Smart Start Nursery Limited

Inspection of Smart Start Nursery Limited 51 - 53, Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 4TL

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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 arrive at the setting to a warm, welcoming staff team that greets them with smiles and gentle encouragement. This helps children separate from their parents and settle quickly into their day. The curriculum is ambitious for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Staff have high expectations of what every child can achieve and adapt activities to ensure that all make good progress. Children respond positively to these high expectations, showing curiosity and engagement in their play.

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The provision is good

The environment is calm and nurturing. Staff take time to build strong and trusting relationships with children, which supports their emotional well-being. Staff follow children's interests and encourage them to interact with their peers and build friendships. As a result, children feel safe and are confident to explore and engage in play.

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The provision is good

Children develop good independence skills. They are well supported during daily routines, such as when serving their own food, and are praised for their efforts. Children moving on to school are able to have conversations and hear stories about the transitions. They also have opportunities to visit the new settings to help them feel confident and ready for the next stage in their learning.

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The provision is good

Children benefit from a consistent and caring staff team. Staff spend time getting to know the children and use their understanding of each child to extend their learning across all areas. For example, staff model new language when children explore different fruits. They encourage children to talk about what they see and taste. Most children behave well, and staff guide them calmly when needed, helping children learn skills that prepare them for future learning.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and staff work together to create a curriculum that is shaped around the needs and interests of all children. Planning is informed by regular observations, and leaders meet regularly with staff to reflect on children's progress and next steps. n Staff are kind, calm and caring in the way they interact with children. They gently encourage children to join in with activities, helping them build confidence, make friends and become more independent. n Children have various opportunities to develop their physical skills, indoors and outdoors. Young children learn how to use the slide safely when showing an interest in climbing. Older children enjoy riding on cars, learning about space and safety. At the park, children have opportunities to develop their coordination

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need to do better?

12 September 2025 and large-muscle skills when using the larger equipment. Staff plan daily outings for children. This helps them to experience and learn about the diverse community they live in. n The nursery places a strong focus on helping children feel ready and confident for the transition to school. Staff talk to children about what to expect, read books with them about starting school and help them become familiar with new routines. Children also get the chance to visit their future school. These thoughtful steps help reduce anxiety and build excitement, making the transition a positive experience for both children and families. n Staff build friendly and effective partnerships with parents and carers. Families say they feel welcome and comfortable approaching staff with questions or concerns. Parents are kept informed with daily updates about their children's care, such as what they have eaten or how long they slept. Termly meetings

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need to do better?

with parents provide an opportunity to talk about children's learning and development. However, parents are not consistently supported on how they can support and extend their children's learning at home. n Leaders make staff's well-being a priority, creating a positive working environment where staff feel valued and supported. This happy, stable team is key to creating a nurturing space for children. Leaders also take responsibility for checking that the nursery is safe every day. For example, they ensure that risk assessments of the rooms, garden and outings are completed. While some staff are still building confidence in carrying out these checks themselves, the leadership team is providing ongoing support and training. This helps staff to continuously feel secure and confident in their role to keep children safe. n Staff benefit from regular supervision sessions with leaders, which provide opportunities for reflection and development. However, these are not always

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need to do better?

precise and consistent enough to effectively support staff individually. This means that teaching and practice can vary across the setting at times.

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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 strengthen staff supervision processes to provide more targeted support and guidance that brings consistency in the quality of teaching and practice across the setting n enhance partnerships with parents and consistently share children's next steps in learning and development to help support children's learning at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY548984 Local authority Southwark Inspection number 10399554 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 44 Number of children on roll 47 Name of registered person Smart Start Nursery Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 02074075592 Date of previous inspection 5 December 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Smart Start Nursery Limited registered in 2017. It is located in the London Borough of Southwark. The nursery operates from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm. There are nine members of childcare staff, six of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications at levels 2 or 3. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector completed a learning walk with the manager and discussed the curriculum intent. n The inspector and manager completed a joint observation of a group session. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and learning, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to parents to gain their views on the provision. n The inspector reviewed a sample of documentation during the inspection, including suitability checks and first-aid certificates. n Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children in their care. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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 September 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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