The Learning Cottage Nursery

Water, oats and garden tubes give a concrete picture of learning at The Learning Cottage Nursery: in July 2022, younger children experimented with pouring and mixing, choosing what to investigate. Hands-on exploration gave them a reason to make decisions for themselves.

At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, with a curriculum shaped around children's interests and learning needs. Based at St Bartholomew's Church Hall in London, the nursery has capacity for 49 children aged 3 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday experiences into their education.

In July 2022, the indoor space was light and roomy, with a garden used for exploratory play. Babies heard staff introduce words during water play, while toddlers copied shaker sounds to practise listening. Older children chose books for themselves and remembered characters from stories. These were different ways into communication, rather than a single activity for every age.

Language teaching also needed greater consistency. In July 2022, staff did not always help children find words for their sensations and observations; extending vocabulary during adult-led activities and children's own play was an improvement priority. Staff deployment also needed adjustment so that children's chosen activities received more effective support.

Cultural experiences reached beyond the setting. In July 2022, parents contributed their celebrations and cultures, and children had recently visited a temple during Eid. The combination connected learning with family life and experiences outside nursery.

At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and positive support for children with SEND and those learning English as an additional language, with staff working alongside families and other agencies to help children progress.

In July 2022, key persons recognised individual needs, and children formed friendly relationships with adults and one another. Staff encouraged sharing and taking turns. Adaptations to the role-play area helped children with SEND involve peers in their play, making inclusion part of an everyday activity.

Home and nursery learning were connected through books. In July 2022, children were encouraged to borrow stories, including opportunities for families to read in their home language. Staff across the setting knew the children, giving parents contact with adults beyond their child's key person.

The address is St Bartholomew's Church Hall, 159 Ellison Road, London SW16 5DE. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In July 2022, the nursery offered funded childcare for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated participation detail, rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Language development. Extending children's vocabulary was a July 2022 improvement priority. At a visit, ask how practitioners now build descriptive language into children's own play.
• Staff deployment. The July 2022 findings called for better positioning of staff to support learning. Ask how adults organise support when children choose different activities.
• Attendance and costs. The weekday opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm. Which booking patterns and funded arrangements would apply to your child, and how would meals and consumables be handled?

The Learning Cottage Nursery suits families seeking year-round weekday care. In July 2022, its curriculum was built around children's interests. Its July 2022 picture combines practical exploration, books and family involvement with clear areas for improvement in vocabulary teaching and staff deployment. Those specific priorities give a visit a useful purpose.