Tiny Heroes Elmers End

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children develop close and trusting bonds with the staff at this nursery. They are safe and settled in the welcoming and calm environment. Staff are positive role models and have high expectations of children's behaviour.

Children learn to speak respectfully to each other, take turns and be kind to their friends. Children respond positively as staff interact warmly with them during care routines, such as nappy changes, mealtimes and while washing hands. Staff explain what they are doing and ask children to help at mealtimes and during tidy-up times.

Children benefit from a curriculum that builds on their skills and pre...pares them for the next stage in their learning. Staff understand children's verbal and non-verbal communication and they follow children's interests when planning learning opportunities. Staff support children who speak English as an additional language by learning key words in their home language.

This helps children become confident speakers that can express their own needs. The baby room is organised to allow babies to pull themselves to stand and cruise around sturdy furniture. Babies develop their core strength as they crawl and learn to take their first steps in a safe environment.

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

Staff plan effectively for children's learning. They use their conversations with parents, observations of children and understanding of child development to plan interesting and enjoyable activities. Children enjoy the opportunities available to them and they apply themselves fully to their learning.

The nursery does not have its own outdoor space. Instead, staff take children to parks, playgrounds and a woodland within the vicinity to enjoy outdoor learning experiences. Children enjoy exploring nature, for example when they make imaginative creations using leaves and twigs.

However, staff have not given sufficient thought to how they can fully extend children's opportunities, particularly for those who prefer to learn outdoors.Staff in the baby room provide exciting experiences for babies. For example, staff link themed activities to introduce new vocabulary through story time, rhymes and messy play.

Staff repeat words and use a variety of methods, including sign language, to communicate with the youngest children. Babies respond with smiles to the caring and sensitive interactions they receive.Children build close bonds with their key person and staff know children well.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities thrive in the small setting and calm environment. However, recent changes in the staff team have meant, at times, children do not get the support they need to make even greater progress in their learning. The pre-school team needs further support to ensure deployment is fully effective.

Children behave well and they make friends with their peers. The nursery helps children learn about diversity and differences through books and resources. Children are encouraged to ask questions about their similarities and differences, which they explore together.

This helps children gain an understanding of the world and the community they live in.Staff consider the progress individual children make and decide when it is time for them to move to the next room. This approach makes the transition positive and a key strength of the nursery.

Staff prepare children for what is happening next through visual timetables and reminding them when it is time to tidy up. This helps ensure calm movements throughout the day, including at mealtimes and sleep time.Children learn about healthy lifestyles and how to manage their own self-care.

They enjoy healthy snacks and fresh cooked meals prepared on site from a nutritionally balanced menu. Water is available throughout the day and staff ensure children wash their hands before eating. Children learn to use the toilet and wipe their noses independently.

This helps prepare children for when it is time to move to school.Leaders are friendly and develop good working relationships with the staff team, which contributes to a positive working environment. At times, it is necessary for leaders to provide additional support in the rooms or at mealtimes and staff appreciate senior leaders' willingness to work alongside them.

Staff are confident they can approach leaders with any safeguarding concerns or personal issues.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff demonstrate a secure understanding of safeguarding.

They know the signs and symptoms of abuse and how to report any concerns, including any concerns about the behaviour of a colleague. Leaders and staff complete regular safeguarding training to ensure their knowledge remains up to date. Robust recruitment systems ensure that suitable staff are employed, and existing staff are expected to make declarations to confirm their ongoing suitability.

Thorough risk assessments are in place to help to ensure children are safe. Staff ensure children are supervised well as they play and when they go on outings.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: nextend opportunities for children who prefer to learn outdoors, to raise their achievements further consider how deployment in the pre-school can be improved to support children to make even greater progress in their learning.