Smarties

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff have created a play environment that is filled with awe and wonder.

The atmosphere buzzes with children's excitement. Everywhere that you look, children are immersed in play. Staff are good role models.

They provide children with clear expectations for their behaviour. Children know what is expected of them and show impeccable attitudes towards their play. They are kind and courteous towards others.

Staff provide children with a play programme that captures their interests and keeps them motivated to play. For example, children are enthralled while enacting characters from books. They pretend to be princesse...s who have 'magical powers'.

Children's laughter fills the air while they play ring games. They giggle with delight while searching for bugs outdoors and talk about caring for the environment. Staff encourage children to try new experiences and to learn new skills.

For example, children show great determination while learning how to ride a scooter. Staff cheer children on and celebrate their success. Children are proud of their achievements.

They are eager to display their artwork on the 'wow wall' and praise their friends for their efforts. Children show a strong sense of pride.Staff teach children about the importance of keeping healthy.

Children discuss why keeping physically active is important for their bodies. They listen to the rhythm of their heartbeats after running outdoors. Staff support children incredibly well to understand the importance of good oral health.

Children talk about visiting the dentist. They are aware of the impact that too many sugary foods can have on their teeth. Staff help children to become independent from a young age.

Children hang their own coats up, help to tidy toys away and take care of their personal belongings. Children develop the necessary skills to support them in their next steps in play.

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

The setting has worked exceptionally hard to bring about change since the last inspection.

It has welcomed support from the local authority and the host primary school. Self-evaluation is accurate. For example, the setting has worked hard to incorporate play areas that support younger children's imagination.

This has resulted in younger children using an array of imaginative toys to enact the roles of teachers and of superheroes. Children demonstrate excellent imaginative skills. For example, they travel to a 'fairy land' outdoors and become pirates.

The setting has established a highly successful key-person system. Staff are allocated time to get to know children and their families during the settling-in period. This enables staff to plan activities that match children's interests and fascinations.

Children feel safe and secure in the care of staff. They are self-confident individuals who are proud to be a part of the setting.The setting provides children with broad play experiences.

They use what they know about children to ensure that play experiences are fun and exciting. Children relish their time at this vibrant setting. They let staff know what they want to play with.

Children are fascinated while learning about the life cycle of a butterfly. They make animal collages and help to build a special 'bug hotel' outdoors. Children gain a good understanding of the wider world.

The setting gives high priority to staff's well-being. It ensures that staff's workload is manageable. Staff receive incentives for their hard work and commitment to playwork.

Staff morale is high. They reported that working at the setting is like being part of 'one big family'.The setting has successful arrangements in place for staff's coaching and mentoring.

Staff have regular supervision sessions and appraisal meetings. They reported that training has a positive impact on their practice. For example, training in playwork has given them a broader understanding of how to support children's large-muscle skills during creative play.

Children show excellent physical dexterity during their play.Partnership working is good. Links with parents and carers are rooted in trust and respect.

Parents receive regular updates about their children's time at the setting. Links with class teachers and external professionals are robust. There is a strong commitment from the setting to ensure that continuity of care and play is maintained.

The support in place for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language is excellent. The setting ensures that these children get the support that they need. Timely interventions are in place and these children flourish.

Staff teach children about similarities and differences well. Children talk about celebrations from around the world. They recall tasting different foods while learning about Eid.

Children develop a good awareness of what makes them and others unique. For example, they discuss how some children have different eye and skin colour. Children are well-rounded individuals.

They develop a good understanding of what life is like in modern Britain.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

Also at this postcode