Cheeky Tots

Books, purposeful routines and confident play defined Cheeky Tots. Ofsted judged the provision good in September 2025, finding happy children who separated well from parents and moved confidently around the generous space. This is a sessional setting at St Peters Church on Sumner Road in Harrow.

The strongest thread was children learning to do more for themselves. They peeled fruit, cleared lunch-box rubbish and put on their own coats, with staff helping enough to keep progress moving rather than taking over.

Children chose between play opportunities across the setting. Role play held their attention for sustained periods, while dressing-up gave them practice in managing clothes and persisting with fiddly tasks. Play-dough self-portraits prompted conversations about hair, eye colour, similarities and differences.

The cosy reading corner and lending library gave books a place in both the nursery day and family life. Children could choose books throughout the day and take one home to share. Picture cards and the now and next board made the routine visible, helping children understand what would happen after each activity.

The Early Years Foundation Stage sets the educational programmes for this provision. In practice, that means play and routines should build communication, physical, personal and early academic development together. The curriculum was broad, but staff were asked to weave more numbers and mathematical language into everyday play.

Outdoor play was planned regularly at the time of the visit. The outdoor environment supported exploration and physical development, alongside teaching about handwashing, oral health and healthy eating.

Relationships were a clear strength. Staff learned about each child's needs and interests from the start, tailored settling-in to the family and kept communication going as children progressed. Children responded by appearing secure, eager to explore and comfortable making choices.

Support for children with SEND involved families, outside professionals and key persons working together. Staff had training in specialist equipment, and key persons helped families pursue appropriate support and funding. Safeguarding arrangements were effective.

Language practice included conversations with older children, singing and action songs for younger children. The setting was asked to sharpen its strategies for children who speak English as an additional language.

Cheeky Tots is based at St Peters Church, Sumner Road, Harrow HA1 4BX. It has capacity for 30 children. Children brought healthy packed lunches and staff used mealtimes to reinforce healthy choices and independence.

• Mathematical language. Staff were asked to bring more numbers and mathematical concepts into everyday routines and play. Families may want to explore how this has developed since the visit.
• English as an additional language. Staff were also asked for more focused communication and language strategies for children learning English as an additional language. Parents for whom this matters may want to discuss the current approach.
• Sessional model. This is recorded as sessional day care. Families should establish which attendance patterns currently match their working week.

Cheeky Tots' September 2025 picture is of a warm, well-organised setting where books, role play and small acts of independence carry real weight. The lending library and now and next board are simple ideas used with purpose. The two improvement points are meaningful, especially for families prioritising early mathematics or additional-language support, but they sit within an overall good judgement. This setting is likely to suit families seeking sessional care with an emphasis on confident routines, communication and practical independence.