Infant And Toddler Centre

Texture, movement and early language give Infant And Toddler Centre its character: in August 2022, children explored cornflour and coloured paint, practised balancing between rocks and used picture cards to understand routines. These are concrete ways for very young children to learn through play.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 16 August 2022. Based at Grove House Children's Centre in Southall, it has capacity for 24 children; those attending at the August 2022 visit were aged one to two.

In August 2022, children could reach resources themselves and decide what to play with. Staff extended activities around their interests, adding paint to explorations of different textures. Sand, water and bubbles supplied further opportunities for imaginative play.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its breadth was expressed in August 2022 through sensory exploration, stories, songs and physical activity. Books and conversation supported emerging language, while picture cards helped explain routines. Outdoors, stepping between rocks gave children practice in balance and strength.

Choice was a strength of the daily arrangements, but independence was less developed during personal care. In August 2022, adults prepared fruit, supplied lidded drinking cups and washed children's hands. That left fewer opportunities for children to practise doing these things themselves.

At the August 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective and praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children learning English as an additional language, with staff collaborating with families and professionals.

During August 2022, information from parents about routines and interests helped shape settling arrangements. Familiar adults knew children well, and children had formed close relationships with them. Clear boundaries and praise supported manners and cooperation.

Communication had a specific next step: in August 2022, parent partnership needed to extend further into children's learning at home. Settling conversations were useful, but families also needed more involvement in what their children were learning.

The address is Grove House Children's Centre, 77a North Road, Southall, UB1 2JG.

In August 2022, opening hours were 8am to 6pm on weekdays, across 48 weeks of the year. Funded early education was offered for two-year-olds at that time. These are dated operating arrangements.

In August 2022, children ate healthy meals and snacks, and parents were encouraged to contribute different fruits for sharing each day. Conversations about their fruit choices brought healthy eating into everyday learning.

• Everyday independence. The August 2022 improvement priority concerned self-care. Discuss how children now practise handwashing, drinking and preparing food for themselves.
• Learning at home. Better involvement of parents in children's learning was also an August 2022 priority. Look for concrete examples of how learning is shared with families.
• Attendance fit. The August 2022 arrangements concerned very young children and weekday opening. At a visit, what ages, attendance patterns and funded arrangements apply now?

For families choosing a first nursery experience for a young child, the August 2022 picture offers useful strengths: sensory play, accessible resources, outdoor movement and close relationships with staff. It suits parents who value learning through practical exploration. The decision also turns on how everyday independence and learning communication have developed beyond the two improvement priorities identified that August.