German Kindergarten Herne Hill

Inspection of German Kindergarten Herne Hill 213a Railton Road, London SE24 0LX

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children settle happily in this warm, organised nursery. Staff take great care to ensure that children feel happy and secure in the setting. Staff value each child and have high expectations for them. They interact with children in caring ways. For example, they speak gently and use lots of eye contact with them.

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The provision is good

The curriculum is detailed and interesting. Children make good progress and gain effective skills in preparation for school. Children develop good mathematical skills. For instance, staff sing number songs and ask children to match quantities of small objects to written numerals. Staff point out and name different shapes in the environment. Children learn about difference. For example, staff invite nursery friends to visit the nursery in traditional Chinese clothing and sing songs in Chinese. Staff explain and teach children about special cultural or religious festivals. Children learn about the world around them. For instance, they plant and grow cucumbers in the garden and learn where food comes from. A nature teacher visits the nursery to teach children about different life cycles, such as frogs and butterflies. Children develop good physical skills. They practise their climbing skills as they go up frames and balance and steer wheeled toys in the garden. Children

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The provision is good

take part in regular yoga sessions to support their physical coordination skills.

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need to do better?

n Children have good communication, language and literacy skills. For example, staff teach children German and English by talking and singing songs in both languages. They read dual-language stories, and children have good ability in German and English. n Children learn how to do things for themselves. They learn to wash their hands at appropriate times and how to take off and put on their coats. Children help to tidy up at the end of play sessions. n Children learn to share and take turns. For instance, they take turns to stroke a puppet used by a member of staff to sing songs with them. Children share outdoor toys and resources. n Overall, children behave in positive ways. Staff share group rules with children and explain why some behaviour is not acceptable. Children act in safe ways. They use the staircase into the garden with care and caution by walking carefully. During creative activities, staff teach children how to use scissors

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need to do better?

safely. n The manager supports staff effectively. For example, she observes their work and feeds back to staff regularly to promote best outcomes for children. The manager meets each member of staff individually to discuss work and provide support where needed. She ensures that staff have good training opportunities. For instance, staff attended a course on supporting children through life changes

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need to do better?

12 July 2023 that led to greater understanding in this area. n The manager reflects on how well the nursery is performing on a regular basis. She sets goals for improvements, such as developing ways to enhance children's understanding of diverse cultures. n Staff have strong links with parents. They work closely with parents to support children's development in areas such as behaviour management and potty training. Staff give parents daily comprehensive updates on children's progress and offer regular parents' meetings. n The manager ensure that children have healthy routines. For instance, children enjoy a nutritious plant-based diet that meets special dietary needs. Staff provide daily opportunities for children to take part in a range of physical challenges. They support good oral hygiene, for example by inviting the local dentist into the nursery to teach children about this area. Children enjoy practising brushing teeth on tooth and gum models.

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need to do better?

n Staff have begun to teach children about feelings. However, this has not been developed to enhance children's understanding of themselves. n Generally, staff provide good creative opportunities for children. For example, children enjoy the effect of painting on different surfaces. Older children use a wide range of textures and materials in flexible ways to create their own artwork. However, younger children do not have access to such a wide range of materials and textures to develop their creative skills further.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff are vigilant about keeping children safe. For example, they ensure that children know that no more than four children can use the climbing frame at any time. Staff check all parts of the nursery each day to reduce the risk of hazards. The manager ensures that staff have comprehensive background checks to protect children from harm. Staff have good safeguarding knowledge. They are aware of what to look out for that might indicate that a child is at risk of abuse. Staff have full understanding of the procedures to follow to report their concerns. Staff regularly refresh their safeguarding knowledge by attending training courses.

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should:

n develop children's understanding of feelings further to enhance their understanding of themselves and others n support younger children's creative development further, particularly in relation to providing a wider range of textures and materials.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY465654 Local authority Lambeth Inspection number 10301149 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 28 Number of children on roll 39 Name of registered person German Kindergarten London Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 02077333445 Date of previous inspection 16 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

German Kindergarten Herne Hill registered in 2013. It is located in Herne Hill, in the London Borough of Lambeth. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, for 50 weeks of the year and is closed on public bank holidays. There are eight staff, all of whom hold a degree in early years education. The nursery accepts funding for free early years education for children aged two, three and four years. The nursery teaches children in both German and English languages.

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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 the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The manager carried out a joint observation of a group activity, with the inspector. n During the inspection, the inspector went on a learning walk around the nursery with the manager to discuss the aims of the curriculum. n The inspector observed the interaction between staff and children and spoke with children, when appropriate. n During the inspection, the inspector held a meeting with the manager and sampled some documentation. n The inspector considered the views of staff and parents.

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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

12 July 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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