Manor House Day Care, St Margaret's

Independence before school gives this Lewisham nursery its clearest character: in June 2024, summer learning included helping older children manage their own care. Manor House Day Care, St Margaret's has capacity for 30 children, based at St Margaret's Lee CE Primary School on Dacre Park, SE13 5SQ.

At the June 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and recognised individual learning progress and SEND support through observation, targeted plans and external referrals. Later safeguarding action also matters to the choice.

In June 2024, children chose activities indoors and in the garden, while staff extended conversations with questions and encouraged them to attempt unfamiliar experiences. Choice gave children a part in shaping their day.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the June 2024 activities combined play with language, literacy and mathematics. Group learning took place at the day's start and after lunch, allowing children attending different sessions to share those experiences. A number-bingo activity used simple addition, spider legs and dots to make counting concrete.

School preparation included self-care rather than concentrating solely on early literacy and numeracy. That is a useful emphasis for families weighing how their child will manage greater independence.

In June 2024, children approached staff for affection or to share something exciting. Adults demonstrated considerate behaviour, and nursery rules encouraged care for friends and resources. Parents received learning updates electronically and through conversations.

Communication about the key-person system was weaker: some parents were unclear about their child's designated adult and whom to approach with concerns. The improvement action required clearer information about that responsibility.

Ofsted's later outcomes recorded action on allegation procedures and risk awareness in May 2025, followed by a further safeguarding requirement breach that had been addressed through additional staff training in April 2026. The earlier response also included revising internal risk assessments. These outcomes describe completed action, but the recurrence makes safeguarding practice an important visit discussion.

On Dacre Park in Lewisham, London SE13 5SQ, the nursery is based at St Margaret's Lee CE Primary School. Being based at the school does not guarantee a Reception place; families still use the local authority admissions process.

In June 2024, the nursery cared for three- and four-year-olds and opened Monday to Friday, from 7.45am to 6pm, throughout the year. These are dated operating details rather than a current booking offer.

• Safeguarding follow-through. The May 2025 and April 2026 outcomes both involved training connected with children's safety. During a visit, discuss how staff apply that learning and how concerns reach the appropriate agencies.
• Knowing the key person. June 2024 communication left some parents uncertain about their contact. Ask how the designated adult is introduced and how changes are explained.
• Attendance fit. June 2024 provision covered three- and four-year-olds across an all-year opening window. Which current booking patterns would accommodate your child's age and your working week?

The June 2024 picture suits families who value child-led play alongside shared mathematics and literacy, with practical independence forming part of school preparation. The garden adds another setting for that learning. Balance those strengths against the key-person communication concern and the later repeated safeguarding action: both deserve a specific discussion before joining.