Dimples Day Nursery Limited

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Throughout this vibrant and exciting nursery, children spend their days immersed in the serious business of exploring, investigating and learning. The atmosphere is alive with the sound of laughter, animated discussions and warm interactions. Children of all ages form strong, trusting relationships with staff.

They quickly realise that they will be treated with kindness and respect, and that their needs will be met. This provides even the youngest children with the secure foundation they need to be able to fully enjoy the experiences on offer. Staff make excellent use of storytelling to enhance children's language skills....

They make the absolute most of these activities to extend all areas of learning. For example, those working with the toddlers retell much-loved stories in the outdoor area. Children squeal with delight as they spy animals that staff have hidden along the forest trail.

Staff are highly engaging in the telling of the story, and children are captivated and engrossed in the adventure. They make the sounds of the animals they identify, going on to predict the next animal to be found by making the sound before it has been discovered. Staff constantly explore ways to build on what children already know.

They understand how to extend children's learning as fully as possible. For example, older children with a fascination for dinosaurs concentrate intently as they use light boxes to study images of different skeletons. The introduction of real horse bones, and discussions about how they join together, very successfully gives real-life context to children's learning.

All children display wonderful social skills and impeccable behaviour. They are polite, considerate and extremely friendly.

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

The senior management team has a clear and ambitious vision for children that is fully understood and implemented by all staff.

They are committed to identifying and nurturing the uniqueness of each child, supporting them to develop a clear sense of self-identify. This is promoted with a strong focus on adventurous outdoor play. Staff working with each group skilfully use their precise knowledge of each child to plan activities that successfully capture their interest and extend their learning.

Staff also provide a multitude of experiences specifically aimed at sparking children's imagination and exposing them to new ideas. Examples of their many recent experiences include catching and filleting fish, which were cooked for them to eat. Children have also enjoyed a demonstration from a farrier and visits to a care home for older people.

Morale is extremely high within the staff team. The managers recognise and value the skills of each staff member and fully nurture their ongoing professional development. Staff complete training that is specifically targeted to respond to the needs of the children they are caring for.

In addition, time is routinely built in for all staff to read relevant articles and guidance to enhance and update their knowledge.Staff do not place any limits on their expectations for children. They provide them with endless opportunities to challenge their own limits and learn at their own pace.

Outdoors, children learn to assess and manage risks as they engage in all manner of physical pursuits. Indoors, they freely explore the exceptional range of resources, all thoughtfully provided to enhance their learning and enjoyment.There is a clear intent behind all planned activities, and staff use creative methods to help children learn.

For example, children sent cards to a veteran war hero on his 100th birthday. To help three-year-old children fully appreciate what an achievement it was to reach that age, staff placed 100 objects on one table, and three objects on another. Teaching of this calibre is commonplace throughout the nursery.

Staff are consistent in their support for children's language development. They introduce new vocabulary through description, discussions, stories and a vast repertoire of songs. Children use their rapidly developing language to express their views, ask and respond to questions, and to share stories from home.

There are fully effective, and highly coordinated, arrangements to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff hold the same high aspirations for all children and work tirelessly to ensure that everyone is fully included in activities. As is the case for all children, the emotional well-being of children with SEND is sensitively considered.

For example, when planning the transition of an individual child to their next group room, staff took the decision that they also needed to transition Sheldon, the nursery tortoise.Staff expose children to experiences that help them to learn about the world and to consider how they can contribute to society. For example, children understand the importance of protecting bees, taking part in annual 'Save the Bee' events.

They plant and tend a variety of fruit and vegetables, care for several pets and understand the importance of recycling.Partnerships with parents are positive and productive. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, managers produced 'discovery bags' to help parents promote children's learning at home.

All parents are encouraged to make use of the bags. These include cards with information about how children learn and ideas for activities. They also include all the equipment needed to complete the activities.

Parents report extreme satisfaction with the service they receive, and they praise the staff highly.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The managers and staff have a secure knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of any child protection concerns.

This includes the action to take in response to an allegation about a member of staff, or if they are concerned about the behaviour of a colleague. Managers ensure that all staff complete regular safeguarding training and routinely test their knowledge. Staff confidently discuss the potential signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm, including the risks associated with exposure to extreme views or beliefs.