First Little Steps Day Nursery Ltd

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Staff greet children and parents warmly when they arrive at nursery. Children are eager to play and seek out their friends.

The manager and staff care deeply for the children, always treating them with kindness and respect. Children form secure attachments with staff, which helps to promote their emotional well-being. Parents comment that the nursery and staff are 'amazing'.

They say their children are progressing well, particularly in social skills and speech. Parents report that the staff are caring, welcoming and friendly. They say the nursery is like a family and has a respectful culture.

Staff support chi...ldren with special educational needs and/or disabilities effectively. They work well with parents and other agencies to put steps in place to help every child make progress in their learning and development.Children are well behaved and learn to play cooperatively.

For example, they build a tower with boxes together, taking turns to place a box. They laugh together when it falls. Staff manage children's behaviour sensitively and praise and encourage positive interactions.

For example, they say 'good waiting' when a child waits for their turn. The routine and activities offered help children to follow instructions, follow the rules and be patient. This supports children to play harmoniously together and gives them skills they will need for school.

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

The provider is passionate and committed to providing an inclusive and nurturing environment. Good and reflective self-evaluation is in place to enable continuous improvement. For example, they changed the organisation of the nursery rooms after learning about hot and cold spots at an environment training session.

The well-organised environment promotes a curriculum that is appropriate and ambitious for all children. Staff build on what children know and can do and the skills they need for their future learning. The provider works tirelessly with parents and other professionals to ensure that all children get the support they need.

Staff morale is high. The manager supports staff effectively to ensure their well-being. Recognition for their hard work, such as 'employee of the month' and team outings, enables all staff to feel valued.

The manager helps staff to build on their skills and knowledge through effective training and good support.Staff place a strong emphasis on developing children's speech and language skills. Small, targeted language groups help children's communication skills and confidence.

Attention and listening skills are promoted through games such as 'in the bucket'. Children enjoy stories and are encouraged to borrow books from nursery to share with their parents. Children learn to sign, and staff use visual communication to support some children's understanding.

Staff support children's understanding of mathematics throughout their play. They explore quantity and weight during play with sand and water. They count when kneading dough and notice that the cress has grown 'bigger'.

They sing number songs and delight in using the props.There are clear routines throughout the nursery day. However, sometimes, the transitions between play time and lunchtime are not planned as effectively for the youngest children.

This means that some children become restless and disengaged.Children have interesting experiences to help them learn about the world around them. They watch eggs hatch and care for the chicks.

They grow cress and learn that plants need water. They visit the local fire station and meet the firefighters. Children stroke, feed and learn about animals when a farm visits the nursery.

Children develop good physical skills. They have daily access to a well-equipped outdoor garden area. Children persevere when ascending the climbing wall.

They balance on crates and confidently negotiate the space in their wheeled toys. However, the large number of children using the garden at the same time is overwhelming for some children.Oral health is promoted through themed activities.

For example, children bring their toothbrushes into nursery to clean the teeth they have made. They read a book that explains why they should brush their teeth and dental visits are encouraged.Staff offer children a nutritious menu and advise parents what to provide in a healthy packed lunch.

Older children's independence skills are supported as they choose when to have their snack and place their plates and cups in the bowl when finished. Children learn good hygiene habits and wash their hands appropriately.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The nursery is organised to safeguard children. For example, every nursery room is kept locked, and staff are vigilant. Staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

They know what to do if they have concerns about a child's welfare or a colleague's behaviour. The experienced provider is knowledgeable about how to protect children and support their families. The provider ensures that all staff complete regular safeguarding training to keep their knowledge up to date.

For example, they have completed training to understand female genital mutilation and issues around witchcraft. The provider follows robust recruitment procedures to protect children.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: review the planning of transitions from play time to mealtimes in the baby room to better support children's engagement review the organisation of outdoor play for toddlers and pre-school children to maximise all children's learning opportunities.