The Marmalade Caterpillar

Inspection of The Marmalade Caterpillar St. Jude's Church Hall, Balham SW12 8EG

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in this exciting and innovative nursery. Leaders' exceptionally high expectations for every child are matched by the staff's ability to teach children to the highest level. Children excitedly engage with stimulating activities that have been designed around their interests, cultures and learning styles. They are captivated by meaningful activities that teach them about their world. For example, on a visit to the local common, children were concerned about how the animals living there keep warm. They enthusiastically hunted for materials to construct a 'hedgehog' house, as staff cleverly introduced mathematical concepts such as measuring and fitting shapes together. Children's behaviour is excellent. They learn to listen to the views of others and accept each other's ideas. Children regulate their own behaviour well. They show high levels of resilience and independently overcome minor difficulties or disagreements. Children are learning to respect

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The provision is outstanding

differences between themselves and others, to help them live successfully in modern society. Children have a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards learning. They are highly motivated, independent and confident. Throughout the day they remain purposefully engaged as they explore their own interests and participate in activities led by the highly skilled staff. Children's learning is fully extended as staff subtly join in with their play to challenge their thinking and develop their problem-solving abilities. They have formed exceptionally close bonds with staff, who are calm, nurturing role models.

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need to do better?

n Leaders are inspirational. They successfully bring together academic research and their observations of children to provide an exceptional learning environment. Alongside the well-qualified staff, they develop an aspirational curriculum that fully supports children's educational needs and emotional security. Experiences for children are extremely well planned to make the most of their existing skills and knowledge, and build on this consistently and coherently. n Staff have an excellent understanding of their key children. They present activities in ways that promote children's independence, curiosity and sense of wonder. They skilfully adapt their teaching to ensure that all children benefit as much as possible from the excellent range of learning experiences. n Additional funding is used very effectively to enhance children's experiences and ensure that they receive their full entitlement to early education. Plans for

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need to do better?

children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and for those who speak English as an additional language are excellent. Teaching is consistent and interventions are precisely targeted. Children who are achieving more than is expected for their age are consistently challenged to extend their skills and knowledge further. As a result, all children make rapid progress in their learning.

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need to do better?

15 January 2020 n Children thrive in this excellent nursery. There are exceptional procedures in place to help them develop secure and caring relationships with staff, right from the start. These include home visits by staff before children join the provision, which help to form the foundations for excellent partnerships with parents. n Children's welfare is central to staff practice. For example, a long-term 'wellness' project helps children develop healthy minds and bodies, acquire resilience and learn how to keep themselves safe. Children have ample opportunities for outdoor learning. This includes regular visits to the local common, where they happily develop their physical skills by running and climbing trees. n Children are highly independent and confident. Staff reassure them that it is alright to make mistakes. Therefore, children are willing to take risks in their learning with the confidence that staff will support, praise and encourage their

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need to do better?

efforts. n Children eagerly develop their skills in mathematics and literacy in meaningful ways. They confidently create labels, draw maps and write their names while they play. They thoroughly enjoy counting and measuring. For example, they created recipes from natural materials in the mud kitchen. n Leaders and staff are completely committed to creating an exceptionally welcoming and inclusive environment. There is a strong connection to the local community which is celebrated and strengthened through regular outings and visits.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Managers and staff have an excellent understanding of safeguarding issues. They know how to take prompt and effective action should they have any concerns about children's welfare. Staff know the procedures for reporting allegations and how to escalate concerns to professionals outside of the nursery if necessary. They supervise children well and ensure a safe environment is maintained for them. Staff have a very good understanding of the signs that indicate a child may be at risk of harm, including from radical and extreme views.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY551036 Local authority Wandsworth Inspection number 10133712 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care Age range of children 2 to 4 Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 54 Name of registered person Hyslop, Rosalind Jane

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reference number

Telephone number 02086758258 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The Marmalade Caterpillar re-registered at new premises in 2017. The nursery is open each weekday from 8.45am to 4pm. The provider employs nine members of staff to work with the children. Of these, seven hold relevant childcare qualifications. The manager has qualified teacher status and other staff hold qualifications from at level 6, 4 or 3. The nursery receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two and three years.

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Inspection activities

n The manager showed the inspector around the setting and discussed the aims of the curriculum and how the learning environment is organised. n The inspector talked to parents, staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection and took into account their views and experiences of the nursery. n The documents reviewed included first-aid certificates, policies and records. n The inspector discussed the leadership and management of the nursery with the manager and owner. n The inspector observed the quality of the curriculum during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. She also carried out a joint observation with the manager.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

15 January 2020 regulates and inspects to 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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