Seedlings Day Nursery

Inspection of Seedlings Day Nursery 9-11 Firs Close, Forest Hill, London SE23 1BB

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is good

Managers have devised a curriculum that helps children to develop a good range of skills to support their future learning. The ongoing monitoring of children's progress from their unique starting points helps each child to achieve. Potential gaps in children's development are swiftly identified. Staff implement focused, personalised learning plans and make referrals for external support when needed. This ensures that all children make good progress. For children who speak English as an additional language, staff support their communication skills through a range of strategies. Children feel valued as staff play and learn songs in their home language.

p.2

The provision is good

Effective settling-in procedures support children to feel safe and secure. The continual exchange of clear information about each child results in their needs being met. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. They support children to develop the language needed to express their feelings. Children are familiar with 'The Colour Monster' story and are encouraged to use the colours to express how they are feeling. This helps to build children's emotional literacy.

p.2

The provision is good

All members of the staff team, including the managers, are ambitious for children's learning. Staff provide a stimulating environment which encourages children to initiate their own play ideas. For example, children build an aeroplane from construction blocks to take the animals on a trip to South Africa, working together to decide each role in their play.

p.2

need to do better?

n Managers have a clear vision for the nursery. They lead with passion and truly want all children to achieve. The nursery is inclusive for all children. Children benefit from an interesting and balanced curriculum. The managers work with staff to create the intent of the curriculum. They constantly review this and make changes when necessary. Staff provide lots of opportunities for children to revisit and practise new skills. As a result, children are ready for their stage of learning. n The curriculum for physical development is strong. Children have access to low- level climbing equipment indoors and outdoors. They show delight as they ride around the garden on bicycles, using their feet to push them along. Older children enjoy weekly fitness activities as they build their skills and confidence to jump and land safely. Staff support children's fine motor skills as they provide pencils and chalks for them to make marks. These opportunities support children

p.2

need to do better?

to build their muscles and develop coordination. n Children are provided with opportunities to read stories and sing songs and rhymes. They enjoy filling in the gaps as staff pause when reading stories. Staff

p.2

need to do better?

27 March 2024 use questions as children play, to encourage conversation. Children's language is developing well. Occasionally, staff do not organise large-group activities or story times to ensure that older children are fully engaged in their learning. n Staff support children's personal development in many ways. For example, babies' routines are adhered to, as they sleep when needed. They are also encouraged to feed themselves when ready. Older children develop some independence, including putting on their own coats and boots for outdoor play. However, staff do not consistently persevere with teaching children skills such as pouring their own drinks at mealtimes. Therefore, children do not always receive consistent messages to fully support their growing independence. n Staff support children's development and understanding of mathematics effectively. Staff teach children how to count and compare sizes as they add

p.2

need to do better?

spikes to hedgehogs made out of play dough or as they build enclosures. Staff support children to understand wider mathematical concepts as they use positional language when looking for 'eggs' for the Easter bunny. n Staff have built strong partnerships with parents. They communicate with parents daily about what their child is doing at the nursery. The managers involve parents well. Parents comment on how much they value the stable the staff team and the regular flow of information. n Managers support the development of the staff team through regular supervision and training opportunities. The senior staff are present in the nursery rooms. This helps them to gain an overview of staff practice and provide coaching where necessary. Staff say that managers are supportive and they feel valued. This has a positive impact on the care children receive.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n improve the organisation of large-group activities and story times to ensure that children receive the same rich learning opportunities during these times as they do at other times of the day n support children further to develop their independence skills during daily routines.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY287094 Local authority Lewisham Inspection number 10316964 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 49 Number of children on roll 66 Name of registered person Seedlings Day Nursery Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 020 8291 3344 Date of previous inspection 22 May 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Seedlings Day Nursery registered in 2004 and is located in Forest Hill, in the London Borough of Lewisham. The nursery is open from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 8am to 6pm. The nursery employs 23 members of staff. Of these, 14 hold recognised early years qualifications. Three members of staff hold relevant qualifications at level 6, two of whom hold early years professional status or qualified teacher status. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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 One of the managers and the inspector had a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the managers about the leadership and management of the nursery. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with a manager. n The managers showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

27 March 2024 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6