Welcome to Rockingham Community nursery in Southwark. We are a purpose built nursery which is a registered charity run by a parent management committee that has been established for 23 years. We aim to provide good quality childcare and education in a safe, secure and stimulating environment to children from 2 years to 5years of age.

"Everyone is warmly welcomed as they arrive at the nursery. The atmosphere is very relaxed and children quickly settle into their chosen activities. They are familiar and happy with daily routines which are effectively put into practice by staff who ensure new children are gently guided" Ofsted Report 2009

A special feature we have is our service to settling children into nursery.  We welcome our parents to stay and play as much as they feel necessary, which is why we have happy and content children always keen to attend nursery.

"Children are positively valued and their backgrounds and abilities respected. Staff work closely with parents to ensure each child's individual needs are taken into good account. A sensitively handled settling in period for new children helps them feel happy and secure in the unfamiliar setting." Ofsted Report 2009

We have amalgamated the Two – Five’s together in a large open plan room providing a good social integration with opportunities and facilities to promote their independence and development. Within this age group we have also allocated children aged three to five years their own quarters to ensure that they are prepared for main stream school. This includes a computer area and library area. We have relevant equipment promoting the independence of each child, including their own art and craft room, role play room, construction play room and a special area where we have built a den for the children to retire to.

"Children are secure and very happy in the relaxed, welcoming setting. This is because the well qualified staff team work co operatively to ensure children's individual care and learning needs are well met. Children enjoy storytelling sessions in the comfortable reading area and effective use of props by some staff helps bring stores to life and adds to children's obvious enjoyment. Children concentrate well and show familiarity with storylines. They look at books independently and treat them with respect" Ofsted Report 2009

We provide exciting opportunities for children to explore, which helps to create the right balance needed for children to progress within their development. We know the importance of neutering children's developments and will plan for outside agencies and outings to assist with their knowledge and understanding, relating to their current planning activities.

"Through a good variety of activities and resources, children are learning about other cultures and people who are different from themselves. A diverse range of multi cultural groups visit the nursery to celebrate various festivals and children are also positively encouraged to celebrate their own backgrounds during Black History month.
Strong emphasis is placed on promoting children's personal, social and emotional development. Younger, less confident, children learn about the benefits of sharing through some planned group activities and if children appear troubled, they are gently encouraged to express their feelings in confidence with their key worker." Ofsted Report 2009

We have a superb outdoor play area that is brightly decorated and suitable for all age groups to enjoy. We have a vast range of equipment for the children to use to promote their gross motor and social skills. We encourage as much outdoor play as possible, giving the children plenty of time to let off steam!

"Outdoor play and exercise forms an important part of each child's day at the nursery. They enjoy free access to the safe very well equipped outdoor play area where they practise their climbing and balancing skills. Space is also effectively organised so that children may enjoy sand/water play, painting and playing musical instruments." Ofsted Report 2009