Lammas Green Nursery

Emotion cards, family photo books and Makaton signs give Lammas Green Nursery's February 2024 provision a recognisable character: children had practical ways to express feelings, share their backgrounds and communicate their needs. This is a community-hall setting on Sydenham Hill, with capacity for 25 children.

At its February 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall and found safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four; the daily experience combined growing independence with attention to emotional development.

In February 2024, learning followed a sequence that built on what children already understood, while their own suggestions helped shape activities. The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, stories, conversation and practical routines brought those requirements into daily life.

Makaton signs helped children communicate needs when spoken language was harder. Mindfulness activities supported confidence and interaction with other children. Storytelling used props, and staff allowed thinking time before expecting answers: language learning involved participation rather than simply listening.

February 2024 activities also included family photo books using English alongside home languages, celebrations involving food and music, and local outings to explore different communities. Mathematics had received extra attention to address gaps in learning. The garden needed a sharper language emphasis, with staff asked to broaden the vocabulary used outdoors.

In February 2024, children used emotion cards to communicate their feelings, and key-person relationships gave staff a basis for responding to individual needs. Taking off coats and identifying their own names encouraged independence. Clear expectations helped children practise sharing and waiting their turn.

At the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that the manager and special educational needs coordinator worked with families on referrals, with language activities continuing while children awaited appointments. Staff also liaised with local schools over children's transitions.

Daily conversations with parents covered children's experiences in February 2024, alongside advice and information about courses. The weakness was specificity: some parents needed clearer guidance about their child's next learning steps and how to support these at home.

Health activities that month covered hydration, handwashing and dental care, alongside physical exercise. Staff supervision, individual targets and training supported reflection on practice; recruitment checks were also in place.

Lammas Green Nursery is based at Lammas Green Community Hall, Sydenham Hill, London SE26 6LT.

In February 2024, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during school terms. These were opening hours rather than separate morning or afternoon booking patterns. Funded early education was offered then for children aged two, three and four.

• Learning at home. February 2024 feedback did not consistently give parents clear next steps. During a visit, ask how staff now turn observations into specific activities families can try at home.
• Language outdoors. The February 2024 improvement point concerned vocabulary in the garden. Ask how outdoor play now extends children's conversation and introduces new words.
• Attendance fit. The February 2024 timetable ran within school-day hours and school terms. What attendance pattern and holiday coverage would fit your family's working week?

Lammas Green's February 2024 provision would suit families drawn to communication, emotional expression and increasing independence in a community-hall setting. Makaton signs and home-language photo books made those priorities tangible. The Good judgement provides a positive inspection position, balanced by specific improvement work on home-learning guidance and outdoor vocabulary. Its term-time, school-day timetable at that visit is the practical consideration for working parents.