Play House Day Nursery

Herb growing, climbing apparatus and early sign language give Play House Day Nursery’s July 2021 account its character. The setting is at Royal Marsden Hospital on Downs Road in Sutton, SM2 5PT. At its 8 July 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall, with mathematics teaching and participation by quieter children identified as areas for improvement.

The nursery accepts children aged 3 to 60 months and has 54 places in total. These are whole-setting places, not the size of an individual group.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care. In everyday terms, learning and care belong together: play, communication and growing independence all contribute to a child’s development.

In July 2021, younger children explored sensory toys with moving parts, supported by staff’s words and physical reassurance. Outdoors, early walkers practised balance, while older children used climbing apparatus. Growing and harvesting vegetables and herbs gave children something tangible to investigate.

Communication took several forms in July 2021. Children used basic signs and facial expressions, while older children experimented with writing and began combining sounds into words. These activities connected communication with preparation for school.

There were limits to the teaching. In July 2021, some practitioners missed opportunities to introduce counting and measurement during cooking. Group activities also needed to involve quieter, less confident children more fully. Enjoyable activities were not consistently stretched into learning opportunities for every child.

At the July 2021 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children, including those with SEND or English as an additional language, making good progress from their starting points.

In July 2021, staff used observations to identify gaps in learning and obtain outside support where needed. Information sharing with families and other professionals helped connect support across the people involved in a child’s care.

Everyday independence featured too. In July 2021, younger children practised managing tissues, while older children ate and used the toilet independently. Encouragement and adults’ own behaviour helped children understand expectations.

The address is Royal Marsden Hospital, Downs Road, Sutton, SM2 5PT. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates throughout the year, closing for bank holidays and Christmas.

In July 2021, funded early education was offered for children aged three and four. That is a dated participation fact rather than a promise about a particular child’s entitlement or attendance arrangement.

• Mathematics through everyday play. In July 2021, cooking opportunities did not fully develop mathematical learning. During a visit, ask how staff now build counting and measurement into practical activities.
• Quieter children. Group participation needed attention in July 2021. Ask how practitioners involve a child who hangs back rather than volunteering.
• Notification responsibilities. In July 2021, temporary preschool premises had not been notified to the regulator; the premises had been risk assessed and children’s welfare was unaffected. Ask how significant changes are now recognised and reported.

Play House Day Nursery suits families seeking childcare across the year, with an early opening and a hospital-site address. Its July 2021 account combines practical outdoor experiences, communication and self-care, alongside clear teaching improvements to discuss. The Good judgement provides a dated assessment; the detail beneath it gives families useful questions for a visit.