Tilbury Nursery

An emotion board, sand-made pancakes and outdoor obstacle courses give Tilbury Nursery a recognisable character: everyday play becomes a chance to practise independence, language and movement. These were features of nursery life in September 2025. The setting has capacity for 40 children.

At its September 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall. The main improvement point concerned the pace of group routines, which sometimes left children less engaged.

In September 2025, children used pots of different sizes for imaginative sand cooking, with adults introducing vocabulary about quantities. This connected pretend play with early mathematical understanding rather than treating them as separate activities.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, play provided opportunities to practise communication, physical skills and independence. In September 2025, staff used what children already knew to decide their next learning steps.

Outdoors that month, children devised obstacle courses and adults followed their ideas. Trees became supports for climbing and balancing, giving physical play a concrete purpose. Children also placed their names on a visual emotion board, making feelings something they could recognise and discuss.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well supported through work with other professionals, and children making good progress. This gives the overall grade useful substance.

In September 2025, children formed close relationships with their key person, while parents received regular updates about development. Staff helped children practise handwashing through demonstration and song, and involved them in choosing snacks. These small routines linked care with growing independence.

Staff development also received attention that month. Training, workshops, supervision and appraisals helped leaders identify gaps in staff knowledge and plan support.

The nursery is based at Potters Bar United Reformed Church, on Darkes Lane in Potters Bar, EN6 1BZ.

In September 2025, it operated Monday to Friday in term time, with sessions running from 9am to 3pm. Children attending were aged two to four, and funded early education was provided for eligible children. The term-time timetable matters for families whose childcare needs continue through school holidays.

• Group routines. In September 2025, registration, stories and snack gatherings sometimes lasted long enough for children to lose concentration. The improvement priority was to keep learning purposeful throughout the day.
• Term-time attendance. The September 2025 timetable covered weekdays during term time. Families needing holiday care should weigh that pattern against their working year.
• A visit question. How do today's session arrangements and accepted ages compare with those in September 2025?

In September 2025, Tilbury Nursery's term-time daytime pattern suited families seeking play that builds practical independence. Its September 2025 character was especially clear in the emotion board, imaginative sand cooking and child-designed outdoor challenges. The qualification is equally concrete: lengthy group routines needed attention. Those details give families concrete strengths and a clear improvement point to weigh.