YMCA Humpty Dumpty Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children flourish in this small and caring nursery. They come in enthusiastically and are greeted warmly by staff. Children form strong bonds with staff, who are sensitive to children's needs. For example, babies sleep and eat when they need to, following home routines. Children feel safe, become confident and highly independent. For example, with gentle encouragement, babies crawl off to explore the garden. Children feel valued because staff listen to them and follow their ideas, such as playing with the parachute. Staff and children celebrate each other's achievements, such as when a child demonstrates proudly to their friends how they have learnt to ride a bike. Children enjoy doing things for themselves. A child is delighted when they finally manage the challenging task of pulling on waterproof trousers.

Children are absorbed in their play, because activities are challenging and follow their current fascinations. Children choose what to play with and whether to go outside. They can readily find what they need because staff organise the environment to encourage children's independence. For example, children collect pieces of wood and crates to build with. They play cooperatively, deciding together what they will make. Children behave very well. They learn to share and take turns, and to be aware of how their actions make others feel. They make friends and are kind; for example, a child hugs a baby who comes to play in the garden.

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

• The manager demonstrates a strong commitment to providing high-quality care and learning for children. She leads an enthusiastic and well-qualified staff team, who are confident to suggest new ways of working, share good practice and ask for help when needed. The manager values their contributions and supports their continuing professional development.
• Staff support children's communication and speech development well. They use simple signing and picture cards to help children communicate. Staff respond warmly to babies' babbles and gestures. Staff have received training to support children's speech and social skills. Children benefit from the staff's skilful teaching in small-group activities.
• Children use three playrooms, plus a spacious garden and garden room. These all contain interesting and age-appropriate resources. However, the acoustics of the 3-4 year old playroom creates a noisy environment, which at times makes it difficult for adults and children to hear each other. There are few enclosed or cosy spaces in this room to encourage children to talk together.
• Parents speak highly of the nursery. One parent says 'our child has thrived here. There is so much care as well as learning.' They comment on 'the real sense of community.' Staff involve parents fully in their children's learning. They routinely share information about children's progress and seek parents' input on children's current interests and development. Parents and staff build strong and trusting relationships.
• Staff monitor children's development accurately. They promptly identify children at risk of falling behind. Staff support these children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities well. They work closely with parents and other professionals to ensure these children receive the help they need to achieve as well as they can.
• Children gain a growing understanding of the world around them. They begin to recognise and value differences between themselves and others. They visit their local community, for instance to buy cooking ingredients. They learn about their own and other cultures, for example by visiting the church to celebrate Remembrance Day. Afghan and Chinese parents have come in to cook with the children.
• Singing and stories form an important part of each day. Babies enjoy looking at picture books and learning unfamiliar words. Children use props and excitedly play their part in retelling familiar stories. Children develop a love of books, and this helps them build extensive vocabulary.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• to better support children's language development, minimise background noise in the pre-school room and create spaces, which encourage children to communicate and play quietly if they wish.