Playschool Nursery Welwyn GC

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Staff comfort and reassure babies when they start at the nursery.

They quickly settle to sleep when staff cuddle them and provide them with comforters from home. Children are familiar with the routine at the nursery. They all sit together during breakfast time.

They enjoy the company of staff members, who monitor children's individual requirements closely. Children become independent in meeting their own needs. For instance, younger children use wipes to clean their faces after eating.

They smile as staff praise them for their efforts. Children learn to communicate how they feel from a young age. They enjoy re...ading stories about feelings and looking at the different characters in more detail.

They recognise the feelings of other people and confidently talk about this. For instance, toddlers explain why their parents are feeling happy. Children behave well and respond positively when staff remind them of the nursery's 'golden values'.

They remember that they need to use kind hands with their friends. Some children need more support, such as those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They develop well, thanks to staff's positive interactions and close monitoring of their progress.

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

Children receive consistently good levels of care across the nursery. Processes throughout the nursery, such as nappy changing, are robust. Staff follow good hygiene routines.

They wear gloves and they clean nappy bins regularly. The staff team communicate effectively with one another across the rooms. For example, they share information regarding children's progress when they move on to the next room.

Children become familiar with the wider staff team. They visit the new room frequently when it is time to move on. As a result, they transition from one room to the next with ease.

Children become effective communicators. Babies learn to use basic sign language to communicate their needs. In the toddler room, children combine words with sign language, using both together.

By the time children reach the pre-school room, they speak confidently. Staff teach children new vocabulary, clearly explaining the meaning of words, such as 'ethnicity'. Staff support children to communicate purposefully.

For instance, children learn to say if they have any allergies during mealtimes. This helps them to learn how to keep themselves safe and communicate vital information effectively.Generally, children have strong levels of focus and engagement.

They concentrate as they look in the mirror at the features of their faces. The most-able children confidently take their time to write their names on the work they produce. Occasionally, staff expect the pre-school children to sit and focus for longer than they are able to.

For instance, during lengthy whole-group discussion times some children become restless and distracted. As a result, they do not always get the most out of their learning opportunities.Staff know the children extremely well.

They gather information from parents and provide them with daily feedback regarding their children's time at nursery. They use the information they gather to plan relevant activities, such as supporting children who have new siblings. Staff skilfully differentiate activities to match children's developmental stages.

For example, toddlers enjoy role-play activities with baby dolls. Older children talk to staff about their new sibling and what they do to help with the baby at home. Staff celebrate these important experiences with them.

This helps children to feel valued.The management team is highly reflective and responds to staff's feedback. Managers use staff member's interests, such as a passion for gardening, to help to develop and enhance areas of the nursery.

They recognise the importance of staff's well-being. Some more-established staff have completed training to become 'well-being ambassadors'. They help new staff members to settle into their roles.

Room leaders arrange weekly supervision meetings. They discuss key children and professional development with staff. As a result, staff feel that they are valued members of the team.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Managers and staff have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities to safeguard children. Managers check staff's ongoing suitability regularly.

Staff undergo a thorough induction process, including safeguarding training. Managers regularly present staff with safeguarding quizzes to check their knowledge. Staff are aware of the possible signs that a child may be at risk of exposure to extreme views or behaviour.

They can identify the possible signs of abuse and neglect. Staff recognise the procedures to follow should they need to raise concerns regarding their colleagues.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: help staff to respond promptly when pre-school children lose focus in whole-group activities so that they can make the most of their learning opportunities.