Sommerville Day Nursery

Sign language, conversations about feelings and children sharing their cultures give Sommerville Day Nursery's April 2023 daily life a recognisable character. This Lewisham setting cares for children aged 6 to 60 months and has capacity for 55 children.

At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall, with improvements required in independent mathematical problem-solving and more challenging outdoor physical activity. Those two priorities matter alongside the positive picture of relationships and children's enthusiasm.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, including learning through play. In April 2023, staff planned activities across its areas of learning, while children practised signing colours and displayed their work to celebrate their achievements.

The welcome song gave children a way to talk about their feelings during circle time. Visiting local religious leaders helped introduce different beliefs, and families had been invited to share cultural dishes and wear cultural clothing. These experiences brought communication and respect for others into everyday learning.

Outdoor challenge needed more attention in April 2023. Children rode trikes confidently, but opportunities to attempt more demanding physical tasks were insufficient. Mathematics also relied too heavily on adult help: children needed more chances to use numbers and solve problems independently during play.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, children making good progress and assessment arrangements supporting the identification of SEND, with prompt referrals to the local authority. These findings describe practice at that visit.

In April 2023, key persons had close relationships with their children, and the childcare daily diary supported communication with parents. Conversations with key persons gave families another way to exchange information about their child.

Mealtimes also encouraged independence that April: older children served themselves and used cutlery, while younger children received more help. Staff used lunch conversations to discuss healthy eating, linking practical routines with children's understanding of food.

The address is 6 Morley Road, London, SE13 6DQ. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas.

In April 2023, the nursery received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Independent learning. April 2023 practice gave children too few opportunities to apply mathematics independently. During a visit, ask how number problems now arise in everyday play.
• Outdoor challenge. The April 2023 outdoor activities did not stretch children's larger movements sufficiently. Ask to see the resources and activities that now let children attempt harder physical tasks safely.
• Your attendance plan. The opening window runs from 8am to 6pm. Ask for a written quotation covering your intended booking pattern, current funded arrangements, meals and consumables.

Sommerville suits families seeking care within a weekday 8am-to-6pm opening window who value communication with a key person. Its April 2023 strengths included relationships, signing and opportunities to explore feelings and different cultures. The deciding questions concern how independent mathematics and outdoor physical challenge have developed since that visit.