Diddydots Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Children are welcomed into this truly inspiring, magical environment. Diddydots delivers a 'curiosity approach' curriculum as it is an accredited setting. The environment has been created by a highly professional, knowledgeable and inspirational manager, and her team of equally motivated and nurturing staff.

All children flourish and make exceptional progress. The children arrive happy, settle quickly, engage with eagerness and wonder within the culture of curiosity. Their imaginations and creativity are exceptional.

Children lead their own learning through the wealth of invitations to learn provided. They show ...complete fascination in everything around them. They use authentic resources to investigate.

Skilful staff engage children in meaningful conversations and children ask many questions.Children independently prepare for learning outdoors. They competently dress themselves in wellington boots and all-weather suits.

Children have immense fun exploring the wonders of nature in the exciting garden. They build see-saws using barrels and planks and spend time chatting to one another, giggling as they bob up and down. Children tell visitors to the setting that they are 'excavating' as they dig up treasures they have buried in the mud.

They carefully check the bug hotel to take care of the residents and excitedly talk about the field mouse that visits. Children demonstrate they feel safe and secure, and their behaviour is excellent.

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

Children have a strong sense of self.

The staff know the children extremely well. They invest time getting to know what the children like and have established close bonds with all the children. Superb, professional relationships have been formed with the parents who are positively encouraged to share information about their children's development at home.

They welcome the use of exciting learning and story sacks that are offered to continue learning at home.Parents speak extremely positively of all aspects of the nursery. They comment that the environment is amazing and many travel long distances to attend this setting.

They are very complimentary about the staff, saying they are welcoming and approachable and talking about how well their children develop in the 'wonderful' environment. They discuss the children's independence and confidence since attending and say their children's language development is exceptional. Parents welcome the termly social meetings where they have further opportunities to discuss their children's progress.

Children have a wealth of opportunities to develop mathematical skills and use simple mathematics in their play. They talk about even and odd numbers and percentages, and understand that numbers change if you turn them around. They use mathematical language such as, 'larger' and 'smaller'.

The unique practice and delivery of the 'curiosity approach' to learning at the nursery is worthy of dissemination. Positive links with outside agencies involved in the care of the children are established to ensure a consistent collaborative approach. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are supported exceptionally well and make excellent progress.

Babies are fully included within the nursery. They show independence at an early stage as they make decisions for themselves. For example, when they need a nap.

They toddle to the sleeping area and are swiftly made comfortable by staff. They rest in the soothing atmosphere and cuddle 'fiddle muffs' that help them relax and aid their sleep. Older children show kindness and know to take care around the younger children.

The calming environment provides children with a wealth of opportunities to discover and understand the wider world. The ethos of the 'curiosity approach' provides children with ample 'open-ended' materials and 'loose parts' play. Children demonstrate sustained concentration as they use their imagination using the equipment.

The environment is rich in language opportunities. Children give running commentaries as they play. They explain they are 'fixing' furniture as they lie under tables using tools.

They talk about using tools safely.The manager is truly inspirational. She provides children with outstanding care and teaching quality is infectious.

The whole team of staff is motivated and committed, with children at the centre of everything that takes place. There is a clear, shared vision to provide the highest quality education.Priority is given to staff's continuous professional development.

They are fully supported to build on their existing knowledge and embrace new challenges. Staff are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities. The sessions run seamlessly and the whole team make sessions feel effortless.

Staff speak with enthusiasm about their roles and how they enjoy their time at work.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Children's welfare is a priority.

The team have completed extensive safeguarding training, which includes a wide range of child protection issues. They talk competently about how to report any concerns and the process to follow. The staff are skilful in identifying any possible signs or behaviours that may suggest children are at risk of harm.

Robust risk assessments are completed and children's understanding of how to stay safe is fully embedded in daily practice. Children have a wide variety of opportunities to manage risk safely, fully supported by the staff. The completion of a thorough recruitment, induction and mentoring programme means children are cared for by staff who are suitable to do so.