Kids Adventures Prestwich - Forest School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Children eagerly arrive at forest school, excited about their day. They access all their learning outdoors, which is central to the curriculum. Activities underpin the early years foundation stage and are imaginative and meaningful.

Children are superbly engaged in the provision and decision making. For example, every morning they hold a planning meeting with staff and discuss the activities they would like to explore. Highly qualified and experienced staff are extremely skilful in providing high-quality learning experiences.

Children demonstrate a thirst for learning. For example, children use a saw to cut bran...ches, which they make into wooden blocks for the construction area. Children transfer these skills as they construct weaving frames.

Children are extremely happy and settled in the forest school. Every aspect of the day is a learning opportunity. Children have a can-do attitude and show high levels of perseverance.

The environment provides a wealth of learning opportunities. For example, children paint using natural resources and problem solve how they can unblock a sink in the mud kitchen. Children have vivid imaginations.

They designate roles within their play and name different areas in the environment such as 'dragon mountain' and 'witches cottage'. Staff have the highest expectations for every child. Children understand the safety rules of the campfire and show immense care as they tend to the nursery chickens.

Staff place children's well-being at the centre of their practice. As a result, children form positive relationships with others. Children are independent and confident and their behaviour is exemplary.

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

The management team is extremely experienced and has a crystal-clear vision of the curriculum they provide for children. The team works exceptionally well together and shares an ethos of 'everyone is as important as each other'. Managers are totally committed to supporting staff and their professional development.

The manager has recently attended a mental health course and has developed a well-being policy to further support staff in their role. Staff supervision and training is targeted to develop staff knowledge and continually improve teaching.All staff are extremely skilful and take every opportunity to engage with children.

They have a deep understanding of children's individual needs and offer activities which challenge children and build on their strengths. For example, children sit around the campfire and enjoy a funny story about a witch. They use props to re-enact the story and use their imaginations as they use sticks as magic wands.

Children's play develops into making 'magic potions', mark making and identifying initial letter sounds as they think of magic spells. Staff plan activities that build on children's previous experiences. Children are fully prepared for future learning.

Healthy lifestyles are embedded in the curriculum. Staff offer children a rich set of experiences. For example, children make dens and use real woodworking tools, demonstrating high levels of skill and concentration.

Children's physical development is further promoted through weekly swimming lessons. Children plant, grow and eat their own vegetables. They explore the effect of exercise on the body.

They discuss changes they observe as their heart rate quickens and their breath becomes visible in the cold air.Staff forge highly successful partnerships with parents through a variety of strategies. For example, parents are fully involved with ongoing assessment and home learning.

Parents are invited into nursery to share sessions with children and learn about the forest school ethos. Parents are extremely complimentary about the service provided. They state, 'children gain experience of the real world and gain skills they can take through life' and 'wow, staff are amazing!'.

The management team has been proactive in forging links and partnerships with a range of professionals, for example, teachers from local schools, leaders from faith schools, local authority advisors and practitioners from other nurseries. In addition, people from the local community have been invited in. For example, the 'bee man' has set up a beehive and children have learned about the production of honey.

Special guests are also invited in, such as a professional gnome expert. Children's understanding of diversity is enriched by meeting a wide range of people.Care practices are first class, which significantly impacts on children's confidence and self-motivation.

Staff encourage children to attempt things by themselves, which promotes resilience. For example, children persevere when using scissors and source their own natural materials to instigate their play. Children are immersed in play and learning.

They show a great fascination for exploration and investigation and are extremely confident communicators.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.All staff place children's safety and welfare as a top priority.

Staff attend safeguarding training and regularly refresh their knowledge through discussion and additional training. Staff understand their professional responsibility and their duty of care to children. They have a thorough knowledge of procedures they would follow if they had concerns about a child's welfare.

The management team is knowledgeable on wider elements of safeguarding, such as the 'Prevent' duty and county lines. Staff teach children about personal safety. For example, they talk with children about the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children 'safer pants' initiative, and talk to children about what to do if they feel upset or worried.