Didsbury Village Day Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Didsbury Village Day Nursery is a special place where staff nurture children, who have fun learning together.

A significant strength of the nursery is the outstanding attitude to learning and behaviour. This is due to staff being excellent role models and consistent in their professional approach. Children are encouraged to understand their feelings and regulate emotions right from the start, enabling them to grow and learn in a safe environment.

Staff consistently encourage children to be sociable, respectful and gentle with each other. It was a heart-warming moment to see a young baby sharing out glittery balls with ...her friends. Children who are upset when their parents leave are cuddled and comforted by their key person.

They settle quickly as a result of lovely close bonds and the skilful interactions of staff.Children enthusiastically talk about what they do at their nursery. Young children confidently explained that they feed lettuce to the nursery pet ducks because it is better for them than bread.

Lots of laughter can be heard throughout the nursery and children learn through playful interactions. Developing children's communication and language skills from a young age is a key priority for leaders and staff. This is implemented through creative storytelling that captures children's imagination and brings stories alive.

Some children use real stethoscopes to hear each other's hearts after listening to a story about looking after our bodies. Others pretend to protect their teacher from a dragon by pulling up the drawbridge in a cardboard castle they had made. The manager and staff are passionate about doing their very best for the children, and this shines through all that they do.

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

The manager has designed an ambitious curriculum that covers the seven areas of learning. Importance is placed on providing sensory experiences and messy play for young children, and using books and songs from the start.The staff plan interesting and engaging activities, such as food tasting and a mermaid lagoon, to stimulate imaginative play indoors.

However, staff do not always consider how they can fully utilise the learning opportunities the outdoor area provides.The staff know their key children well. They can identify next steps in learning that challenge and ensure progress.

Teaching is usually led by an adult, and child-initiated play is very limited. Children have fewer opportunities to access resources themselves, so they can practise and consolidate new skills.The staff work in partnership with parents to ensure consistent and tailored routines for the children.

For example, babies are soothed to sleep following guidance from parents, and a member of staff stays with them until they wake. From testimonials provided at the inspection, it is clear that the parents hold the nursery in high regard and value the staff.The manager is hands-on and enjoys being in the rooms with the staff and children.

As such, she has created a culture of good attitudes towards learning for all. Staff have many opportunities to develop their practice through accessing a variety of training, including learning from each other through peer support. Supervision arrangements are in place, and the manager places importance on ensuring staff well-being.

A variety of experiences are provided for children to go on outings within the local community. Children were excited to tell the inspector about their trip to the local shops to buy flowers to put on the tables at lunchtime. Visitors come into nursery to teach children football skills, music and dance.

The children have recently been to the pantomime and had a farm visit. These are all opportunities that help children to understand their place in the community and give them a wider view of the world around them.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Effective safeguarding procedures are in place from recruitment of staff through to their employment, and all staff receive up to date safeguarding training. They understand how to refer any concerns they may have about a child and what to do if they do not feel sufficient action has been taken. Staff also understand the steps to take if they have concerns about the conduct of a colleague.

The designated person fully understands her role in keeping children safe and protected from harm. Staff teach children from a young age about the importance of keeping safe, including the importance of online safety.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: support staff to develop their use of the outdoor learning environment so it excites and interests children, and motivates their learning review the learning environment to ensure that children have the opportunity to access resources themselves to help develop, consolidate and deepen their knowledge, understanding and skills across the areas of learning.