1st Choice Day Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children settle quickly and feel secure in the warm, friendly environment. They are confident and independent learners. Children establish strong bonds with the nursery's staff.

Their behaviour and their attitudes to learning are outstanding. Staff are extremely positive role models and they have high expectations for children's behaviour. Staff speak calmly and gently to children.

They implement highly effective behaviour management strategies which support children to have an excellent understanding of right from wrong from an early age. Children play independently together. They share toys and resources exceptionall...y well.

Children take daily trips to local parks and playgrounds. They thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to run, play ball games and climb on equipment safely. Staff access regular training opportunities which help them to have a secure understanding of early childhood development.

They use their knowledge of what children know and can do to plan a selection of well-organised activities across the curriculum. Staff incorporate children's interests and learning needs into activities. Children become immersed in their play and are highly motivated learners.

They demonstrate high levels of confidence and self-esteem in their learning, self-care and communication. Children learn the skills that they need and are well prepared when they eventually move on to school.

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

The manager encourages her staff team to reflect on their practice.

She regularly evaluates the setting, and the team works together to make rapid changes and drive improvement. The manager listens to her team and ensures they get the training they need to maintain high standards in care and education. All children, including those who speak English as an additional language and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress from their starting points in learning.

Staff make effective use of settling-in arrangements to build strong relationships with parents and children. They gather information to plan familiar care routines for children. Staff continue to strengthen the relationships with parents using a range of communication methods, including face-to-face meetings and a newsletter.

Parents say that they appreciate the ideas staff share to help support their children's learning at home.Children go on regular outings in the local community. Staff link these outings to the curriculum.

For example, when children learn about people who help them, they visit the fire station and the police station. Children learn about road safety on their trips. They behave exceptionally well as they calmly and quietly walk alongside staff.

These trips help children to gain an excellent understanding of people, communities and the wider world.Staff use local parks and playgrounds to ensure that children spend time outdoors, as the nursery does not have an outdoor space for children's sole use. Children know the routine and quickly get ready to go outside.

They demonstrate their interest in nature when they explore outdoors. Children feel the different textures, closely watch insects and talk about what they see. However, while staff provide good learning experiences outdoors, they do not consistently plan opportunities to extend children's interest in nature.

Staff place a strong emphasis on developing children's speech and language skills. They place a particular emphasis on expanding children's emotional vocabulary from a young age. Staff support children to express how they are feeling, either with words or using pictures on the wall.

Children comfort their friends when they are unhappy, and share in their joy when they play together.Children and staff sit and eat together at mealtimes. Healthy food is prepared daily on site and children eat heartily.

Staff model how to use cutlery and support children's lively conversations. They discuss healthy eating and why it is important to exercise. Children develop a positive attitude to food and they behave courteously at the table.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a broad knowledge of child protection issues. They can identify the signs and symptoms which may indicate that a child is at risk of harm.

Staff know who to contact if they have concerns about a child's safety and welfare. The manager ensures that all staff frequently attend safeguarding training to update their knowledge. Staff are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities around safeguarding, including broader safeguarding issues.

Staff maintain a safe environment for children. They complete thorough risk assessments to help ensure that the areas of the premises children access and trips off site are safe and suitable.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: nextend the range of opportunities for children to further explore and investigate their interest in nature and enhance their understanding of the natural world.