Clever Clogs Day Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Staff put the needs of children at the heart of everything they do.

They are professional and knowledgeable, and support all children to make exceptional progress. This is because of the skilful way they plan the ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum. For instance, staff support babies to develop their walking skills quickly as they cruise from one piece of well-placed furniture to another.

They encourage toddlers to balance on wooden beams and step through tyres as they practise their balancing skills. Staff foster excellent relationships with children. They have created a highly enabling environment, which p...resents a rich variety of experiences for children.

As a result, children have an excellent attitude to their learning and are adventurous and curious in their play. For example, staff provide foam for babies to explore. Babies squeal with delight as they clap their hands while handling the foam.

They then watch in awe and wonder as the foam splats over staff and themselves. Staff provide a tray of soil for toddlers to eagerly explore. Toddlers are delighted to find plastic insects and wiggly 'worms'.

They giggle as they try on spectacles and look at themselves in the mirror. Older children develop their imaginative and social skills, such as they independently play together in the home corner. They delight in making pretend 'breakfast soup' to share with their friends, inspired by the real food items which staff provide.

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

The passion and commitment of leaders influences all aspects of the nursery. The whole team is highly committed to providing the best possible care for children. They share a clear vision to support children to become ready for their next stage of learning.

The curriculum is extremely well planned and delivered across the nursery. This ensures that children are well supported in all aspects of their learning and development.The curriculum is nurturing and celebrates children's individuality.

The learning environment is calm and restful, and offers freedom for children to make choices in their play. Staff develop superb relationships with families and build on children's motivations and passions.Staff immerse children in a language-rich environment.

They speak clearly and give children time to formulate answers to questions, helping children to practise and develop their growing vocabularies. Older children communicate clearly in full sentences, which means they are prepared well for the transition on to school.Children develop superb literacy skills and a genuine love of books.

For example, toddlers choose books for their own pleasure. They turn each page, 'reading' with great animation and babbling as they point at the pictures in the book. This shows that even though children are too young to read and even talk in words, they are extremely excited by books.

Staff support older children to independently practise their early writing skills. Children make use of the writing tools available to 'write' their own shopping lists and are excited to explain what they have written.Staff are genuinely respectful and caring with children.

They listen to them and provide considerate care. For example, before any care routines, such as wiping children's noses or changing their nappies, staff ask children and tell them what will happen. This shows how staff value children, their rights and their sense of safety and security.

Parents speak extremely highly of the nursery. They praise the the clear lines of communication, including regular information about their children's development and progress. Parents appreciate that practitioners know their children as individuals and tailor learning to their specific needs.

Staff report their morale is high and they are proud to be part of a team that puts children at the heart of what they do. They benefit from the excellent training and support they receive through coaching and mentoring. As a result, staff flourish in this nursery.

The consistent and well-embedded routines in the nursery help children to understand what to expect throughout the day. This contributes to the calm and purposeful atmosphere and the excellent behaviours demonstrated by all children.The provision in place for children with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is very strong.

Staff know their key children very well and make effective use of assessments to ensure that children continue to make excellent progress.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.