Toad Hall Nursery School

Inspection of Toad Hall Nursery School 37 St. Marys Gardens, Kennington, London SE11 4UF

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

The setting's curriculum is consistently strong across all areas of learning. Staff place the children at the centre of everything they plan and do. Staff are highly attuned to the children's interests, needs and backgrounds. For example, children are highly engaged in topic work because themes are based on their backgrounds and interests. Children are offered opportunities that ensure they develop a plethora of skills for life. For example, they are constantly introduced to new, rich vocabulary such as 'camouflage'. The staff have strong links with outside agencies. This means that children with special educational needs are securely supported. Staff skilfully use sign language for those children less able to verbally express themselves. Children are well supported during potty training as staff use different strategies that meet children's individual needs. Staff are extremely confident teachers and know how to support children to become confident, independent and

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The provision is outstanding

resilient. The well-equipped rooms enable children to choose from the excellent range of activities. Children form secure friendships with their peers and they behave exceptionally well for their age. Teachers have consistently high expectations of all children. For example, children are encouraged to use scissors safely to master their cutting skills and predict what happens next in stories.

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need to do better?

n The leader has a very passionate vision for the children. She sets high expectations with her team. All staff are highly qualified and dedicated to the nursery, which creates a consistent approach to teaching. The leader provides exceptional support to her staff team, organising relevant, focused training to enhance their teaching skills and knowledge. The leader acts with integrity and actively promotes staff well-being. n Children are extremely well prepared for future learning and school through the everyday activities they take part in. The nursery has strong links with the children's future schools, which means that children's transitions are very well supported. Children learn about the importance of a good diet because extremely healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables from other countries are thoughtfully presented by the staff. Lunchtimes are extremely social occasions and the nursery successfully promotes a 'family' atmosphere. This helps children

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need to do better?

to feel happy and safe. n Children's voices are listened to and they are involved in decision-making. For example, when a new member of staff is going through the recruitment process, children are asked for their feedback. The partnerships with parents are highly developed, secure and strong. Parents are very involved in the children's learning. For example, on the day of the inspection, a parent came into the nursery to talk about their country of origin. This helped children to build their knowledge of the world and other communities, through the use of props, such

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need to do better?

4 February 2020 as traditional clothing. n There is a robust key-person system in place. Children who speak English as an additional language swiftly become confident communicators in both their home language and English. The key persons' expert knowledge of children's home experiences and language significantly enhances children's understanding and use of English. For instance, staff learn key words and text in a child's home language when the child first starts, to value the language they speak at home. Children are constantly exposed to new vocabulary through the high-quality interactions they enjoy with staff around the different topics they explore. n Children have wonderful opportunities to creatively explore the resources available, such as the mud kitchen in the garden. They are very eager to take part in adult-led activities and learn about the world they live in. For example, when learning about South America, real-life objects from various countries are

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need to do better?

made available for them to freely explore. Because of the strong, well-delivered curriculum, children do exceptionally well and are challenged to learn more. For example, children already exceeding in mathematics are encouraged to take part in solving equations.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding is effective. The manager and staff have an in-depth understanding of safeguarding. Staff recognise signs of abuse and know what steps they need to take to ensure children are kept safe at all times. The manager and staff understand their role to protect children from extreme views and beliefs. They can expertly explain the local procedures to follow if they have a concern about a child's safety. Children learn about risks and keeping themselves safe, for example when going up and down the stairs with confidence and when holding the scissors.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 144720 Local authority Lambeth Inspection number 10138080 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 2 to 5 Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 28 Name of registered person Rees, Vivien

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reference number

Telephone number 020 7735 5087 Date of previous inspection 26 January 2016

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Information about this early years setting

Toad Hall Nursery School registered in 1985 and is situated in the London Borough of Lambeth. The nursery is open each weekday from 8.30am to 4.30pm, for 38 weeks of the year. The provider receives funding to offer free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The provider employs four members of staff, one of whom holds qualified teacher status. The nursery adopts the Montessori approach to teaching and learning.

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Inspection activities

n A range of documentation was viewed by the inspector, including public liability insurance, staff qualifications and paediatric first-aid certificates. n A meeting was held between the inspector and the nursery leader to discuss arrangements for evaluation of the provision, health and safety, procedures for allegations against staff, and safe recruitment of staff. n The inspector spoke to staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection and took their views into account. n A joint observation was carried out by the inspector and the manager to gain insight into the quality of education provided. n The inspector and the manager completed a learning walk across the provision to understand how leaders and staff organise the curriculum and environment.

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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

4 February 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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