Ark Start St Clement

Inspection of Ark Start St Clement 95 Princedale Road, London W11 4NS

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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Staff build good relationships with the children. Children arrive happy and are keen to join in. Staff welcome them with smiles and cuddles, which helps children settle quickly. Young children seek cuddles and reassurance from familiar staff, and older children talk to staff about their families and life experiences. Children are familiar with the daily routine, which helps them feel safe and secure.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff tailor children's learning to meet their individual needs. Staff quickly identify children's interests and preferences and use these to plan a stimulating environment. Toddlers are curious to explore how the wheels on cars move, while older children develop their imaginations in the role play kitchen. Children learn about the natural environment through real-life experiences. For example, they water and harvest vegetables growing in the garden.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. They teach children simple rules, such as taking turns to use resources. Children are curious to explore the natural world. Older children enjoy going on bug hunts. They develop their writing skills as they tick off the creatures they find and cheer with joy when they complete the task.

p.2

The provision is good

The provider is highly ambitious for children's learning. Staff plan a broad curriculum that supports children's learning in all areas of learning. Children's learning is sequenced well. They have an individualised learning journey that supports them to practise and build on the skills they have already learned. As a result, all children make good progress.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff partner children in their play well. They model how to use resources and encourage children to have a go. Staff ask older children simple questions, such as 'I wonder what's inside?' and 'Do you remember what it's called?', which stimulates children's thinking. Children recall past learning and develop a good memory. For example, they recall the names of vegetables they pick in the garden. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff implement tailored plans to support their participation in activities, such as giving them more time to complete tasks. Staff liaise with parents and other professionals to put strategies in place to meet their needs. As a result, children gain confidence in their abilities and make good progress from their starting points. n Staff focus on supporting children's personal, social and emotional development. Staff show interest in children's ideas, which gives them confidence and boosts

p.2

need to do better?

7 August 2025 their self-esteem. Staff gather personal information before children start so they can tailor children's care appropriately. The key person systems are effective and support children to develop a strong sense of self. n Staff skilfully use children's interests, such as dinosaurs and number games, to help them focus in their play. Children persevere to cut vegetables and are confident to have a go at new things, such as exploring the texture of sand. Children develop positive attitudes to learning. n Leaders and managers are strong role models. They lead by example and model positive interactions with children. The arrangements for one-to-one supervision are not yet embedded. This means staff do not have as many opportunities to discuss their professional development and seek support in meeting the needs of children as they could. However, staff feel well supported overall. n Children learn to regulate their behaviour. Staff plan times in the day to

p.2

need to do better?

encourage children to rest. Children learn to be patient, such as lining up to go outside, and to respect the choices of others. This prepares children well for later life. n Staff are developing their partnerships with parents. They share details about children's day via a digital app. At times, the communications are not always consistent, which means parents do not always get information about changes in staff or updates on their children's development. However, this does not significantly impact on children's well-being. Parents say children have strong relationships with their key person and enjoy attending the nursery. n Leaders and managers are reflective and evaluative of the provision. They have put in place training for staff to further develop their skills and knowledge, such as supporting children's conversational skills. Leaders and managers make good use of funding to provide disadvantaged children with rich learning experiences,

p.3

need to do better?

such as watching chicken eggs hatch. This demonstrates that the provider continually evaluates and develops the quality of care and learning for children.

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 establish systems for staff supervision so they have opportunities to discuss their roles and responsibilities n continue to develop communications with parents so they consistently receive updates about their children's care and learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2812478 Local authority Kensington and Chelsea Inspection number 10415357 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 64 Number of children on roll 29 Name of registered person Ark UK Programmes

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 02031166338 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The provider registered in September 2024. They are located in the Holland Park area of the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The provider operates Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm throughout the year. The provider employs six members of staff, four of whom hold qualifications at levels 6 and 7. The provider offers government-funded childcare.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection and involved her in their play. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager.

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

7 August 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.

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