Wonder Years Nursery School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children quickly embrace the rich experiences that the curriculum has to offer in this warm and inviting nursery. Staff know the children and families very well and make sure that this knowledge informs how the nursery is set up. For example, staff plan experiences around the topic of dinosaurs to further ignite the children's interests. Staff develop children's knowledge further by expanding the topic to include reptiles to enhance children's understanding of the natural world.

Staff have high expectations of children and encourage them to take care of their surroundings and each other. They foster this in several different ways, including providing small dustpans and brushes so the children can clear the floor. Children love to imitate the adults and take pride in their achievements and in caring for the nursery. Staff further encourage children's positive attitudes to caring for things by involving them in looking after Dolly, the nursery tortoise. Children take turns to feed the tortoise and to carefully bathe her regularly.

Children's ideas and views are valued. For example, activities for the following week are chosen on Friday. Staff further involve children in decision-making by offering a selection of books based on their current learning and encouraging each age group to pick their favourite. This has a positive effect on children's well-being, behaviour and attitudes to learning.

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

• Managers and staff work very closely with families to find out what the children's starting points are. They use these to plan activities and observe what children need further support with. The reflective staff team then adapts the curriculum, experiences and environment to support children's next steps.
• Managers have a clear vision about what they want children to achieve in each room and by the time they leave the nursery. They prioritise a sense of belonging and independence and encourage children to become confident communicators. The impact of the curriculum is clear to see in how the children explore the nursery independently and confidently speak to staff and each other.
• The curriculum and activities are carefully planned and sequenced according to the children's ages and abilities. For example, the home corner in the baby room is adapted to encourage the younger children to engage in more advanced role play such as caring for dolls. This also supports the children with transition to the room for 'over threes', which has a bigger role-play area.
• Children with special educational needs (SEN) have very good support to meet all their needs and help them to remove barriers. The special educational needs coordinator works closely with parents and other professionals to implement support plans. Furthermore, she encourages staff to organise the activities in the nursery in a way that inspires and encourages children with SEN to thrive. The impact of the support plans for children with SEN is evident as they calmly and confidently learn and explore.
• Leadership and management are a strength of the nursery. Managers know the community, children and families very well. They utilise the local area to enhance children's experiences and understanding of the world beyond the nursery. Staff report that they feel supported and receive ongoing training to carry out their roles and responsibilities to the best of their ability.
• Nursery staff work well with parents, building positive relationships. Parents speak highly of the nursery and the nurturing staff. They particularly value the experienced staff and feel relaxed when leaving their children in their care.
• Staff get to know the children's cultural backgrounds, and children who speak English as an additional language are welcomed. However, staff do not consistently support children to learn about their own and each other's culture and background, to help them reflect on what makes them unique.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• strengthen opportunities for children to learn about and reflect on their differences and understand what makes them unique.