Rocking Horse Nursery

A wooden rowing boat for imaginary journeys, visits to ducks and goats, and a climbing wall gave Rocking Horse Nursery's April 2025 day a strong outdoor character. These were opportunities for make-believe, discovery and physical challenge, rather than simply time outside.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 16 April 2025 inspection. Based in Harlow, it has capacity for 47 children; those attending in April 2025 were aged 1 to 3, a dated age range rather than a statement of today's intake.

In April 2025, light, airy rooms gave children space for relaxed play. The youngest played peekaboo beneath fabric and hunted for hidden objects in sensory trays, combining surprise with exploration.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning and care: here, the April 2025 examples included language through songs and stories, and physical learning through balance and climbing. The Wheels on the Bus encouraged children to join in with actions, while The Very Hungry Caterpillar provided a familiar story to explore.

Outside that month, children balanced on logs, tackled the climbing wall and explored muddy parts of the school grounds. Staff stayed nearby to help them use equipment safely. Ducks and goats supplied encounters with animals; the wooden rowing boat supplied a starting point for invented journeys.

At the April 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for disadvantaged children effective, with individual plans and professional partnerships helping gaps in progress to close. That combines a clear safety judgement with evidence of support tailored to children's needs.

In April 2025, key persons knew children well enough to adapt routines and plan their next learning steps. Staff responded to disputes over toys by helping children identify feelings and understand the effect of their behaviour. Emotional development was part of everyday play.

Communication also mattered that month. Parents received feedback about their children's development, and leaders responded to concerns. Staff had supervision and feedback themselves, creating opportunities to discuss practice and develop their teaching.

The address is Hobbs Cross Road, Harlow, CM17 0NJ, at Hillingdon House, Stables St. Nicholas School.

In April 2025, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, and the nursery operated for 51 weeks of the year. These describe the opening window at that date, rather than individual bookable sessions. Funded early education was provided for eligible children then.

• Learning about culture. In April 2025, staff gathered information about children's backgrounds but made insufficient use of it in learning. Families should ask how children now explore their own culture and other people's experiences.
• Planning attendance. The April 2025 opening window covered weekdays from 7.30am to 6pm. Before arranging care, ask which current booking pattern fits your child's age and your working week.

Rocking Horse Nursery's April 2025 experience would suit families drawn to animal encounters, imaginative outdoor play and close relationships with a key person. The climbing wall and sensory exploration gave that day concrete substance. Cultural learning was the clear development point, making it an important subject for a visit alongside the practical attendance arrangements.