Witham Valley Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive and flourish in this inclusive, loving nursery. They look forward to attending each day and come in happily to settle at an exciting activity. Children form unbreakable bonds with staff at the setting. They quickly settle and form lasting friendships with others. Children benefit from a curriculum that encompasses and values their ideas and interests. Children take an interest in role play with pretend food. Staff then add real fruit and vegetables that children can explore using their senses. Experiences are then widened further, by introducing 'juicing'. Children adore squeezing juice out of fruit, tasting and sharing their thoughts on the flavours and sensations.

Children are extremely well behaved and know exactly what is expected of them. This is due to the consistent routines and clear rules and expectations; these help children feel secure, and maintains a calm environment throughout the day. Staff act as incredible role models for respecting others, sharing and turn taking. As a result, children stop playing to tidy up. They work together to find a dustpan and brush to sweep away the leaves and help put toys back in the correct place.

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

• Staff create an incredibly inviting setting with an amazing variety of resources. They ensure the environment is rich in language. Through exceptional interactions, staff introduce new language and concepts. Children are highly praised for developing their vocabulary. As a result, they confidently learn to express their opinions and needs with others.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, those who speak English as a dual language, and those with health needs, make excellent progress. This is due to the diligent planning and support from staff. They create support plans with achievable goals and quickly put interventions in place. Visual prompts, dual-language words and phrases, and the use of signing alongside speech are used. Support plans are regularly reviewed, understood and followed by staff. As a result, all children progress rapidly.
• The manager and staff have a brilliant understanding of how children learn. Using this knowledge, they consistently observe, assess and track children's development. Staff know children well and are clear on children's developmental targets. They plan stimulating activities especially with these in mind. This creates the best opportunities for children to learn and achieve their goals.
• Teaching standards are exceptional. Staff ensure that they build on what children already know and can do. They take learning to higher levels by challenging and asking questions, such as, 'What do you think?' and 'Why do you think that?'. This raises children's curiosity to find out more. As a result, children develop deeper understanding, and learn to problem solve.
• Staff superbly introduce mathematical concepts through play experiences. During carpet activities, children are challenged to count how many of them are present. They are encouraged to talk about shapes and sizes when drawing or exploring fruit. Children love joining in with counting songs alongside others. As a result, children fast develop mathematical knowledge ready for their next stages of learning.
• Parent partnerships are outstanding. Parents highly praise the setting for the strong bonds that children make with staff. They state that their children love attending. Parents appreciate the regular updates about what children have been learning and enjoying each day. They praise the setting for the range of activities and opportunities for children.
• Community involvement is exceptional. Children have regular opportunities to go on walks to the local duck pond and spot wildlife on the way. They take part in regular singing and dancing sessions, or communication and language activities delivered by outside companies. The setting takes part in local fundraising activities, whereby parents can get involved. This widens children's experiences and they love to share their memories with others.
• The manager gives staff welfare a high priority at the setting. She is highly self-reflective and supportive of her team. This shows in the closeness of the team and the feedback from staff. Staff report feeling incredibly well supported by their new manager. They feel that their personal development needs are met, with many opportunities for training.