Ofsted Inspection Updates

Ofsted has updated the way nurseries are inspected from 2025, with clearer report cards that show simple grades alongside short explanations of what each setting does well and where it can improve.

Nurseries are now graded on a five-point scale,  Exceptional, Strong Standard, Expected Standard, Needs Attention and Urgent Improvement, across key areas such as teaching, early years care, children’s progress, inclusion, leadership, wellbeing, and behaviour.

Streatham Common’s New Ofsted Report

Monkey Puzzle Streatham Common’s most recent Ofsted report was published in February 2026, confirming that safeguarding standards were fully met and children’s safety and wellbeing remain a top priority. The nursery achieved Expected Standard across the six 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.

New Ofsted Report

What Ofsted Highlighted

Children’s Welfare and Wellbeing – Expected Standard

Children form strong attachments with staff through warm, nurturing relationships and a well-established key person and buddy system, helping them feel safe, secure and confident within the nursery environment. Staff support children’s emotional wellbeing by encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings, while also promoting healthy lifestyles through activities focused on nutrition and safety. Robust systems are in place to ensure children’s wellbeing, including effective allergy management procedures and close attention to safe eating and sleeping practices, helping children to become increasingly aware of and independent in managing their own needs.

Achievement – Expected Standard

Children make strong progress from their individual starting points, including those who may face barriers to learning or wellbeing. As they move through the nursery, they develop key life skills such as independence, confidence and communication. Through daily opportunities to sing, read and engage in conversations with adults and peers, children build strong language skills and become confident communicators, helping to prepare them for the next stage of their learning journey.

Behaviour, Attitudes and Establishing Routines – Expected Standard

Children show positive attitudes towards learning and enjoy developing new skills, with parents praising both their progress and enthusiasm for attending the setting. Staff encourage independence through daily routines, helping children build confidence and responsibility. Positive role modelling and clear expectations support children’s social and emotional development, while effective strategies are in place to promote good attendance. Leaders and staff also adapt routines to meet individual needs, including implementing visual timetables and personalised support strategies for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring all children are well supported in their learning and development.

Curriculum and Teaching – Expected Standard

Leaders continually review and strengthen the curriculum to ensure all children achieve positive outcomes within a calm, nurturing and engaging environment. Staff support children’s independence and physical development through daily routines and active play, while language and literacy skills are promoted through storytelling, singing and meaningful conversations. Children develop a love of reading from an early age, with activities thoughtfully linked to books and learning themes. A wide range of engaging experiences encourages children to learn through play, although leaders continue to reflect on group activities to ensure they consistently meet the interests and learning needs of every child.

Inclusion – Expected Standard

Staff have a strong understanding of each child’s interests, development and individual learning goals, working closely together to provide consistent support and monitor progress effectively. Leaders ensure accurate assessments are in place to identify achievements and any gaps in learning, enabling staff to set appropriate next steps for children. Inclusive practices are embedded throughout the setting, with additional strategies such as visual prompts and personalised social stories helping children with special educational needs and/or disabilities access the curriculum successfully. Strong partnerships with families and external agencies further support children in receiving the guidance and intervention they may need to thrive.

Leadership and Governance – Expected Standard

Leaders have a clear understanding of the nursery’s strengths and areas for development, using reflective practice and feedback from staff and families to continually enhance outcomes for children. Recent improvements to the environment and curriculum demonstrate their commitment to supporting children’s learning and wellbeing, while ongoing training ensures staff continue to develop their skills and confidently embed new practices. Staff feel well supported and valued within the setting, and leaders foster strong, collaborative relationships with families and external professionals to ensure every child, including those facing barriers to learning, receives the support they need to thrive.

What it’s like to be a child at Monkey Puzzle Streatham Common

Staff create a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels valued, safe and supported. Strong relationships between children, staff and peers help children build confidence, develop a sense of belonging and feel comfortable expressing their emotions and seeking reassurance when needed. Parents speak positively about the open communication and support provided by the nursery, helping to strengthen children’s learning and wellbeing. Children are engaged and eager to learn through a variety of stimulating activities that encourage curiosity, social interaction and exploration, while staff carefully assess progress and plan next steps to support each child’s ongoing development.