Meadows Day Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Children are happy and settle quickly into play. They have a wide range of exciting and interesting resources to choose from which captivate their interest and motivate them to learn. Staff have an excellent understanding of children's individual needs and provide a stimulating range of activities that challenge children to build on what they already know.

For example, children have excellent recall of stories as they talk confidently about how eggs turn into ducklings. Staff are excellent role models. They treat children with respect and promote the use of good manners throughout the nursery.

Children are polit...e and considerate towards their friends. All children demonstrate that they feel extremely safe and secure in their surroundings. They are friendly towards each other and learn how to share and take turns.

The pre-school children develop a clear understanding about how to consider other children's opinions, for example when they vote by placing sticks in a basket by the story they would like to hear. They count the sticks confidently and understand about which basket has more than the other. Children have excellent opportunities to develop their physical skills in the large garden area.

They explore the world around them as they build dens and enjoy using the adventure playground equipment where they climb and use balance beams.

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

Children make exceptional progress and build secure foundations for future learning. Staff obtain detailed information from parents about what children already know and can do before they start at the setting.

This information helps staff to make precise and accurate assessments of children's abilities, in close partnership with parents. The management team and staff work closely to ensure any gaps in learning close quickly.Children show exceptionally high levels of concentration and motivation.

For example, they are thoroughly engaged as they thread small beads onto sparkly pipe cleaners. Children show great delight as they achieve their task and receive praise from the member of staff.Staff support children's communication and language skills extremely well.

They encourage children's love of books through reading stories and getting them involved in telling the story. The introduction of a book library in the entrance/office enables children to choose a book to take home regularly. Staff encourage older children to have a go at writing their names on their pieces of work.

Staff skilfully build children's confidence through praise and encouragement as they attempt early writing skills.Through exceptionally well-planned settling-in sessions, staff get to know the children in their care. Staff are quick to offer plenty of reassurance and support for the youngest children who indicate they may need a cuddle.

All staff have a calm and nurturing approach towards the children. This helps children to build strong bonds with their key person and feel comfortable with all staff in the setting.Staff have built strong and highly effective partnerships with parents, carers and other professionals.

Staff use a variety of ways to communicate with parents, including written daily feedback, meetings and regularly sharing children's next steps in learning. This helps to ensure parents are fully included and able to support their children's learning at home. Parents give exceptionally high praise for the quality of care, the happy and extremely supportive staff and management team.

Members of the management team support the staff extraordinarily well. They encourage staff to voice their opinions and make suggestions for any changes in the nursery that will benefit and contribute to help improve the outcomes for children. Regular supervisions of staff help to monitor and maintain the high quality of teaching.

Staff have excellent opportunities to pursue their continuous professional development. They contribute to a team that works exceptionally well together. Staff are highly dedicated to provide exceptionally high-quality childcare.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a secure knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding policies and procedures. They complete regular safeguarding training, which helps them to understand their roles and responsibilities in keeping children safe.

Staff are fully aware of the signs and indicators that may alert them to any concerns about a child's welfare. Staff are extremely clear about what to do if they have any concerns about the behaviour of another team member. Although staff turnover is minimal, the manager implements thorough recruitment, induction and monitoring procedures, including regular checking of staff's suitability to work with children.