Piplings Nursery

Inspection of Piplings Nursery The Elms, Forest Hill Road, LONDON SE22 0SH

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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 are happy and settled at this welcoming nursery. They benefit from a wide range of learning opportunities that enable them to make good progress in their development. The recent introduction of forest school in the ample outdoor area allows children to explore, investigate and develop their natural curiosity. Older children enthusiastically make 'volcanoes' as they experiment mixing substances together. They excitedly notice differences and talk about 'eruptions' and 'reactions'. Staff are skilled at introducing new concepts and ask thought-provoking questions to support children's interest in the wider world.

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The provision is good

Younger children show they are emotionally secure. Nurturing staff develop close bonds, and key persons know the children well. Toddlers are keen to explore sensory activities, such as exploring dried pasta and dough. They show well- developed fine motor skills as they skilfully put small hoops onto dried spaghetti sticks. They know not to apply too much pressure so that the spaghetti does not snap. Babies enjoy outdoor music sessions. They excitedly shake tambourines and join in familiar actions when singing the song about sleeping bunnies. The rhyme and repetition of familiar songs supports children's language development.

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The provision is good

Children behave well as they are familiar with the routines and expectations. They learn to manage their feelings and take turns. Even the youngest children learn to care for the environment. When staff sing the tidy-up song, babies quickly respond by helping to put the toy bricks in the basket. They beam with pride when they receive praise from staff.

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need to do better?

n The staffing arrangements are now more consistent. Staff say they enjoy their work and feel valued and supported. The new manager is enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about early education. She has made several positive changes, including a sharper focus on good-quality learning experiences. This supports children to make secure progress in their development. n The manager uses evaluation well to identify areas for improvement and to address training needs. Recent in-the-moment training has helped staff to develop their observational skills and respond more effectively to children's interests. Current priorities include developing the outdoor cabin to support children's outdoor learning experiences even further. n All children benefit from being physically active. They develop confidence as they ride on wheeled toys and expertly balance on crates. Older children explore movement as they participate in yoga sessions. They stretch out their bodies in

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need to do better?

various positions and develop strength and flexibility. Children are excited to show their peers when they have achieved the 'bridge' position and laugh when

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need to do better?

5 October 2023 they become 'wobbly'. n Children use a good range of vocabulary as they play. Staff expand children's language and communication skills further by asking opened-ended questions, which supports children to express their ideas. However, staff do not consistently promote the use of the home languages of children who speak English as an additional language during their play and learning, to help them develop further. n Children are sociable and form friendships. Older children can work as part of a group and listen to others. They develop the confidence and skills they need for their eventual move to school. Younger children learn how to take turns. During role play, babies are encouraged to make 'tea' for their friends and giggle as they offer cups to their peers. n Parents are happy with the care provided to their children. They say their children enjoy attending the nursery and have made good progress in their

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need to do better?

learning. Parents particularly like the stimulating outdoor learning area and the daily updates and photos that they receive. n Overall, risk assessments are used effectively to support children's safety and security. Staff supervise children well, including during transitional times. However, some hazards, such as trailing leads, have not been identified as a potential risk.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff are aware of the signs that a child may be at risk and understand the procedures that must be followed to ensure that children are protected. Regular training on child protection matters ensures that staff are alert to a range of safeguarding issues. The manager regularly tests staff's safeguarding knowledge through spot-check quizzes. Leaders ensure that vetting procedures for staff are robust and check their ongoing suitability. Staff support children to take some responsibility for their own safety while playing outdoors. For example, they give gentle reminders to children about not throwing pebbles in case others get hurt.

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should:

n develop systems to further support children who speak English as an additional language during their play and learning so that they make even better progress n strengthen risk assessment arrangements to ensure that any potential hazards are swiftly identified to help keep children safe, with particular regard to trailing leads in areas used by children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY544975 Local authority Southwark Inspection number 10301912 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 46 Number of children on roll 77 Name of registered person Pml Education Ltd

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Telephone number

Date of previous inspection 4 April 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Piplings Nursery registered in April 2017 and is based in East Dulwich, in the London Borough of Southwark. The nursery is open for 50 weeks of the year, Monday to Friday. Sessions are from 8am to 6pm. There are 14 staff working with the children, eight of whom have relevant childcare qualifications from level 2 to level 7. The nursery provides funded early years education for three- and four- year-old children.

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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 nursery. n The manager and the inspector had a learning walk together. The manager explained how the curriculum is organised and discussed the intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed teaching practices, indoors and outdoors, and considered the impact on children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while they are at the nursery. n The inspector held discussions with the manager and staff and took account of feedback from parents. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity. n The inspector sampled some documentation, including risk assessments and evidence of staff's 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

5 October 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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