The Co-operative Childcare Sussex

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this exceptional nursery. They arrive each day with anticipation, enthusiasm and excitement for their day. One parent expressed the view of others by saying: 'My child bounds in with a smile, and leaves each day thankful and happy.'

Staff build extremely strong, trusting relationships with the children and create a particularly calm, homely and safe environment. Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff role model kindness, courtesy and respect in all their interactions with children.

From a very young age, toddlers quickly learn to share, take turns and form friendships with others.The nurser...y curriculum is ambitious and equips children with the skills they need for future learning. Staff plan activities precisely, taking account of every child's interests and what they need to learn next.

Children become active, inquisitive learners with a keen interest in extending their wealth of knowledge and skills. They develop an extremely positive attitude towards learning. Babies and toddlers become inspired to explore the beautiful learning areas staff create.

This encourages them to show increasing interest, focus and engagement in the spaces around them. Staff build on these skills well and gently nurture children to become confident, resilient learners. For example, older children are captivated and enthralled during an exciting 'sound hunt' in the garden, and are motivated to keep trying when tasks are initially difficult.

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

The nursery's management team is relentless in its approach towards ensuring children's care routines and children's learning are consistently of the highest quality. Leaders work tirelessly to support the team. They ensure the nursery's curriculum is fully understood and embedded across all age groups.

Room leaders have excellent management skills. They direct their teams well to ensure teaching is continually outstanding. Parents note the dedication shown by leaders in ensuring quality across the nursery and the support they offer families.

Many parents described how leaders go 'above and beyond' to support staff and monitor the quality of provision.The quality of teaching is exceptional. Children benefit from a well-sequenced curriculum and meticulously planned activities which allow them to build on their knowledge and practise their skills.

As babies move through to the toddler rooms, staff ensure they have the relevant skills they need to feed themselves independently and manage the more challenging climbing equipment in the older children's outside area.Staff prepare children extremely well for starting school. Pre-school staff empower children to take care of their own needs.

Children express their ideas independently and are confident to question others. They become increasingly knowledgeable about their role in being socially responsible. For example, they learn about the importance of using plastic responsibly to create 'eco bricks'.

They then use these purposefully to make a sustainable table and chairs. Children take considerable care of their environment and learn about the importance of protecting species such as bees and butterflies.Children make exceptional progress in their learning, including those who need extra support.

Leaders use funding wisely to buy additional resources and provide staff training. Following the pandemic, staff recognised the need to close gaps in children's language development. Managers have taken concerted action to train staff in using alternative ways to help babies and toddlers communicate, such as by using signs.

This has significantly contributed towards the younger children's ability to convey their needs and feelings.Children's views are consistently valued and acknowledged by all staff. Children play a fundamental part in some of the important decision-making processes.

For example, when the chef plans a change in menu options, a group of children sample the proposed new foods first and offer their feedback. Staff also value children's choices around the organisation and provision of activities. Children continually learn the simple principles of democracy.

They confidently use lolly sticks to vote for their preferred options. This helps children to feel listened to and promotes their sense of self within the nursery.The nursery's curriculum is enriched through many exciting, well-planned activities and community events.

Parents are fully involved in their children's learning. They attend many social events and visit the nursery to share professional skills. The nursery has successfully achieved an award which reflects it's strong commitment towards promoting children's well-being.

Additional activities, such as learning to ride a bicycle and yoga, help to promote children's healthy development.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Children's safety is given the highest priority.

The nursery's stringent safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented robustly. Staff have an excellent understanding of the signs and symptoms that might indicate a child is at risk of harm. They take swift action if they are concerned about the suitability of a colleague or if a child makes a disclosure to them.

Meticulous attention is paid throughout the nursery to children's safety. The premises are fully secure. Rigorous risk assessments are completed to identify and minimise any hazards.

Children learn how to play safely as they take managed risks when using the climbing equipment outside. Staff teach them how to use equipment safely to prevent the risk of injury. This helps children learn how to take relevant precautions to keep themselves, and others, safe.