Nursery in Southsea described as 'nurturing' and 'friendly' place following outstanding Ofsted inspection

The Play Academy in Southsea, formerly known as Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, has been described as a safe and diverse early years setting where children thrive. The setting, which is located in Elm Grove, Southsea, had its Ofsted inspection on January 23, 2024 which found that it is an outstanding childcare venue.

The owners, Rahma Derzi and Emily Belcher, opened the nursery in November 2015, and it was originally part of the Monkey Puzzle franchise until earlier this year. The pair of friends made the decision to become an independent nursery and they have started their new journey with a brilliant Ofsted. Rahma said: “We have got nothing negative to say about the franchise. They are a lovely company, it just wasn’t what we needed anymore and they were actually really supportive about us leaving.

“Nothing has really changed apart from our signage and our name.”

The Ofsted report found: “Children behave impeccably. Staff are excellent role models. Their interactions with each other and children are consistently respectful. They have high expectations for children's behaviour. As a result, children are well-mannered and kind.

“The quality of education is outstanding. Leaders and staff have an extremely clear vision for children's learning and development. Children benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum. The impact of this is highly effective, and children make rapid progress. Children demonstrate high levels of enjoyment and engagement in the exciting and inspiring opportunities created for them. “

The Ofsted report also outlined that the staff work hard to ensure that there are no gaps in the development of the young people that attend the setting. It also said that ‘the nursery's special educational needs coordinators (SENCos) ensure that all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, receive tailored support.”

Emily said: “I have always worked with children and opening up a nursery of my own has always been a dream of mine and in between Rahma getting her bio-chemistry degree she helped out at a nursery and she really enjoyed it so when I said I wanted to open one up she wanted to join me.”

The safeguarding measures are effective and there is a strong culture of keeping young people safe. For more information about the Ofsted report, click here.