Lime Tree Nursery (Herringthorpe)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children do well in this warm and stimulating nursery. They thoroughly enjoy the wide range of well-planned activities staff prepare for them.

Staff have high expectations, and children make good progress overall. Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are well prepared for their future learning. They develop a strong sense of curiosity and are keen to solve problems.

For example, children enthusiastically experiment with mixing colourful glitter and foam and eagerly talk about what they think will happen. Children are safe and secure. They make a smooth start to their lear...ning experiences and form strong bonds with staff.

Babies grow in confidence from the care they receive from staff, who have a strong understanding of their needs. Children learn to manage their own risks. For example, they learn how to use tools safely as they make patterns by hammering pins into a pumpkin.

Children behave well. They are polite and friendly. They learn to work together as they cheerfully sing their 'tidy up' song and neatly put their toys away.

Children learn to be healthy and active. Parents welcome the steps taken to keep children safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and to support all aspects of their learning.

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

Overall, children's communication and language skills are promoted well.

They introduce children to new vocabulary through songs and stories. They help children to pronounce words correctly by, for example, repeating them in new sentences or questions. However, sometimes, staff do not take the opportunities presented to extend children's language skills further and build fully on their vocabulary.

The enthusiastic leadership team inspires the staff to work to high standards. They make good use of training and supervision arrangements to support staff to develop their skills and knowledge. For example, staff have strongly developed learning activities that encourage children's curiosity and develops their skills in solving problems.

Staff work together well to plan an exciting educational programme that systematically helps children to work towards clear targets in all areas of their learning. Staff morale is high, as they feel that their contributions are valued and that their work is respected.Staff plan well to encourage children to love books.

Interesting displays encourage children's curiosity and attract them to look at and share well-chosen books. Staff read stories well. They use books to enrich children's experiences and build on their interests.

For example, children learn about the similarities and differences between their lives and those of children in other countries.Staff have a very positive impact on children's developing personal development and good behaviour. They work closely with parents to understand children's needs and interests and how these change over time.

Staff warmly praise children's achievements and help them to understand and manage their own feelings. They encourage high levels of independence and self-awareness that contribute well to children's future learning.Staff help children develop good attitudes and understanding of living a healthy lifestyle.

For example, children learn about the importance of keeping their teeth clean and eating healthily. The staff provide nutritious meals and healthy snacks. Children have the opportunity to be physically active throughout the day, and they enjoy yoga and gymnastics.

Staff strongly support children with SEND. They identify gaps in children's learning and development at an early stage. Staff work closely with other professionals, such as speech therapists, to plan future learning.

They make good use of additional funding to, for example, offer sign language and singing sessions, to help children's early speaking skills.Staff promote children's mathematical development well. They help them to recognise patterns, for instance, when they create pumpkin collage pictures or patterns in sand and foam.

They help children to recognise sequences from following phrases, such as 'Ready, Steady, Go', to counting, 'one, two and three'.Parents strongly recommend the nursery. They appreciate the warm and kind nature of all the staff.

They recognise the care staff take to keep them fully informed about all aspects of their children's learning and progress.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff know how to recognise signs that children may be at risk of abuse or neglect, and they understand how to record and report their concerns.

They know the relevant agencies to inform to make sure that correct and timely action is taken. They have a good understanding of a range of safeguarding concerns, such as protecting children from extreme views. Safeguarding is discussed at every staff meeting.

Staff are regularly tested, challenged and supported by the designated safeguarding lead to refresh and update their knowledge. Staff are vigilant and ensure that children play in a safe and secure environment.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: focus staffs' further development on ensuring they take all opportunities to deepen and extend children's language skills and vocabulary.