Bemerton Childrens Centre

Garden-grown vegetables, bubble experiments and imaginative building with natural materials give Bemerton Childrens Centre's February 2022 nursery life its character. Practical exploration runs through that picture: children could follow an interest, test an idea and persist when something proved difficult.

Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding on 23 February 2022. The centre has capacity for 80 children, accepting ages from six months to five years, at its Carnoustie Drive address in London.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing education and everyday wellbeing into the same framework. In February 2022, activities developed from children's existing interests and abilities: an enthusiasm for bubbles prompted staff to introduce resources for making them. Children had choices about their play rather than simply following an adult's activity.

The garden supplied natural materials for imaginative construction, while growing vegetables led into cooking and eating them. These linked experiences gave children opportunities to explore where food comes from and what they could make themselves. Climbing equipment presented physical challenges; children encouraged one another and offered advice as they tackled them.

February 2022 outdoor experiences also included visits to parks and woodlands, alongside daily exercise, yoga and movement sessions. Older children's learning included literacy and mathematics in preparation for school. Language threaded through activities too: staff introduced vocabulary, asked questions that encouraged thinking, and used pictures and simple signs to give children additional ways to communicate.

At the February 2022 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding, close relationships between children and staff, and excellent progress from children's starting points, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, additional funding or English as an additional language.

In February 2022, staff tracked development and arranged early help through targeted teaching and other professionals where needed. Parents were involved in learning and directed towards family support services. Staff development was shaped around children's and families' needs, with training also addressing practitioners' individual skills.

Emotional support had practical forms that month. Toddlers used colour monsters to recognise feelings; older children practised breathing techniques to calm themselves and negotiated disagreements over games. Serving food and getting their own drinking water gave children responsibility for personal care, alongside learning hygiene habits. Meals were provided in February 2022, and children discussed how food supported their bodies.

The address is 1a Coatbridge House, Carnoustie Drive, London N1 0DX. Opening hours are 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, with an all-year opening schedule and full-day care.

In February 2022, the nursery operated within a children's centre offering community services. It also offered funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• The age of the inspection. The Outstanding judgement dates to February 2022. Treat the examples of daily practice as a picture of that period when weighing the nursery today.
• Settling into full-day care. Children formed close relationships with staff in February 2022. On a visit, ask how settling would be organised for your child's age and experience of being away from home.

Bemerton suits families seeking all-year, full-day care for children from six months to five years. In February 2022, outdoor exploration, activities built around children's interests, and practical support for communication and independence gave substantial reasons to consider it. The date matters when using that picture to make a present-day choice.