The Hollies Nursery

In June 2025, snails, volcanoes and balance beams shaped The Hollies Nursery's inspection picture: practical exploration sat alongside language and movement. At its June 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. The setting has 30 places in total, at Hollies Hall in South Gate, London.

The children attending in June 2025 were aged two to four. That is an inspection-time age range, rather than a statement of today's intake.

In June 2025, children's interests helped shape activities, including investigations into dinosaurs and volcanoes. Finding snails became an opportunity to examine shells and explore how the animals responded to touch. Staff used questions and descriptive words to develop the conversation. Small discoveries became learning material.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the June 2025 curriculum emphasised movement and communication: stories, singing and conversations introduced vocabulary, while practitioners allowed children time to formulate replies.

Physical activity had concrete resources behind it. In June 2025, children practised on balance beams, used climbing equipment and jumped in hoops. Community walks and exercise sessions added other opportunities to move. Growing fruit and vegetables connected healthy living with something children could observe for themselves.

At the June 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that staff responded promptly to additional learning needs and that work with other agencies supported good progress, including for children with SEND and those receiving additional funding.

In June 2025, information from families helped staff build on children's existing experiences. Parents received learning updates and attended workshops about supporting development at home; coffee mornings and Father's Day celebrations provided further contact with the nursery.

School preparation included social habits as well as practical tasks. In June 2025, children practised waiting for the slide, sharing play dough and talking through emotions. They also poured drinks and used the toilet independently, although adults sometimes took over tasks children could attempt themselves. Healthy snacks and learning about dental care formed part of the day.

The address is Hollies Hall, Nursery Road, South Gate, London N14 5QD.

In June 2025, opening hours were 8.30am to 3pm from Monday to Thursday, with Friday finishing at 12.30pm; attendance was during term time. These hours describe the operation at that date.

In June 2025, the nursery received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Younger children in group activities. In June 2025, some younger children struggled to participate in circle time. How are group activities now adapted to their needs?
• Everyday independence. The June 2025 improvement priorities included giving children more opportunities to serve snacks and put on coats. This matters if learning to manage practical tasks is a priority for your family.

The Hollies Nursery's June 2025 picture suits families who value hands-on investigation, physical activity and communication with parents. Its term-time operation at that date makes it most relevant to families seeking care around that calendar. The improvement priorities are specific: make group learning work for younger children and give children more responsibility for everyday tasks.