Little Miracles Nursery

In May 2022, Little Miracles Nursery's light, spacious learning area opened straight onto a garden. In May 2022, children could choose engaging activities both inside and outdoors, with independence and friendships woven into the day.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 10 May 2022 inspection, finding effective safeguarding, good progress and skilled support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language. The nursery has 36 places in total; children attending in May 2022 were aged two to four.

In May 2022, the early years foundation stage provided the framework for learning, development and care: play, conversation and everyday tasks helped children build skills. Recognising their name cards, washing hands and putting toys away gave children practical opportunities to become more independent and prepare for school.

Staff used observations and a development check between ages two and three to plan what children would learn next. Information gathered when children started helped identify where additional support was needed, including with speech and language.

The May 2022 routine also used pictures to explain what would happen next. There was a weakness after lunch, however: while adults cleared up, children lacked direction and lost engagement with learning. That matters alongside the otherwise purposeful activities.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that staff helped children with additional needs settle successfully, worked with the local authority on extra funding and referrals, and provided targeted help while children awaited external support.

In May 2022, gentle guidance helped children resolve disagreements over toys and practise sharing. Respect and kindness were part of their interactions, giving friendships a practical foundation.

Children brought lunch from home in May 2022. A display offered nutritious lunch ideas, and adults joined meals to encourage conversation and manners. Stories and toothbrushing activities also made dental care part of the day.

Communication needed attention. In May 2022, parents were not consistently helped to understand their children's learning or how to extend it at home, so the connection between nursery activities and family life was less effective than it could have been.

The address is Hind Grove Community Hall, Off Stainsby Road, London E14 6JP.

In May 2022, the nursery operated in term time, providing sessional care between 9.30am and 2.30pm. It offered funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. These describe the arrangements at that date.

• Learning after lunch. The May 2022 routine left children unsure how to occupy themselves while staff cleared up. On a visit, ask how this part of the day now keeps children engaged.
• Learning at home. In May 2022, families needed clearer information about what children were learning. Ask for an example of the ideas parents now receive to use at home.
• Term-time planning. The May 2022 arrangement was sessional, term-time care. Does the current attendance pattern fit your working day and school-holiday needs?

Little Miracles merits consideration for families drawn to garden access, practical independence and support for children needing extra help, on the strength of its May 2022 assessment. Its term-time sessional model at that date would suit families seeking a shorter nursery day. The two improvement points are concrete: purposeful time after lunch and clearer help for parents to continue learning at home.