Bright Horizons Lewisham Day Nursery and Preschool on Belmont Hill has been rated 'needs attention' in all six areas assessed by Ofsted following an inspection on August 11, 2026. Inspectors found that staff do not always report and record accidents and injuries, including those children may experience away from the setting.
Key Failings Identified
The six areas assessed by Ofsted are 'Achievement', 'Behaviour attitudes and establishing routines', 'Children's welfare and wellbeing', 'Curriculum and teaching', 'Inclusion', and 'Leadership and governance'. According to a report published on October 30, inspectors noted that while leaders have supported staff with additional training and guidance, these procedures are not always fully implemented in practice.
Inspectors found that children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are not always properly supported in accessing all areas of the curriculum. Effective adaptations are not always implemented to help SEND children achieve from their starting points.
Curriculum and Behaviour Concerns
On 'Curriculum and teaching', inspectors found weaknesses and inconsistencies in the delivery of the curriculum, which had an overall negative impact on children's learning experience. They said: "Children are prepared emotionally for the move to school, but weaknesses in the curriculum mean that they do not always make expected progress in other areas of learning."
Inspectors added: "Younger children are steadily developing their communication, physical, and social skills. However, overall achievement for every child is not yet being adequately supported. For example, younger children are developing their independence throughout each mealtime, but older children are not always given the same opportunity to develop this skill and continue to gain independence."
Regarding behaviour, inspectors said staff are not "fully supporting children's behaviour and routines which sometimes has a negative impact on others". However, they noted that children typically demonstrate a "positive and happy attitude to play and learning" and develop positive relationships with staff.
Leadership and Response
On 'Leadership and governance', inspectors said the provider "lacks general oversight of the provision", including supporting leaders and monitoring their suitability. Communication and updates for parents have not been consistent with all staff changes, including changes to the key-person system.
A Bright Horizons spokesperson said: "Ofsted confirmed that safeguarding standards are met and that children are safe and well cared for. However, we accept there were areas where we fell short of the standards families rightly expect, and we are sorry for that."
The spokesperson added that improvements were already underway before the inspection and all actions required by Ofsted were completed by the August deadline. They said: "We have continued to strengthen practice since and are confident the nursery will achieve a stronger outcome at reinspection."
