Witty Kiddies Upper Norwood

Witty Kiddies Upper Norwood has a clear strength: children were happy and safe in a calm setting when Ofsted visited in December 2023. The inspector graded the nursery Good across education, behaviour, personal development and leadership, with effective safeguarding. This is a 50-place, privately owned nursery registered for children from six months to five years at St Mary's Family Centre, Our Lady's Close, Upper Norwood.

The inspection evidence is specific about daily life. Children built independence by serving themselves at snack time, clearing food waste, tidying resources and dressing for outdoor play. Reading and communication ran through the setting, while staff used songs during handwashing, waits and activities.

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum was described as ambitious in the December 2023 inspection planned around children's individual development and next steps. In practical terms, play and routines were connected to what each child needed to learn next rather than treated as separate lessons. In December 2023, babies learned to handle books and older children joined conversations about stories. Play dough, scissors and writing tools developed fine-motor control; climbing and scooters supported larger movements.

Indoor and outdoor activities included mark-making, role play and dressing up. Staff knew children's progress and next learning needs through the key-person system. The main improvement point was precise: some staff needed stronger skills in adapting teaching so every child could fully achieve an activity's intended learning.

Songs were not reserved for a group music slot. They accompanied handwashing, waiting for snacks and other activities, turning routine transitions into language practice. Children lined up and took turns before washing their hands, then served food and cleared waste themselves. Those small sequences show how independence and considerate behaviour were taught through repetition.

The breadth of resources also matters. Mark-making and writing tools gave children early control and expression; role play and dressing up invited imagination and conversation. Outdoor climbing and scooters added challenge for balance and coordination. This was purposeful provision rather than a list of equipment. Each example connects a physical experience to a developmental aim. The result was a day in which communication, physical development and personal independence overlapped rather than sitting in isolated blocks.

Behaviour was equally concrete. Staff modelled high expectations, and children learned to manage their feelings as well as cooperate with others. Clear routines gave them repeated chances to practise these skills. For parents, that points to teaching embedded in ordinary moments, from sharing resources to preparing for outdoor play.

Relationships were positive and routines clear at the inspection. Staff helped children understand feelings, take turns and behave considerately. Ofsted found that inclusive practice helped children who needed extra support progress well.

Safeguarding arrangements were effective in December 2023. Staff understood signs of concern and reporting procedures, maintained current training and supervised children effectively. Ofsted later considered concerns about premises security in May 2024. The provider had not met one requirement, but had already acted to correct it and improved the security measures; it remained registered.

The nursery is at St Mary's Family Centre, Our Lady's Close, off Hermitage Road, Upper Norwood, London SE19 3FA. It is an Early Years Register-only provider for children aged six months to five years, with 50 places in total.

The nursery should provide its current full-day and half-day products, booking minimums, meal and consumables policy, funded-place terms and a complete quotation before a family compares patterns or costs.

• Teaching adaptation. The December 2023 inspection asked leaders to strengthen how staff adjust activities for individual children. Ask what coaching and observation have followed that point.
• Premises security. Ofsted recorded a requirement breach in May 2024 and confirmed that the provider had acted to put it right. Ask how the revised security measures work in everyday practice.
• Practical terms. Ask for the current session timetable, food and consumables policy, and funded-hours terms. These details determine the true weekly cost and whether the routine fits family life.

This is a Good nursery with persuasive inspection detail on independence, books, communication and additional-needs support. It is best suited to families who value calm routines, a strong key-person relationship and practical self-care woven into the day. The unresolved choice question is operational rather than educational: parents need the nursery's current attendance patterns and charging terms before deciding whether it fits their week.