Bracebridge Heath Preschool and Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Staff are very attentive to children's needs in this nursery, which contributes to children feeling confident, safe and happy to play and explore. Staff model behaviour well and help children to learn how to share. When children say they have not got any play dough, staff show them how to share a piece.

Children spontaneously say, 'thank you, that was so kind of you,' demonstrating good manners. Staff plan the outdoor learning environment well with lots of opportunities for children to build their physical skills and develop their large muscles. Children benefit from using the large climbing equipment, where they can master the... cargo net and use the slide.

Equally, babies and toddlers excitedly explore their outdoor space confidently and have lots of opportunities to pull themselves to standing to develop their core strength. Toddlers show a good understanding of shapes and numbers when they talk about rectangles and triangles. Staff extend this interest and make a triangle out of play dough, showing children how to make shapes.

They ask children, 'How many sides do you think a triangle has?' Staff follow children's interest well, such as when they show an interest in a popular television programme about archaeology. Staff use this interest to facilitate children's learning when they show them a fossil and then encourage them to make one for themselves out of salt dough.

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

Staff report that the manager and deputy manager support their health and well-being well.

Staff feel confident in their role and know the manager will support them to access any continuous professional development they may need. The manager carries out observations of staff practice. However, the feedback staff receive is often given in staff meetings and not consistently focused on improving their individual teaching skills.

Children's development of their understanding of the world is a strength. For example, children learn about growth and decay as they do lots of planting. Staff encourage children to use the lavender they have grown as a play dough ingredient.

Furthermore, children learn how to be kind to animals when they care for the nursery rabbits.The staff implement a curriculum which supports children to be independent and socially capable, ready for their next stage of learning. The curriculum is planned and sequenced as children move through the nursery.

Staff encourage babies and toddlers to do as much for themselves as they can, such as washing their hands after using the toilet and how to handle jugs to pour their milk for snack. Pre-school children are encouraged by staff to discuss play projects, for example, when they decide to make an obstacle course and work together to plan and set out the resources needed. Staff expectations are high.

Children make good progress and show a can-do attitude.Overall, staff support children's communication skills well. They offer children opportunities to talk and sing in group times, building their confidence.

This includes children who speak English as an additional language. However, occasionally, staff do not recognise when pre-school children lose interest in group activities. As a result, they continue to deliver the activity and some children disengage.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are quickly identified, and staff put support plans in place promptly. Staff work closely with parents and agencies to support and monitor children to help them make the progress they can.Children mirror the positive attitudes of staff.

They set themselves challenges and persevere at these. For example, children take tentative steps on a balancing plank. Staff offer lots of encouragement, saying, 'you can do it.'

Children persist until they achieve walking across the plank unaided. Staff eagerly celebrate children's success and congratulate them.Parents are happy with the care the staff provide.

They say that staff are always friendly and approachable. Parents comment that their children have made good progress. However, staff do not offer all parents ideas and suggestions about how they can continue to support their children's learning at home.

Children thoroughly enjoy being active. Staff fully encourage all children to develop their physical skills indoors and outside. They recognise that some children have limited opportunities for outdoor play at home.

They make the most of using outdoor spaces to enable these children to explore and develop confidence, strength and coordination.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of abuse or significant harm.

They understand safeguarding procedures and how to escalate any concerns to the appropriate agency. Staff deployment is considered well throughout the nursery to help keep children safe. Paediatric first-aid training is completed regularly by staff and they know what to do in the event of an emergency.

The nursery is safe and secure, with systems in place to ensure children cannot leave unsupervised. Staff are aware of the potential risks associated with use of the internet and take effective action to help children become aware of the risks when using the internet.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: focus the feedback staff receive on their work more sharply on their individual practice develop the organisation of group activities in the pre-school room to ensure that all children are well supported and able to gain the most from the activities provided develop ways to support parents to continue their children's learning at home.