Squirrels Springhead

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff have created a safe haven for children to play and explore. They greet children on their arrival with a smile and embrace them with a cuddle. The atmosphere buzzes with children's high energy and laughter.

They cannot contain their excitement to enter this vibrant setting. 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 they behave well. Staff value children's opinions.

For example, they ask children what toys and games they would like to play with. Staff use this... information to think creatively about the activities that they provide for children. For instance, staff have created innovative play areas, such as a 'construction zone', that allow children to become encapsulated in their creativity.

Furthermore, children have excellent opportunities to express their individuality through singing, painting and dancing. Staff encourage children to develop positive attitudes during their play. They provide them with reassurance and praise when they are trying new play experiences.

Children are eager to take on new challenges. For example, they show resilience and determination while learning how to ride bikes. Children relish sharing their achievements, such as when they have made construction models.

They cheer their friends on while playing ring games. Staff support children to become independent from a young age. Children help to tidy toys away and tend to their own physical needs.

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 reflects on ways that it can continually improve the quality of service that it provides for children, staff, parents and carers. For example, it has made changes to the play environment to include more resources that help to ignite children's imaginations.

Children relish enacting the roles of superheroes and police officers. Self-evaluation is accurate. The setting strives to offer a home-from-home environment, where children can flourish through play.

Staff provide children with a play programme that is built on what children already know and can do. They work closely with teachers to complement children's learning from school. Children take part in an array of activities.

For instance, they enjoy baking. They are fascinated while looking for bugs outdoors and giggle with delight while searching for 'treasure' in sand.Staff support children to understand the importance of being kind and considerate towards others.

They provide activities that teach children how to manage their own feelings and emotions. For example, children look at books that reflect different emotions. Children discuss that it is okay to feel happy, sad or upset.

The key-person system is highly successful in supporting children's emotional well-being. Staff spend time getting to know children and their families during the settling-in process. Children develop secure bonds with staff and settle well.

Partnership working is effective. The setting has established secure links with the local authority and other childcare professionals. Parents are kept informed about their children's time at the setting.

They attend stay-and-play sessions and receive newsletters. A strong sense of togetherness pervades this inspirational setting.The setting gives staff's well-being high priority.

It reflects on how it can reduce staff's workload. Staff morale is high. They are set realistic targets during supervision sessions and appraisal meetings.

The setting provides excellent opportunities for staff to develop their professional practice. For instance, all staff have obtained higher qualifications in childcare and share best practice with each other. This has enabled staff to strengthen their understanding of child development and playwork.

Staff teach children about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. For example, they talk to children about caring for their teeth and about the benefits of a balanced diet. Children understand the reasons why visiting the dentist regularly supports their oral health.

They talk about the impact that too many sugary foods can have on their teeth and bodies.Staff provide children with excellent opportunities to be physically active. Children enjoy being outdoors.

They engage in a variety of sport activities. For example, they participate in relay races and football competitions. Children show excellent physical dexterity while completing an assault course.

They develop good levels of perseverance and their large-muscle skills are promoted well.

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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