Little Wonderland Quality Improvement 2025 - 2026
August 2024
What was once an unused car park has been transformed into a welcoming garden with a hygge feel. Cozy corners, natural textures, and calming spaces encourage children to relax, explore, and connect with nature, making our outdoor area a place for play, curiosity, and wellbeing.
January 2026
children influence and affect change
We wanted our outdoor space to reflect the interests and ideas of the children who use it every day. As part of this, we consulted with the children about what they would like to see in the garden. Through discussions, drawings, and group activities, the children shared their ideas and dreams for the space.
One of the clear ideas that emerged was their wish to plant fruit trees. This not only reflects their curiosity and connection with nature but also gives the children a sense of ownership and pride in the garden. By listening to children's voices and acting on their suggestions, we are creating an outdoor environment that is engaging, meaningful, and inclusive — a place where children can explore, learn, and enjoy the fruits of their own ideas!
February 2026
Children Thrive and Develop in Quality Spaces
Children experience high quality spaces
Quality environments play a vital role in supporting children’s learning, wellbeing, and development. By strengthening our community links with MKM Building Supplies here in Heathhall, we have been able to enhance our outdoor play space through the donation of resources to support safe and purposeful play. These improvements have increased children’s opportunities to engage in active play, develop confidence, and explore their environment in meaningful ways. This collaboration reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.
February 2026
Children are Supported to Achieve
Wellbeing, inclusion and equality
Together Advancing Inclusive Practice
As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusive practice and continuous improvement, we are embarking on the Together Advancing Inclusive Practice programme. This mentoring model builds on the strengths already present within our setting, valuing existing good practice while providing opportunities for deeper reflection and growth.
Through the guidance of experienced facilitators, we will be supported to reflect on the unique needs of our setting and the children and families we serve. The process encourages us to identify what is working well, alongside areas that can be further enhanced to ensure all learners are fully supported and included.
Over the course of approximately eight weeks, this collaborative journey will involve observations, professional dialogue, shared problem-solving, and reflective practice. Facilitators will offer practical advice, coaching, signposting, and role modelling, enabling us to strengthen our confidence, knowledge, and inclusive approaches in meaningful and sustainable ways.
ELKLAN
Leadership
staff skills, knowledge, values and deployment
Children are supported to achieve
Wellbeing, inclusion and equality
A member of our team is taking part in ELKLAN training to help us better support children’s communication and language development. This means we’ll be using more inclusive, communication-friendly approaches that benefit every child — whether they’re finding their words, building confidence, or already loving to chat.
By using these strategies in everyday play and routines, we can support children to understand, express themselves, and feel confident joining in. This helps all children build strong communication skills, positive relationships, and a real sense of belonging within our setting.
April 2026
My Nature Play
We were chosen as one of 50 settings throughout the UK to receive staff training and a clothing library for our children and staff to ensure that children are able to participate in high quality nature play and learning outdoors.
Jane our My Nature Play Leader joined us over six weeks to embed nature play within our setting.
Firstly we have focussed on how well we provide opportunities for children to experience nature within our setting and within the local community.
Together we have audited our outdoor provision to assess if there are opportunities for all children's schematic play behaviours to be supported. Overall, most area's were supported well however we found that there was limited opportunities for immersive orientation and rotation schemas.
April 2026
Bookbug
Shauni has recently successfully completed Bookbug leader training and is implementing this programme within our setting to support our family learning programme.
The children have been introduced to Bookbug and took them to the local library to enjoy a special story session together.
Our Bookbug sessions begin on w/c 18th May where we will be welcoming families into Little Wonderland to enjoy a wonderful storytelling session together.
