The Growing Patch Nursery

Dough, tweezers and coloured gems give The Growing Patch Nursery a concrete starting point for early learning: in November 2023, children used them to build the hand control needed for writing. This Catford setting has capacity for 22 children aged 24 to 60 months, at Brownhill Baptist Church.

At its November 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. Its practical shape is term-time care, with weekday opening hours from 8.45am to 3.30pm.

The EYFS sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing learning and everyday care together rather than treating them as separate jobs. In November 2023, children worked with dough and sorted coloured gems using tweezers. Those activities connected play with preparation for writing.

What's in The Box, an activity involving interesting objects passed between children, gave them practice in waiting for a turn. Pretend play and dressing up provided opportunities to use their imaginations. These November 2023 examples show how social skills and physical skills could develop through ordinary play.

Two curriculum priorities remained in November 2023: better planning for outdoor movement and more attention to children's cultures, languages and backgrounds. These matter for different reasons: children need opportunities to develop whole-body coordination as well as hand control, and to see their own experiences reflected in learning.

At the November 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children with SEND benefited from tailored teaching and calm staff responses, with the manager acting as SENCO and staff discussing developmental concerns with parents early.

In November 2023, adults stayed alongside unsettled children, offering comfort and helping them return to activities. Everyday independence was practical: children cleared plates, washed hands before meals and fetched their belongings for nappy changes. Staff also worked with parents on toilet training.

In November 2023, staff shared assessments and resources for learning at home, alongside updates about personal care and health. Preparation for moving to school formed part of their work with children.

The address is Brownhill Baptist Church, 292 Brownhill Road, Catford, SE6 1AU. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, from 8.45am to 3.30pm during term time, and closes for school holidays. That calendar is a central consideration for parents arranging childcare around work.

In November 2023, the nursery received early education funding for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

• Holiday cover. The term-time calendar excludes school holidays. Families needing care throughout the year will need a separate holiday arrangement.
• Outdoor learning. Better opportunities for large movements were a November 2023 improvement priority. During a visit, ask how outdoor activities now develop these skills.
• Belonging and practical terms. Broader cultural learning was another November 2023 priority. Ask how children's home languages enter activities, and request written terms covering attendance patterns, funding, meals and consumables.

The Growing Patch Nursery suits families seeking term-time childcare within a school-day opening window. Its November 2023 examples of hands-on learning and personal care give parents useful substance behind the Good judgement. Outdoor learning and cultural representation deserve attention when assessing how the provision has developed.