Beatle Woods

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Children are inquisitive and highly motivated to learn. The learning environment inspires children's natural curiosity and they are keen to lead their own play.

They confidently explore and investigate, and staff consistently encourage them to find things out for themselves. Children develop detailed knowledge and outstanding skills across the seven areas of learning, which prepares them for the next stage of their education. They readily engage in conversation.

Staff question skilfully, extending children's thinking and speaking skills effectively. The bonds between staff and children are strong. Children are i...ntroduced to their key person during a home visit, and a gradual introduction helps to support their emotional security.

Children behave well. They learn to regulate their own behaviour and to negotiate with others. For example, they understand that other children might want to use the colours that they create when mixing paints.

Children know safety rules for walking around the acres of woodland that surround the nursery. They know that mounds of earth are made by moles and they describe the soft texture of the soil as they sprinkle it through their fingers. Children say excitedly that they want to visit 'the castle'.

This is a wooden structure on a grass bank. They use their advanced physical skills while climbing, and engage in imaginative role play when at the top. Older children choose to take paper and pens.

and proudly show the maps that they are drawing of the route they are walking.

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

The provider is also the manager of the provision. She leads her committed staff team with passion and drive to ensure the best possible outcomes for all children.

Staff comment on how the provider gives a high priority to their welfare as well as the children's. Staff-to-child ratios are very good.Staff supervision is highly effective.

The provider uses her extensive early years knowledge and skills to consistently provide staff with guidance and coaching, to ensure that high standards of care and education are maintained. Training priorities are decided upon with individuals and as a team. Recent training has improved staff's skills in using signing as a communication strategy.

On arrival, children cannot wait to get involved, happily leaving their parents to speak with staff while they greet their friends and begin to play. Young children who are new to the group settle quickly with their key person's support.The partnerships with parents are excellent.

Parents initially provide comprehensive information about their child's care needs and about what the child already knows and can do. Staff and parents then continue to share information regularly. Many parents provide comments, verbally and in writing, about the provision.

They appreciate the opportunities their children have to explore in an environment that boosts their confidence. Parents comment on the fun and adventures children have and appreciate that children make decisions and plan.The provider and staff continually observe and assess what children know and can do.

They use this and children's interests to ensure that they consistently provide challenging activities for all children.Children practise their excellent handling skills in a variety of ways, including when managing simple tasks for themselves. For example, younger children encounter some difficulty when they try to open the lids on pots of paint.

Staff speak to them reassuringly and make suggestions to support their independence and help them to succeed.The provider and staff are totally committed to providing inclusive care and education for all children. They ensure that the education and health plans of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are successfully integrated in the outdoor learning environment.

Staff take care to ensure that children eat, drink and have opportunities to rest or sleep to build their energy levels and continue their learning. When it is cold, children learn how to warm up through physical activity, and staff ensure that children are always appropriately dressed for different weather conditions.Children's creativity and imagination are consistently supported.

They make marks in different ways, including with sticks in mud and while sprinkling powder paint and dribbling liquid paint onto large cardboard sheets. Children develop very good pencil control and while drawing they create and confidently talk about their detailed pictures. Young children count while they play, and older children solve mathematical problems and recognise numerals beyond 10.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The provider ensures that staff keep their safeguarding knowledge up to date. All staff complete training regularly.

They know the signs of abuse and neglect and the referral procedures to follow if they have a concern. Staff are aware of their responsibilities to prevent children being drawn into situations that may put them at risk. Procedures for recruitment and selection are robust in ensuring the suitability of staff.