The Village Nursery Ladywell

Creative play and early independence give this Ladywell nursery its character: in July 2022, children made artwork in an art room, while babies were already learning to handle cutlery. These are useful details for parents who want everyday care to include opportunities for children to do things for themselves.

The Village Nursery Ladywell has 32 places for children aged 3 to 60 months. At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good and judged safeguarding effective, with more demanding activities for the oldest preschool children identified as the improvement priority.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. In July 2022, children practised communication through stories and staff questions, creativity through artwork, and practical independence through using cutlery and washing their hands.

In July 2022, creative activities included making artwork in the art room. Indoor and outdoor play gave children opportunities to choose and investigate. Books, stories and staff questions supported conversation; at the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that children's speech and language were progressing exceptionally well and that children made good progress from their starting points.

The baby room was arranged so its youngest children could reach activities. Older children practised sharing and taking turns through play, including learning how to handle winning and losing. The limitation was challenge for children approaching school age. Enjoyment and participation needed to be matched by activities that stretched their understanding further.

In July 2022, children turned to staff for comfort when tired or distressed and readily sought help. Babies settled to sleep after lunch, making rest part of the daily rhythm. Independence developed through practical habits: younger children used cutlery, while preschool children managed handwashing and wiping their noses.

Meals at that time were cooked on site. Staff accommodated dietary needs and allergies, and joined children at the table to encourage conversation and manners.

Staff also had supervision sessions in which they could raise concerns. Apprentices had mentors, giving less-experienced practitioners a route to support as they learned their roles.

The address is St. Marys Centre, Ladywell Road, London, SE13 7UW. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In July 2022, the nursery accepted early education funding for two- and three-year-old children. That is a dated part of its offer.

• Stretch before school. More demanding work for the oldest preschool children was the July 2022 improvement priority. On a visit, ask how activities now extend children who are ready for greater challenge.
• The care day. The nursery opens from 8am to 6pm on weekdays and closes for bank holidays and Christmas. Those closures matter when planning childcare around work.

This nursery suits families seeking care across the year, with creative play and practical independence prominent in its July 2022 daily life. The Good judgement provides a positive assessment from that date. For parents of older preschool children, the decisive issue is how well activities now stretch their child's learning before school.