Cheeky Monkeys

Snail feeding, construction play and a mud kitchen give Cheeky Monkeys a practical, hands-on character in its October 2023 account of daily life. At its 19 October 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, with positive findings about children's behaviour, engagement in learning and relationships with staff.

Based in Brockley, it has capacity for 43 children aged 12 to 60 months. The clearest point for families to weigh is the balance between supportive teaching and opportunities for children to stretch themselves: the October 2023 improvement action concerned appropriate risk and challenge.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. In parent terms, learning and everyday care belong together; play, conversation and practical exploration help children develop skills.

In October 2023, children fed snails together, waited for turns and responded to staff's questions. Construction materials introduced shape and space, while pouring water in the mud kitchen gave children a practical reason to discuss how much a container held. Books and conversations extended vocabulary. Learning had something concrete to work with.

Mathematics also appeared in puzzles, matching quantities to numerals and counting outdoor steps that month. Activities explored cultural differences and celebrations, while a harvest donation involved families in collecting items for others. These experiences connected learning with cooperation and community participation.

The limitation was challenge. In October 2023, staff sometimes passed over chances for children to attempt more demanding tasks; the improvement action called for more opportunities to build independence and resilience through appropriate risk.

At the October 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and SEND support well coordinated through the SENCo's work with families, practitioners and external professionals, with staff receiving support and children's targets shared with parents.

In October 2023, practitioners used their knowledge of individual children to plan next steps and shared learning strategies with parents. Leaders provided training, coaching and mentoring around curriculum planning. This linked staff development to the activities children experienced.

That month, staff modelled kindness and helped children practise ways to handle emotions. Conversations about toothbrushing, food choices and being active brought health into the day. Staff also supervised play, assessed risks daily and managed children's individual dietary and medical needs.

The address is 28 Otford Crescent, Brockley, London SE4 1RD. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 5.30pm on Friday, with an all-year opening schedule.

In October 2023, the nursery operated for 48 weeks annually and received funding for early education for three- and four-year-olds. That is a dated account of its operation and funding participation.

• Challenge and independence. The October 2023 improvement action concerned missed opportunities for appropriate risk and more demanding learning. On a visit, ask how activities now encourage children to attempt something difficult for themselves.
• Friday finish. Closing time is 5.30pm on Friday, earlier than the other weekdays. That difference matters when planning the working week.
• Settling arrangements. Children separated comfortably from parents in October 2023. Ask how settling would be organised for your child's needs.

Cheeky Monkeys suits families who value practical learning, language-rich play and cooperation, and whose routines fit its weekday opening hours. The October 2023 picture combines thoughtful adult support with a clear development point: giving children more scope to test their independence. That balance deserves attention when choosing care.