Slade Creche

Sensory play, a garden for growing food and patient help with independence shaped Slade Creche's day in January 2024. Based at Slade Children's Centre in Plumstead, it has capacity for 12 children. At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective, with children making good progress, while identifying a need for more support for quieter children.

The children attending in January 2024 were two-year-olds. That is a dated picture of the group, rather than a current age limit.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the January 2024 activities included exploration, physical movement and practice with everyday tasks. Children experimented with water and brushes, and repeatedly emptied and refilled containers of sensory materials. These were practical opportunities to try things out and exercise small hand movements.

In January 2024, activities were shaped around children's interests and individual needs. Sensory experiences took place indoors and outdoors, with an emphasis on helping children relax and sustain their attention. Staff used questions and praise to extend children's thinking.

Outside, the January 2024 provision included space for climbing, bikes and play with dolls' prams. Children also took walks around the neighbourhood and grew vegetables and fruit in the garden. Movement and growing food added different experiences to the indoor play.

In January 2024, the key-person arrangement helped children build familiar relationships with adults, and staff reassured those who were upset. Books and conversations about feelings gave children ways to recognise emotions, alongside gentle guidance during play.

Everyday independence received attention too. In January 2024, children practised handwashing and toileting, with help for those still learning, and used a spoon to serve themselves chopped fruit at snack time. Waiting for the serving plate gave them practice in taking turns.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that managers had obtained communication and language support while children awaited other professional intervention, but staff needed to do more to help quieter children gain confidence and connect with peers.

In January 2024, management used reflection and evaluation to identify improvements, alongside staff supervision and appraisal. Parents felt able to approach staff for help without judgement. That relationship matters when a family needs to discuss a child's needs.

The address is Slade Children's Centre, Erindale, Plumstead, SE18 2QQ. In January 2024, the creche operated on weekdays during term time and received funding for free early education for two-year-olds.

• Quieter children. The January 2024 improvement priority concerned children who played alone or struggled to engage with peers. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how staff now help those children join in.
• Attendance and funding. The January 2024 offer combined term-time operation with funded education for two-year-olds. What current ages, opening times, booking arrangements and funded-place charges would apply to your child?

Slade Creche's January 2024 provision suited families who valued sensory exploration, outdoor activity and small steps towards independence. Its January 2024 picture is strongest on familiar adult relationships and practical play. For a quieter child, the priority is understanding how the identified need for more active social support has been addressed.