Top of the Class Nursery and Pre-School

Garden play, early counting and sensory exploration shaped the day at Top of the Class Nursery and Pre-School in July 2023. At its July 2023 inspection, Ofsted graded it Good overall and judged safeguarding effective. The improvement priorities were equally practical: include quieter children more effectively in group activities and give children more consistent opportunities to manage tasks themselves.

The nursery has 85 places in total and accepts children aged three to 60 months. Its address is 332 Upper Richmond Road West, London, SW14 7JR.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing everyday play and personal development into the same framework.

In July 2023, younger children used toy cars and animals in play, with counting woven into the activity. Shaving foam gave children something to explore through touch and smell. These were concrete experiences rather than learning confined to group discussions.

The garden offered opportunities to develop balance, coordination and strength that July. Children used ride-on toys and learnt how to descend a hill safely. Staff also discussed protecting skin in hot weather, connecting outdoor activity with everyday safety habits.

Group singing and conversation supported vocabulary in July 2023, but quieter children sometimes lost engagement. The manager also wanted to bring back more outings so children could encounter communities beyond their own; that was an ambition, rather than an established outings programme.

At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that trusting relationships helped children settle, that children with SEND benefited from additional language support, and that staff shared assessments with parents and worked effectively with other professionals. Clear speech sounds and pronunciation formed part of that support, giving a specific example of how adults helped language development.

In July 2023, children practised sharing and turn-taking, while older children listened and conversed with adults. Before handling food, children were encouraged to wash their hands. Home-cooked meals were part of the day, alongside opportunities to serve themselves.

Independence needed more consistency that July. Adults sometimes completed tasks children could manage themselves, reducing opportunities to practise self-care. This matters alongside the learning activities: everyday routines can give children useful practice in doing things for themselves.

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In July 2023, it received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. That dated position should be kept separate from a family's current booking arrangements.

• Quieter children. Group activities did not consistently engage less confident children in July 2023. Their participation deserves attention when assessing whether the setting fits your child.
• Everyday independence. Adults sometimes stepped in too quickly in July 2023. Opportunities to serve food and complete manageable tasks matter for children building confidence.
• Your attendance plan. The weekday opening window runs from 8am to 6pm. On a visit, what booking pattern and funded-hours charge arrangements would apply to your child?

Top of the Class suits families seeking care across the year within a weekday opening window, with garden activity and practical learning prominent in its July 2023 account. Its Good judgement sits alongside two useful priorities for parents: participation for quieter children and consistent practice in self-care.