Nursery where kids learn to draw like Van Gogh given ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating

By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter

A West London nursery where four-year-olds create drawings “inspired by famous artists” like Van Gogh and Seurat has received an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating.

Rolfe’s Nursery in Notting Hill has been praised for teaching children about iconic paintings and artists and helping the children to try and recreate famous works.

According to the nursery’s website and Instagram page, the children have art lessons where they try and recreate Van Gogh’s flowers or work by Canadian artist Emily Carr.

They have also tried to recreate work by French artist Piet Mondrian and abstract works by Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky.

10 sessions at the nursery costs £6,010, according to its website.

An inspector wrote in the Ofsted report: “Children are extremely active and confident to explore. They are friendly with each other and enjoy playing together.

“With wonderful support from staff, they learn to take turns with resources and manage their own emotions. Children are excited by the interesting activities on offer.

“Staff plan stimulating activities that carefully build on what children already know, adding additional challenge as they are ready. For example, younger children enjoy mark making on large sheets of paper on the floor. Older children use their mark-making abilities to create drawings and paintings inspired by famous artists.”

The nursery was also praised for taking children to visit local markets and a Spanish delicatessen. They also have a weekly visit to a forest area to learn about nature and wildlife.

Staff at the award-winning nursery were further praised for giving the children, aged between one and four, friendly handshakes when they arrive and for teaching the toddlers how to handle their emotions.

Pictured top: Rolfe’s Nursery in Notting Hill (Picture: Google Street View)