Under the Willow Nursery

Under the Willow Nursery Under the Willow Nursery, 198a Croxted Road, London, SE21 8NW

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 21 May 2018 27 June 2017

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires Improvement

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The new manager effectively evaluates the provision. She seeks the views of parents, children and staff to identify areas for further development. She supports staff well and encourages them to access training which meets their individual needs and the needs of the setting. This helps to improve practice and children's learning experiences.  Staff have a respectable knowledge of how children learn and demonstrate a variety of good teaching skills. They accurately plan motivating activities and resources around children's interests, ideas and next steps for learning. This helps children to make good progress from their starting points.  Children form secure relationships with staff and benefit from a secure and nurturing environment. Younger children demonstrate this when freely exploring the resources and looking for reassurance when needed. Frequent praise and encouragement are given, which helps to promote children's confidence and self-esteem.

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This provision is good

 Parents unreservedly praise the staff and provision. They compliment the friendly and welcoming staff and like the individual care and attention their children receive.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 At times, staff miss opportunities to help children learn about risks and safety, such as how to handle resources in a safe way.  Not all parents are encouraged to contribute actively to their children's next steps in learning and their overall assessment.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 ensure staff make the most of opportunities to enhance children's awareness and understanding of risks and safety  build on the existing good partnerships with parents and involve them more in continuing children's learning at home and sharing in the assessment process.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector had a tour of the nursery and held a meeting with the manager and owner.  The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of suitability for all staff working with the children.  The inspector held two joint observations with the nursery manager.  The inspector spoke to staff, children and parents during the inspection and took their views into account.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The new interim manager has the skills needed for her role and understands the importance of ensuring that a strong management team is in place to help continue the good work she has started. The manager has introduced the Montessori ethos, which has been embraced by staff and parents as well as children. The setting has a strong team of practitioners who are passionate about their work with children. Staff are fully aware of their responsibility to safeguard children and know the procedures to follow if they have a concern about a child's safety or welfare. Safeguarding is effective. The manager monitors staff practice and the progress children make regularly to help ensure everyone makes good progress.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff play alongside children to help them stay engaged and extend their learning. They use effective communication. For example, staff name the items that younger children pick up and describe children's actions. This means that children hear and learn words that reflect what they are doing and they make good progress in developing their vocabulary. Staff accurately assess children's learning and use this to support them in their play. They skilfully guide children's learning during activities that children choose themselves. This has a positive impact on children. Children are engaged in activities for long periods, exploring resources and trying to figure out how things work. Staff effectively teach children about quantities and healthy food choices.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff use effective methods to teach children about following routines. For example, when it is tidy-up time, they start singing a special song and model the expected behaviour. Children copy them and help by reminding their friends about it. Children are well supported to build friendships, play together and share resources. They also learn about personal hygiene, such as washing hands before mealtimes and brushing their teeth after lunch. Staff follow correct procedures if a child has an accident, helping to ensure that children's welfare is promoted. Children enjoy being active outdoors.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress in their learning. They develop a high concentration span and stay on task during activities. This shows that they enjoy learning. They become independent from early on, making their own decisions about their play. Babies enjoy playing in cornflour, making marks, and toddlers mould play dough, using different tools. This helps them to gain the skills needed for writing. Older children contribute to their learning during group time, sharing their ideas and experiences. Children acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes to learning that prepare them well to start school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY453559 Local authority Southwark Inspection number 1108551 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 0 - 4 Total number of places 37 Number of children on roll 54 Name of registered person Under the Willow Ltd

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 27 June 2017 Telephone number 0208 761 7972

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reference number

Under the Willow Nursery registered in 2012. It is located in Dulwich in the London Borough of Southwark. The nursery operates Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6.30pm all year round, except for a week at Christmas and during public holidays. The nursery receives funding for the provision of free nursery education to children aged three and four years. The provider employs 20 staff. Of these, three hold qualified teacher status and three hold a relevant degree. The setting follows the Montessori ethos.

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reference number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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reference number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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reference number

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reference number

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reference number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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