Squirrels @ Buckstones

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children's laughter fills the air of this vibrant setting. They arrive from school with smiles on their faces.

Children are eager to greet their friends and embrace staff with hugs. Staff are good role models. They provide children with clear expectations for their behaviour.

Children show kindness towards others and behave exceptionally well. Staff teach children about fundamental British values. Children are confident to discuss individual liberty, respect and tolerance.

They are proud to be part of this inspirational setting. Children speak with fondness about the friendships that they have made. Older children... encourage younger children to take part in ring games.

Staff are close by to offer reassurance and praise. Children have a strong sense of belonging and develop good skills to support them for their future success.Staff provide children with a play programme that captures their interests and keeps them motivated to play.

For instance, children giggle with delight while creating a Halloween collage. They use acrylic pens while decorating glass jars. Staff encourage children to be physically active.

For example, they encourage them to participate in an assault course and play basketball with them. Children gain a good awareness of the importance of exercise. For instance, they discuss how the rhythm of their hearts change after competing in relay races.

Staff give creativity high priority. They help children to gain confidence in expressing their individuality, through praise and encouragement. For instance, staff encourage children to explore their own ideas while learning how to sew.

Children show high levels of engagement and are enthralled to showcase pillows and blankets that they have created. They learn how to make bracelets and create unique patterns with beads. Children immerse themselves into creativity.

They excitedly discuss their favourite activities and teach each other how to create artwork in the style of different artists.

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

The setting identifies the importance of self-evaluation. It reflects on how it can improve play outcomes for children.

For example, it has provided training for staff to help them to better support children to manage their own feelings and emotions. Children participate in meditation and learn different techniques that assist them in self-regulating their behaviour. Children's behaviour and attitudes towards their play is impeccable.

Play is at the heart of the setting's ethos. Staff ooze high energy and actively get involved in children's activities. They obtain the views of children and use this to offer a broad play programme.

Children thoroughly enjoy an array of activities.For example, they cannot contain their excitement while making 'pumpkin cakes' from dough. They make their own musical instruments and build homes for wildlife outdoors using sticks.

The setting places great emphasis on outdoor play. Children immerse themselves into imaginative play while pretending to travel to a 'magical land' with their friends. They participate in ring games and teach one another the rules of football.

Children go on nature hunts and talk about the different seasons. Children develop a love of outdoors. They describe the feeling of wind and rain on their faces.

Children develop an early awareness of how they can be environmentally friendly. For instance, they talk about the importance of recycling.The setting gives high priority to staff's well-being.

It ensures that their workload is manageable. Staff morale is high. The atmosphere buzzes with their passion for working with children.

Staff said that working at the setting is 'the best'. Staff attend supervision sessions and appraisal meetings. The setting supports staff to improve their practice through a highly successful training programme.

Staff share best practice with each other and continually reflect on ways to offer children exciting play experiences.Care practices are good. The key-person system is highly effective and supports children's emotional well-being.

Staff spend time getting to know children and their families. Children are happy, safe and settle well.Staff teach children about the importance of healthy living.

They talk to them about following good hygiene practices. Children talk about good oral health and why visiting the dentist is important. Staff provide children with healthy snacks and keep them hydrated.

Children develop good eating habits and are aware of the importance of a balanced diet.The setting teaches children about similarities and differences between themselves and others. Children relish learning about different cultures, faiths and beliefs.

They learn that it is okay to look different and to be themselves. Children talk about differences in hair, eye and skin colour. They are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Partnership working is strong. Links with parents, the host primary school and external professionals are built on trust and respect. Staff complement children's learning from school and keep parents informed of their children's time at the setting.

Parents commended staff for going above and beyond for their children.

Safeguarding

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

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