Abacus Ark Preschool

Inspection of Abacus Ark Preschool 225 St Johns hill, London SW11 1TH

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Staff know children well. Parents and carers speak very highly of the care their children receive. They say their children are safe and happy at the nursery. Staff use their knowledge about children to implement a varied and ambitious curriculum. They offer children a wide range of extra-curricular activities to enrich their learning experiences. For example, during a music session, children demonstrate their listening skills by singing and clapping along with adults. They enjoy listening to rhyming words and learn how to read simple musical notes. This promotes children's early appreciation for music.

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The provision is good

Staff use various strategies to teach children positive behaviour. For example, they use a 'rainbow tree' to motivate children to reflect on their actions and reward them for behaving well. Children at this nursery are socially confident. They engage actively with their peers and adults. Staff incorporate reading and singing nursery songs into the daily routines, fostering a love of books among children. Over time, children have learned to explore books independently and maintain good concentration. They have positive attitudes towards their learning. Staff work with local schools to ensure that children have a smooth transition as they move to the next stage of their education.

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need to do better?

n Managers are dedicated practitioners who take pride in their roles and responsibilities. They express happiness and unity, which positively influences children's attitudes towards the nursery. n Managers communicate an ambitious curriculum for all children and staff understand this well. They assist staff in observing and assessing children's learning accurately with high expectations of what they can achieve. This supports staff to identify any gaps in children's education, enabling them to help children to make good progress. n Staff are good role models for children. They are skilled at supporting children who may need additional assistance in managing their behaviour. Children learn to express themselves in positive ways. For example, they learn to use a sand timer for sharing and turn-taking. Additionally, children know what to do to comfort someone who might be sad or upset. They form strong friendships with

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need to do better?

each other. n Managers work with staff to engage other professionals and parents effectively. They have introduced a 'parent representative' to ensure consistent and strong information sharing between staff and parents. Parents find this beneficial, especially for their children who are starting school. They are extremely pleased with staff's work, and describe them as 'kind' and 'friendly' practitioners. n Staff have a strong understanding of the curriculum and generally communicate

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need to do better?

30 July 2025 well with children to help develop their vocabulary. However, there are times when they not use opportunities to enhance children's language and thinking skills further. For instance, during planned activities and story times, staff do not consistently build on children's thoughts and perspectives. This does not maximise children's learning. n Staff speak positively about the support they receive for their work and well- being. They find that managers are approachable and encourage them to pursue higher qualifications in early years education. Some staff have completed training to support children with their personal needs, including toileting. This training has helped to improve children's self-care and independence skills. Children follow effective hygiene practices to help prevent the spread of germs and cross-contamination, promoting their good health. n Managers demonstrate a strong understanding of the community they serve.

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need to do better?

They promote outdoor play actively to foster children's physical skills and development. Staff organise regular nature walks and visits to the local supermarkets to teach children about their surroundings. n Managers evaluate their practices rigorously. In response to feedback from parents, they have enhanced communication with them. This has led to a more consistent approach in addressing the care and educational needs of children. Additionally, managers have reviewed the menus to provide healthier food options that support children's growth and development. The nursery is introducing a new curriculum that is aimed at increasing children's free choice and parental involvement.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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should:

n enhance support for staff to adapt their teaching, to further develop children's thinking and language skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2736638 Local authority Wandsworth Inspection number 10399917 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 70 Number of children on roll 49 Name of registered person Abacus Ark2 Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 02079676337 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Abacus Ark Preschool registered in 2023 and it is located in the London Borough of Wandsworth. It is open each weekday, from 7.30am to 6.30pm, except for two weeks during the Christmas period. There are 11 staff members who work directly with children. Of these, one member of staff holds qualified teacher status and seven staff hold qualifications at levels 2 and 6. The nursery provides government funded childcare for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager showed the inspector around the nursery and explained their early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors. n Parents expressed their opinions about the nursery through verbal feedback and written questionnaires, which were taken into account. n The manager provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector spoke with managers to discuss their practice and engaged with children. n The manager and inspector observed two activities and evaluated their impact on children's learning.

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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

30 July 2025 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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