The Enchanted Castle (Day Nursery) Ltd

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Leaders work hard to provide high-quality childcare that meets the needs of the community. Children are happy and settled.

They have close bonds with the staff, who welcome them at the start of their day. Children are ready to get involved in the variety of activities available. Those who take longer to settle are very sensitively supported by the staff.

Babies are provided with experiences that help them to learn through their senses. They handle a variety of different materials and tools. For example, they learned how to use a spoon to scoop up sand to fill a bucket.

Children behave well and understand the e...xpectations of the setting. Staff nurture the curiosity of babies and toddlers and encourage them to explore, providing plentiful sensory play opportunities. For example, babies thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the feel of cornflour, while older children used brushes and fingers in paint to make different patterns and marks.

Children demonstrate positive attitudes to learning and are confident. All children relish the opportunities to play outdoors throughout the day. They enjoy spending time in the fresh air and exploring the different environments.

Their physical development is supported well.

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

Leaders work well together to provide guidance and support to the staff team. They value staff development and seek to provide opportunities relevant to the needs of each staff member.

They are keen to build on the quality of their staff team to promote strong outcomes for children who attend the nursery.Leaders use their knowledge of children's development to help review their provision. They identify areas of learning where children are achieving less well and provide a focus to improve practice.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported effectively; they benefit from a highly targeted approach to support their welfare and all-round development. As a result, children make good progress from their individual starting points.Staff have good knowledge of all the children.

On arrival, children settle quickly into their play. For example, they learned about the properties of paint and discussed 'making a rainbow' with brushes and wrote the letters of their names. Children are happy and engaged in the many learning experiences on offer throughout the day.

Information about children's starting points is gathered through observations and communication with parents. This enables key persons to get to know the children very well. Children's needs are swiftly identified and planned for to help them make good progress.

Children have access to a variety of books. Staff regularly read to them. Toddlers enjoy group story time; they sit together on the carpet, listen attentively and comment on the story.

Children eagerly point out letters in their name through the many displays in the nursery, so promoting their literacy development.Staff confidently use different techniques to develop children's language, including for those who speak English as an additional language. Staff competently add new words to help extend children's vocabulary.

Staff work well in partnership with parents. Information is regularly shared about children's care, as well as celebrating their milestones and daily experiences. Parents speak highly of the nursery and are happy with the quality of care their children receive.

Staff demonstrate that they know the children in their care well. Children receive high levels of adult attention and support to deal with their emotions and feelings, so they behave well. Staff understand their individual learning needs and weave children's interests successfully into the planning of activities.

Staff make accurate assessments of children's learning and identify their next steps.The staff are enthusiastic in their work. They encourage children to be independent in routines such as handwashing and at mealtimes, but miss opportunities to promote independence in their self-help skills.

Staff promote a healthy lifestyle. Children develop their large and small muscles while taking part in the many activities available that support physical development. The healthy meals and snacks provided contribute to a well-balanced diet.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. They understand their responsibilities in helping to keep children safe.

Staff understand who to report concerns to, including any they may have about another adult working with children. Staff ensure their knowledge is kept up to date through training and discussions in staff meetings. Recruitment is rigorous and staff's ongoing suitability is regularly checked.

Children are cared for in safe and secure premises. The areas they use are consistently assessed for hazards and risks.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: make the most of all opportunities to support children's independence.