The Marmalade Cat

Inspection of The Marmalade Cat 1 Altenburg Gardens, London SW11 1JH

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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

Children are extremely valued by deeply nurturing staff, who have very high expectations of them all. As a result, all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make very rapid progress. Children demonstrate that they feel safe at nursery. They behave exceptionally well and form respectful relationships. Staff have organised calming and self-regulation stations around the nursery to support children to express their emotions. Children speak with articulation and confidence, as staff actively encourage and value what they say. For example, during free-play activities, children eagerly share news about their recent trip to a local museum, discussing how they travelled there.

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The provision is outstanding

Children become deeply absorbed in rich learning experiences. Children join staff to plan an innovative and challenging curriculum, which stimulates their curiosity. For instance, as children re-enact a familiar story as part of their outdoor learning, they proudly describe the sea creature they will be. Children are highly motivated individuals, who immerse themselves in their play and learning. They demonstrate increasing independence throughout the day. Children show an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. For instance, children clearly understand what is expected of them when they go to the local common for outdoor activities. They confidently put on their high-visibility jackets, and join in the song as they each hold their section of the walking rope.

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need to do better?

n Staff expertly deliver a coherent and well-sequenced curriculum. They tailor learning to children's needs and interests. Children are highly motivated by the exciting and captivating activities. They become deeply involved in their learning as they excitedly work together to create a 'helicopter' story. Staff extend children's learning with excellent levels of challenge. For example, children are encouraged to use more descriptive words as they add the character of a walrus to the story. n Staff place a considerable emphasis on encouraging children to make their own choices and explore their uniqueness. Staff promote inclusion and avoid gender stereotyping when planning activities. For example, staff learn about children's cultures from their parents when children start, and reflect this in nursery life. Children learn about cultures which are different to their own, such as when staff take them to visit local museums.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and staff provide a rich set of experiences, to help broaden children's life skills. For example, children enjoy weekly ballet sessions. They express their delight as they join the ballet teacher. Children listen to instructions and follow these accurately. They actively display their advancing physical skills as they move in different ways, strengthening their core muscles.

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need to do better?

3 March 2022 n Staff recognise that the range of vocabulary that children acquire early on has a lasting impression on their future learning. They have set up 'word pyramids' to extend children's vocabulary, introducing words that children are not as familiar with. Staff nurture children's love of books. Children take books home each week and staff regularly use books to support children's learning even further. n Staff capture the voices of children superbly. They gather children's ideas and opinions about nursery life. Staff meet with children to discuss what they like to do or change at nursery. Children's voices are represented throughout the displays in the nursery. This promotes children's communication and language in a meaningful way. It also helps children to gain a sense of pride and belonging at their nursery. n Parents describe the nursery as 'amazing', and the leader and staff as 'exceptional'. They say that staff go above and beyond to support their children

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need to do better?

with their learning. Parents are supported from the first settling-in visit, and staff ensure that children and parents are happy and comfortable. Parents have confidence in the progress their children are making. They comment that their children thrive at the setting. Staff help parents to understand what their children are learning and how to support their future learning. n Leadership and management are extremely strong. Staff consistently report high levels of support for their well-being. There is effective engagement with staff through supervision sessions and focused actions for professional development. There are strong shared values between leaders and staff. This is evident through the quality of practice, which ensures that children receive the highest quality of education.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The leaders and staff team have a robust understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. They have an effective knowledge of a broad range of safeguarding concerns, including extremist beliefs and radicalisation. Staff know how to act swiftly to report any concerns and allegations about adults who may be at risk to children. They regularly attend training and complete courses to ensure that their knowledge is up to date. There are robust recruitment procedures in place. Leaders and managers make sure that staff remain suitable to work with children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY267483 Local authority Wandsworth Inspection number 10138237 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

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inspection

Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 49 Name of registered person Hyslop, Rosalind Jane

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reference number

Telephone number 0207 228 1957 Date of previous inspection 3 May 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The Marmalade Cat registered in 2004 and is located in Clapham Common, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. The nursery is open each day from 8.45am to 4pm, during term time. It provides funded early education for children aged three and four years. There are 13 members of staff, including the principal, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications. The principal holds early years professional status.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in the evaluation of the provider. n The principal, headteacher and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a language activity with the principal and headteacher. n The inspector spoke to parents and grandparents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The principal showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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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

3 March 2022 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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