Little Sneakers

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children relish their time in nursery. They happily enter the nursery and greet staff and their friends. Children form close attachments to staff and their peers, and they share what they have been doing since the last time they were in nursery.

They settle quickly into the activities and show high levels of concentration and perseverance with tasks.Children enjoy pretending to be pirates looking for treasure. They dig in the sand and look for different stones in the garden to paint and make their own treasure.

Older children continually develop their play, narrating what they are doing. They create different voices fo...r characters in their play and negotiate with their friends, agreeing who should be which character and what they are going to do. Children develop an ability to listen to what others have to say and share their own opinion.

Babies confidently explore their environment. They use push-along walkers as they build their confidence when starting to walk and enjoy holding staff's hands as they take tentative steps. Staff reassure them when visitors come into their room, giving cuddles and affection.

Children see images of themselves involved in activities within the playrooms. They talk about their families and the special people in their lives. Children develop an understanding of cultural events and celebrations.

Books, resources and photographs encourage discussion about similarities and differences, and children recognise that they are unique.

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

Managers and staff use their knowledge of children, their interests and their abilities to provide a wealth of learning opportunities that stimulate children's natural curiosity to learn. Activities challenge children, who thrive in this environment.

Staff work in partnership with professionals involved in children's lives to ensure consistency at all times.Managers and staff share the same passion for their roles and the desire for children to make the best possible progress. They meet regularly as a team and keep their knowledge and skills up to date through training.

However, opportunities to monitor staff's practice have not been as frequent.Resources continually enhance children's knowledge and understanding. For example, staff support children to use technology to enhance their understanding in a range of topics.

Children enjoy researching information about crocodiles. Staff encourage them to explain what they think the crocodiles' skin and teeth are like, and they use pictures to explore this and create their own models using dough and uncooked pasta. Staff encourage children to share their own thoughts and pose questions.

However, at times, staff do not give children enough time to think about what they have been asked and respond before giving them the answer.Children's love of being outside is supported well. They enjoy exploring and continually building on what they already know.

Children use their imagination, searching for fossils in the digging area. They explain that their fossils are dinosaurs and trace their fingers over them to feel the different textures and shapes.Staff capture children's attention and enhance their love of books as they re-enact familiar, favourite stories.

Children pretend they are walking through 'swishy, swashy' grass and splashing through water as they hunt for a bear in the nursery garden. They retell the story, and their excitement builds as they race home to safety after finding the bear.Children develop a good awareness of their own health and well-being.

They enjoy a variety of freshly prepared foods and snacks, independently access drinks throughout the day and spend lots of time in the fresh air being physically active. Children become independent individuals. They understand the importance of handwashing throughout the day.

Individual care routines are followed, and staff support children through developmental milestones, such as toilet training.Children behave well. Staff recognise and praise children's efforts and achievements.

Their positive role modelling and gentle, calm approach throughout the day impacts positively on children, who have the same calm and relaxed demeanour. Children use their manners well. They share and take turns as they play and have built strong and secure friendships.

Parents are delighted with the nursery, the environment and the caring and supportive staff. They particularly like the garden and the experiences children enjoy outdoors. Parents enjoy hearing about their child's day, progress and achievements.

They welcome opportunities to talk about and look at ways to continually support their child's learning at home.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Children's safety is paramount.

Staff fully understand their role in safeguarding children. They know the signs that may indicate a child may be at risk of harm or neglect. Staff are fully conversant with the procedures to follow if they have a concern about a child in their care.

They understand the importance of making a referral if they are concerned about a colleague's practice. Staff take effective steps to ensure the nursery environment is safe and secure. All areas are checked before children access them.

Staff support children as they learn to use small tools safely. Children practise the fire evacuation procedures in case of an emergency.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: give children time to think about what they have been asked before asking another question or giving them the answer nenhance opportunities to monitor staff's practice and use this to build their knowledge and skills even further.