Monkey Puzzle West Norwood’s most recent Ofsted report was published in April 2022, confirming that safeguarding standards were effective and children’s safety and wellbeing remain a top priority. The nursery achieved a Good rating across the four key areas of inspection, reflecting the high-quality care, learning and support provided by the team. Parents and carers can read the full Ofsted report here to learn more about the inspectors’ findings.

What it’s like to attend this early years setting

Children visibly show they enjoy their time at the setting, warmly greeting staff with enthusiasm upon arrival. The children show kindness towards each other, and there is a good energy of friendliness as they learn and play together with self-chosen and well-planned activities. Parents feel supported and listened to by communitive staff who spend time getting to know their children, keeping them involved in their children’s development and learning. The nursery also seeks to understand parents’ views on important issues.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

• Children’s physical skills are supported by the activities and opportunities they have at the setting, both indoors and outdoors. Each room at the nursery has access to a well laid out, spacious outdoor area, with a large climbing frame. Helpful staff supervise the area. Children have free-flow opportunities and planned activities to support physical development.
• Children in this nursery are curious, self-assured and happy to approach visitors.
• Children build on early maths knowledge. They skilfully compare and extend on what they already know. This helps children to notice differences and similarities.
• Children’s vocabulary, speaking and listening skills are extended with excellent commentary by staff to children. However, at times other staff divert children’s attention with unnecessary dialogue and movements in the background.
• Reading is an active feature of this nursery. Children show a love for books and reading. They listen and are engaged as books are read to them.
• The leadership team has close links with the local authority special educational needs coordinator, and they attend organised drop-in sessions.
• The children are given appropriate responsibilities. They participate in cleaning tables and then laying the tables with knives and forks in preparation for lunch.

Safeguarding – effective

Staff and managers demonstrate a good awareness of safeguarding practise, understanding the importance of recognising causes for concern. They know how to report any concerns, including allegations against those working with children and safeguarding is discussed in every staff meeting. All staff are trained to understand the nursery’s safeguarding policies and procedures. The recruitment and induction of staff is thorough and individual suitability assessments are completed.

Many of you may be aware that Ofsted recently published the outcome of a retrospective regulatory matter relating to the late notification of a staff suitability issue.

The matter was brought to Ofsted’s attention by us. During this process, it became clear that a notification should have been made sooner. We accept this finding and have since strengthened our internal procedures to ensure this does not happen again.

Throughout this period, our safeguarding procedures remained in place and the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care remained our highest priority.

Ofsted has confirmed that it is satisfied with the actions taken. The nursery remains registered with Ofsted and proudly continues to hold a Good Ofsted rating.

Thank you for the trust you place in us every day. We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team and the positive experiences we provide for children and families, and we remain committed to providing a safe, caring and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.

All current families have been communicated with directly regarding this matter. Should you have any questions, I would be very happy to speak with you personally.

Sheena Patel
Director & Nominated Individual
sheena@monkeypuzzlewestnorwood.co.uk