Acorn Day Nursery, YMCA, Central Milton Keynes

Philosophy: There is a clear and concise intent for the curriculum, which focuses on children learning about nature and their community through first-hand activities.

Forest School Sessions: Children enjoy outings that expose them to new experiences, such as travelling by bus to the forest school and visiting the local library.

Activities: Children mix ingredients together and explore different materials, such as sand, flowers, water and herbs. This gives children a rich sensory experience.

Skills , Knowledge and Behavior: Older children talk imaginatively as they play together. Children behave well. There are clear rules that staff explain.

Communication: Parents say that they receive extensive information from their child's key person.

Programs and Resources: There is swift intervention in place to identify and support children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Staff Training: Staff put timely action plans in place to help close gaps in children's development.

Welcoming and Professional Staff: Staff are attentive and caring towards children. As a result, children form close relationships with their key person and show they are content and settled.

Safeguarding Training: The leadership team at the nursery are clear in their responsibilities to train staff so they understand their roles in keeping children safe.

Play and Learning Integration: Staff support children to follow their interests, and this helps to sustain children's attention.

Transition to Primary School: Older children talk imaginatively as they play together. Staff describe activities, repeat words and ask questions to effectively help children to hear and understand language.

Child Safety Management: Staff are vigilant in supervising children and carrying out effective risk assessments to help keep children safe.

Children's Safety and Security: Children feel safe and secure. They smile broadly at the staff who care for them.