Daisy Chain Nursery (Emsworth)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy the nurturing and homely atmosphere the nursery offers them.

They are highly valued as unique individuals and demonstrate a keen sense of belonging. Children are excited, happy learners who are supported well by the attentive and enthusiastic staff. Staff have a good knowledge of the children and, overall, they implement children's play activities successfully.

Staff and leaders have high expectations of what children can achieve. This is particularly evident in the older age group, where there is high focus on getting children ready for school within the curriculum. Children demonstrate great... skill in their small physical skills, such as when they use scissors.

They show a well-developed knowledge of letters and sounds. Children's behaviour is exemplary. They build harmonious and respectful relationships with their friends.

Children feel safe and learn about safety and taking risks when playing in the large nursery garden. For example, they learn how to climb trees safely and identify poisonous mushrooms. Children show enthusiasm for learning and love to spend time outdoors in all weathers.

They develop skills in climbing, balancing and using wheeled toys with coordination.

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

Leaders develop a well-constructed curriculum that offers children meaningful experiences across all learning areas. However, some staff do not show a consistent awareness of high-quality teaching.

For example, staff sat behind younger children during a creative activity, which did not support effective communication. Leaders and staff make sure any gaps in children's learning are highlighted and addressed. They use funding effectively to aid children's developmental progress.

Children demonstrate excellent behaviour and are highly motivated to learn. Children moving on to school have a high level of respect for their friends and show extreme confidence in social situations. For example, at dinner time they spontaneously and confidently invited the inspector to sit at their table to engage in meaningful conversations.

The leadership team makes certain children are offered rich experiences that promote equality and diversity. For example, children learn to communicate using Makaton, which helps all children to feel included. Children learn about people and places beyond their local community, such as Brazil.

Partnership with parents is excellent. Leaders have adapted systems since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began, to ensure priority is given to communicating with parents. Parents speak positively and knowingly about the nursery.

For example, they report the nursery and staff are 'incredible'.Older children are experts in the 'physical education (PE) challenge'. They have a lot of fun and show very good listening, attention and self-help skills during this activity.

Children change into their PE kit to their favourite song, 'Ghostbusters'. The children, staff and leaders are proud of children's huge achievements.Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is very good.

Leaders pay high attention to the SEND Code of Practice and make sure children have the support and help they need. They develop very close working relationships with other agencies.Since the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, leaders have focused well on staff well-being, such as through return to work meetings.

However, there has been less focus on the monitoring of teaching across all age groups, particularly when staff return after a period of absence. In addition, some staff do not receive timely guidance and support, such as supervision meetings, to help ensure teaching is consistently of the highest quality.The dedicated and committed staff team and leaders reflect on their curriculum well and how it can be improved.

For example, since the last inspection, staff in the baby room have developed a unique 'baby garden', which is a vibrant and stimulating outdoor area. Babies discover the awe and wonder of the world around them.Leaders and staff give good focus to children's communication development and support children's speaking and listening skills well.

Staff use books well and open-ended questions to help children share their ideas and to problem-solve.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a good knowledge of child protection issues and receive regular safeguarding training.

They know what to do if they are concerned about a child's welfare, including people being exposed to extreme views. Staff are vigilant and keep appropriate documentation, such as existing injury records. Leaders have robust processes in place for the safe recruitment and induction of staff, to help ensure staff suitability.

They demonstrate they can identify, help and manage situations where a child is at possible risk of harm. This includes procedures if an allegation is made against a member of staff.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: strengthen the coaching and supervision of staff, to ensure teaching across all age groups is consistently of high quality.