The Weir Link Nursery

Inspection of The Weir Link Nursery 33 Weir Road, LONDON SW12 0NU

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children feel safe and have fun at this welcoming setting. They form secure attachments with staff who know them well. Children throw their arms around them and giggle as they play and learn outside. Children confidently choose from a wide range of resources that spark their interest and imagination. Babies build the strength in their hands, as they squirt coloured water onto tissue paper and watch the effects. Older children use their thinking skills as they join large pieces of fabric together with pegs to create a tent. Most activities take account of children's interests and what they need to learn next. For example, children excitedly explore different fruits using all their senses. All children make very good progress in their learning.

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The provision is good

Children build positive relationships as they play and are thoughtful and considerate of each other. For instance, babies share items with their friends. Children behave very well and have positive attitudes towards learning. They follow instructions during the day and wait patiently for their turn. For example, at circle time, older children wait for staff to call out their name before they go off to play.

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need to do better?

n The manager is passionate and driven in her intent to offer the very best early years experiences. Overall, the well planned and ambitious curriculum supports all children's learning and development, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This prepares children very well for the next stage of learning. However, there are occasions during adult-led activities, where all children do not fully benefit from the education opportunities available to them. For instance, during an activity, staff focus their attention on and support the learning of children standing closest to them. n Children benefit from a language-rich environment. Staff provide babies with a narrative during imaginative play and introduce words, such as 'mash' and 'squashy' as they explore. Older children engage in back-and-forth conversations and staff pose effective questions as they play to challenge them. Staff run

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need to do better?

language groups, offer children choices and use sign language for children who are less confident when communicating. This helps all children make very good progress in this area. n Children's early literacy skills are progressing very well. There is a key focus on developing these skills in preparation for the next stage of learning and the move on to school. Babies turn pages as they look at books independently. Pre- school children make up their own stories using storytelling language, such as 'Once upon a time.' They then act them out with help from their friends. n Staff help children develop an understanding of the world around them, which includes differences between themselves and others and what makes them

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need to do better?

9 February 2023 unique. Babies have picture books about their families, and this supports their emotional security and self-esteem. Children at the setting learn about a variety of festivals, which helps them develop an understanding about the lives of their friends and people in the local community. For instance, children learn about a traditional Catalan festival. n Staff encourage children to think about risk. They provide them with explanations to help them understand what is safe. For example, staff talk to children about why they need to be careful as they cut up fruit. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Staff share information with parents about their child's progress regularly. This helps the continuity of care and learning between the nursery and home. Parents say that the monthly family events at the setting are 'amazing', and that they feel there is 'a real sense of community'. n Staff training has been effective in developing staff knowledge and skills. For

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need to do better?

instance, staff members have used their training in sensory and messy play to support children's learning at the setting. Staff feel well supported by leaders and feel comfortable approaching them about any problems or concerns. n Suitability forms for a new trustee/company director had not been submitted to Ofsted within required timescales. This was an oversight and although it is a breach of requirements, it did not have an impact on children's learning or welfare.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The nursery maintains a robust recruitment procedure to ensure that all staff are suitable to care for children and check their ongoing suitability. Staff receive an intensive induction process when they start. They regularly update their training and are knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities relating to child protection. Staff have a good understanding of signs and symptoms that would cause them concern. Staff are aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as female genital mutilation and county lines.

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should:

n review the organisation of adult-led activities so that all children involved benefit fully from the education opportunities available to them.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY496019 Local authority Lambeth Inspection number 10275198 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 47 Number of children on roll 38 Name of registered person The London Early Years Foundation

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reference number

Telephone number 020 8772 8597 Date of previous inspection 28 November 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The Weir Link Nursery registered in 2015. It is located in the London Borough of Lambeth. The nursery receives funding for the provision of free early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The nursery operates Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. The setting employs 16 staff, of whom 10 hold qualifications from level 3 to level 7.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the nursery received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with leaders and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector conducted a learning walk with the manager to discuss how the curriculum is planned and what opportunities are available for children. n A joint observation was carried out with the manager, and the impact of this on children's learning and development was evaluated. n Children, staff and some parents spoke with the inspector and shared their views. n The inspector reviewed written testimonials from parents. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact this had on children's learning. n The inspector sampled a range of documentation, including staff's first-aid certificates and evidence of staff suitability.

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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

9 February 2023 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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