor the progression of children's speech closely. They model language and introduce new words to extend children's vocabulary. In the main, staff talk precisely. They encourage children to respond in sentences, and correct mispronunciation sensitively. Staff are less confident in helping children who are ready to learn more to develop their awareness of the sounds that letters make, in order to support later reading.
• Children are interested in books and the written word. They listen intently to stories and are learning that print carries meaning. Children are well supported to develop dexterity and acquire the skills they need for eventual handwriting. They enjoy making marks for a purpose in all areas of their play.
• Specially trained staff provide well-supervised, quality learning experiences in designated outdoor spaces. Children delight in opportunities to use mud slides and to gather natural materials as they make dens and play with imagination. They learn to problem-solve and how to manage risks as they explore and investigate the natural surroundings.
• Children have some valuable experiences to increase their understanding of the world. They benefit from outings into the local community and visits from individuals who help children to learn more about people who help us. However, opportunities for children to gain a deeper understanding of the lives of others beyond their immediate families and the local community are limited. This means that children are not fully supported to strengthen their understanding of the diversity of life in modern Britain.
• Children are learning about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and how this helps to promote their good health and well-being. They have ongoing opportunities to be physically active and enjoy a wide range of appetising, freshly prepared, healthy meals and snacks.
• Staff fully understand the anxieties that some children experience as they prepare for their move to school. They work closely with the schools that children will attend and prepare them well. Children listen to relevant stories and enjoy dressing up in school uniforms. As they talk to the inspector, they excitedly share photographs of their school and the Reception class teacher.
• Parents comment very positively on the care and quality of education that their children receive. They feel well informed about their child's time and talk positively about the online system and the discussions that they have with staff. Staff routinely share ideas, such as suggesting a maths walk to help parents to enhance children's learning at home.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• strengthen the educational programme to deepen children's understanding of the diversity of life in modern Britain
• refine the programme of professional development to develop staff's skills in promoting early literacy.