Early Start Shrewsbury Road

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents

This provision is good • A robust programme of professional development is in place to ensure staff keep skills and knowledge up to date and are continually striving to improve the provision. For instance, training around resources for babies has enabled staff to develop the environment for the youngest children to engage them effectively.

• A clear focus on raising the quality of mathematics in all areas of the setting is evident. Staff successfully engage children in learning about number, shape and weight. Children enjoy using the scales and confidently use mathematical language to discuss 'more than' and 'less than'.

Children make good progress towards their early le...arning goals. • Staff ensure positive images and resources reflect the diversity of those who attend. They support children to learn about, and value, their similarities and differences successfully.

• Children thrive in the engaging environment staff create. They are well motivated to explore sensory resources, musical instruments and dough. Learning experiences, such as building with large wooden construction blocks and pouring water through pipes, help children consider problem-solving strategies well.

• Children make good progress from their starting points. Older children develop key skills, such as recognising their name for self-registration and putting on their own coat before going outside. This contributes to preparing them for their move on to school.

• Occasionally, staff focus on directing planned activities and miss opportunities to follow children's lead. This can cause some children to become distracted during group sessions. • Staff do not make the most of opportunities to encourage children to explore mark making in everyday situations.