SMART Southfields

Paint mixed by toddlers, conversations about autumn and rugby for older children give SMART Southfields a recognisable character in its October 2022 account of daily life. The emphasis was on exploration, conversation and growing independence.

At its 11 October 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. Based in the Lower Hall of Everyday Church, on Wimbledon Park Road in London, it has capacity for 70 children aged 12 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, communication and everyday experiences support their development across the areas of learning.

In October 2022, babies explored toothbrushing with dolls and pictures, while toddlers experimented with paint and colour mixing. Older children discussed pumpkins, seasonal changes and autumn leaves. These activities gave children things to talk about.

Stories ran through the day in October 2022. Younger children heard staff repeat their early sounds and introduce words; toddlers and preschool children joined familiar phrases in books. Older children also took part in rugby, while outdoor play offered opportunities for physical activity.

Two aspects needed more attention in October 2022: some adult-directed activities could have stretched older children's imaginative thinking further, and number recognition needed more deliberate attention. These are useful points for families weighing the experience of children approaching school age.

At the October 2022 inspection, Ofsted found effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with staff recognising additional needs promptly and working with families and other professionals. That finding concerns practical coordination around individual children, rather than simply a stated intention to include them.

In October 2022, staff explained sharing and turn-taking and sought children's consent before nappy changes. Babies received prompt responses to their needs, and children developed close relationships with practitioners. Parents described regular communication about progress and ways to continue learning at home.

Healthy meals and attention to hygiene formed part of care in October 2022. Staff also understood how to handle children appropriately when helping them settle to sleep.

The address is Lower Hall, Everyday Church, 225 Wimbledon Park Road, London SW18 5RH. Opening hours are 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas.

In October 2022, the nursery received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise of a particular funded attendance arrangement.

• Older children's learning. The October 2022 improvement points concerned imagination during adult-directed activities and recognising numbers. During a visit, look for how both are built into play and conversation.
• Attendance pattern. The opening window runs from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. Which booking patterns would fit your child's routine and your working day?

SMART Southfields suits families seeking weekday childcare. Its October 2022 inspection described play, conversation and growing independence. Its October 2022 account contains concrete examples across younger and older children's experiences, alongside clear priorities for improving older children's learning. Families can weigh that dated picture against the attendance arrangement they need.