Ann Tayler Childrens Centre Nursery

Tree climbing for older children and greengrocer trips for babies gave this London Fields nursery a recognisable character in June 2023. At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated Ann Tayler Childrens Centre Nursery Outstanding, praising the education and children’s progress. That judgement belongs to that visit.

The nursery has capacity for 78 children, with a current age range of six months to five years. Its strongest inspection-era detail is the connection between exploration and conversation: children brought experiences from outside back into their learning indoors.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care here: the day brings learning together with play and everyday routines.

In June 2023, older children explored a local wildlife area, climbed trees and took part in planned outdoor activities. Preschool children later talked about sticks collected that morning, describing their discoveries and recalling where they had found them. An outing became material for conversation.

Babies’ neighbourhood experiences took a different shape in June 2023. Visits to a local greengrocer let them choose fruit and vegetables, connecting exploration with familiar food. Indoors, singing, shared books and time to answer questions supported conversation. Staff used observation and interaction to adapt teaching to individual children.

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised targeted support developed with parents and professionals for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language.

In June 2023, staff gathered information about children’s previous experiences and physical and developmental needs. Children practised mindfulness and meditation to help deal with difficult feelings and disagreements. These were practical ways to support participation in the nursery day.

Communication also had several routes in June 2023: detailed written updates, conversations with each child’s key person and a parent forum for concerns and suggestions. The forum gave families a route to contribute beyond individual discussions.

Recruitment presented a challenge in June 2023, and temporary practitioners were filling some roles. Updated induction arrangements and pairing new colleagues with permanent staff supported continuity. Teams also planned changes to the learning environment after watching how children used it.

The address is 1-13 Triangle Road, London E8 3RP. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year. That weekday window is a useful starting point for families organising care around work.

In June 2023, the nursery received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated funding position, separate from the current opening hours.

• Continuity of care. Temporary staffing was part of the June 2023 picture. On a visit, ask how permanent and temporary practitioners share responsibility for settling and key-person relationships.
• Outdoor learning. June 2023 activities differed by age, from babies choosing produce to older children climbing trees. Consider how those experiences match your child’s interests and confidence.

This will interest families seeking weekday care across the year who value learning connected to the neighbourhood. The June 2023 picture combines outdoor exploration, purposeful conversation and several routes for parent involvement. The practical choice rests on how that approach fits your child and your working week.