The Roundabout Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy their time in this welcoming nursery.

They engage in an array of challenging and stimulating learning experiences. Staff chat to the children and explore their interests, such as planting seeds in the 'magic garden'. Babies engage in sensory play.

For example, they thread small hoops on to dry spaghetti. Children investigate their environment and show confidence to have a go at new activities. They become absorbed in what they are learning.

For example, during cookery club, children learn to cut fruit safely with knives. They examine the seeds and compare the difference between a ston...e in a plum and a pip in an apple. Children talk about planting the seeds and what is needed for them to grow, such as 'sun' and 'water'.

Children choose from a range of exciting and interesting activities. For example, they join in a parachute game, taking turns and inviting their friends to join them when chosen to be the shark in the game. Children's behaviour is excellent.

Staff treat children with respect and offer well-timed praise, promoting children's self-esteem. Children learn to be respectful and helpful, showing kindness towards each other. For example, older children put their arm around younger children and offer them their toys.

When a child drops their coat on the floor, another child picks it up for them.

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

The manager and staff provide a curriculum that is designed and well structured to support each individual child's needs. This helps all children to make good progress across their learning.

Children learn how to stay healthy and manage their self-care needs. Mealtimes are social occasions, where children and staff sit and eat together. They chat about the children's day and their friendships at nursery.

Children demonstrate good manners and say 'please' and 'thank you' without being prompted by staff.Older children are becoming increasingly independent. They confidently take themselves to the toilet and wash and dry their hands before lunch.

Younger children learn how to put on their coats and shoes, confidently asking for help if needed. Babies are encouraged to feed themselves.Staff plan opportunities for children to develop their mathematical skills in all activities.

For example, children count as they set out plates and chairs for snack time. They use mathematical language such as 'more' or 'less'. Children eagerly categorise pieces of fruit that they have cut up, comparing the size and shape of the fruit.

Parents comment that they are happy with the nursery and the wonderful bonds their children have with the staff and their key person. The nursery management team keeps them informed and up to date with the latest procedures. Staff share information with parents regarding their children's progress and offer them ideas for activities so children can continue their learning at home.

Relationships between staff and children are warm and nurturing. Staff confidently talk about what children are interested in and where they are in their development. They understand what each child needs to learn next and how they are going to help them to make progress.

Children fully engage in activities and listen intently. For example, they show delight in using props when reading a favourite story. This supports children's love of books and their imagination.

However, staff do not always challenge children sufficiently and support them in building their vocabulary as much as possible.Staff help children to become independent learners and to be ready to manage routines at school. For example, staff play the 'tidy-up song' and the children sing along to it, as they help tidy up at the end of a play session.

Children return resources to the right place.The manager supports staff well. The management team meets regularly with staff to discuss workloads and well-being, providing support where needed.

The provider values staff as a very important asset of the nursery. Staff are respected and receive recognition for their hard work. The provider continually monitors and reviews the nursery to further improve the ongoing quality.

This creates a positive environment.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff demonstrate a good understanding of what to do if they have concerns about children's welfare.

They are able to identify the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. Staff know and follow appropriate child protection procedures and are confident in what to do if they have any concerns about children or staff. The provider follows safer recruitment procedures when employing staff.

This helps to ensure that staff are suitable for their roles. The provider ensures that staff attend relevant training to deepen their knowledge of safeguarding issues.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: support staff to challenge children further and aid them in building their vocabulary as much as possible.