Trinity Childcare

Dolls, songs and winter foliage give Trinity Childcare's January 2024 learning experiences a recognisable character: children explored caring for others, chose song props and talked about seasonal changes. At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective.

Based at Holy Trinity Church Hall in Rotherhithe, the nursery has capacity for 53 children aged 9 to 60 months. That whole-setting figure is not a measure of the number sharing a particular activity or space.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care, with play providing opportunities to practise communication and everyday skills. In January 2024, children used dolls to explore feeding and changing, discussing their ideas with adults and friends.

Forest school involved making winter wreaths with collected foliage and discussing plants and seasons in January 2024. Children connected flowers with spring and recalled watering plants. These activities gave conversations a concrete subject. Outdoor space also supported movement, with dance and ball activities recorded that month.

Group participation needed attention. In January 2024, adults sometimes positioned themselves so that some children could not clearly see the person leading an activity. The improvement priority was to organise these sessions so everyone could take part effectively.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with SEND received effective support, including timely referrals, individual support plans and cooperation between the SENCo, families and the local authority.

In January 2024, daily conversations, photographs and videos through an online application kept parents connected with nursery life; termly key-person meetings provided time to discuss next steps. Babies chose objects associated with songs, while adults responded with gestures, smiles and cuddles.

Independence was uneven that month. Children practised handwashing with little help, but adults sometimes distributed refreshments or fitted cooking clothing rather than giving children the chance to try. Making better use of everyday routines was the other improvement priority.

The address is Holy Trinity Church Hall, Bryan Road, Rotherhithe, London, SE16 5HF. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with closures at Christmas and for two weeks in August.

In January 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. This is a dated account of its funding provision.

• Group participation. January 2024 activities did not always give every child a clear view. Consider how adults arrange shared sessions so younger children can participate.
• Everyday independence. Adults sometimes did tasks children could attempt themselves in January 2024. Look for opportunities to practise serving refreshments and preparing for cooking.
• Attendance planning. The opening window runs from 8am to 6pm, with Christmas and August closures. What booking pattern would fit your family's week?

Trinity Childcare merits consideration for families who value play centred on relationships, practical experiences and outdoor learning. Its January 2024 strengths included concrete ways to involve parents and support individual needs. Families whose childcare needs fit weekday opening hours should weigh those strengths alongside the two priorities concerning participation and independence.