Mouse Hole Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Children are excited and motivated to explore this nursery. They gaze in awe at the selection of activities they have to choose from. Children visit the park every day, where toddlers excitedly try out the wide range of equipment.

They paint with large tools, search for fruit in the soil and scoop and pour sand into different containers. All children, including the youngest, are completely focused on what they are doing. They are absorbed in their imaginations as they talk out loud and explain what they are doing.

Children's understanding of why they need to listen to staff as they walk to the park is exceptiona...l. Very young children learn to hold onto the rope as they walk together. Children wait at the zebra crossing and listen for hazards.

They understand that listening keeps them safe. Children consistently demonstrate self-control with gentle encouragement from staff. All children enjoy challenging new activities each day.

For example, outdoors, they spend time with a sports coach. They work on key skills, kicking and throwing footballs to each other. Children learn to listen to a variety of staff and their friends.

They watch each other and experiment with what happens when they throw and catch. All children have an opportunity to find out what they like doing. They are extremely happy as they celebrate their own achievements and develop their own talents.

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

The manager has an extremely strong knowledge of how young children learn. She robustly works with her staff team to create an ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all children. All staff have a strong common understanding of the vision that underpins the nursery.

They have high expectations of all children. This feeds into the challenging and enriching activities that staff plan together for children.The manager demonstrates a thorough understanding of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on all children.

She has strategically implemented support for staff to ensure that any gaps in children's learning are quickly identified. The manager and staff work with a range of external partners to support children.Staff interact with children in a purposeful, warm and well-thought-out way.

They ask questions and give children time to think and respond. For example, as staff read a story to the children about farm animals, children learn the words 'snout' and 'curly tail'. They giggle and shout 'no!' when staff ask if they have a tail.

Children develop an understanding of more complex language.Staff identify what children know and can do. They sequence the curriculum in a way that deepens children's knowledge and skills over time.

For example, when children learn about farm animals, staff plan visits for children to observe the animals at the local farm. They read stories using language about farm animals and talk about children's previous learning. Children are able to talk about and remember the language they are learning.

They are building on the foundations that they need to be fluent readers and confident speakers.Parents are overwhelmingly happy with the care that their children receive. They report that their children rapidly make progress in their speaking and listening skills.

Parents note that their children can recognise numbers, speak confidently and understand the meaning of new words. They say that their children are well prepared for the next stage of their education.Managers go above and beyond in providing children with rich experiences that teach them about other people.

They want children to understand their identity and their differences from other people. Staff teach children about their different backgrounds and home languages. They arrange visits to a variety of places in the local community.

Children also learn about different family dynamics. Managers are highly inclusive and want all children to benefit from the same rich experiences.Managers demonstrate their ability to listen to staff.

They are highly successful at supporting staff to extend their own knowledge and skills. Managers help staff to identify areas of teaching they feel passionate about. They robustly train new staff on the nursery's policies and procedures.

Staff meaningfully engage in their own professional development. They are confident and report high levels of well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have an exceptional understanding of the range of safeguarding issues that may affect the children in their care. They robustly follow the safeguarding policy and procedure to report their concerns to the appropriate authorities. The manager has created a culture of safeguarding, with staff confidently sharing new knowledge and skills with one another.

Staff are able to understand the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the safety and well-being of children. They understand their individual responsibility to ensure the welfare of all children in their care. Staff understand what action to take in the event of an allegation being made against themselves or other adults.

They routinely evaluate their safety practices together. Staff have regular meetings to discuss risk assessments and any updates to policies. Managers regularly arrange training to ensure that staff's knowledge and skills are kept up to date.