Side By Side Creche

A balancing-blocks circuit, natural materials to explore and a separate room for sleeping give Side By Side Creche's baby-and-toddler provision a concrete character. These were features of daily life in May 2025, rather than simply activities saved for special occasions.

Ofsted rated the creche Good on 8 May 2025 and found safeguarding effective. It has capacity for nine children; the children attending in May 2025 were aged 0 to 2.

In May 2025, babies and toddlers shared one group room, with play moving between inside and outside. Low furniture and outdoor wooden resources gave babies something to pull up against as they practised standing and balance. The balancing-blocks circuit added a more active challenge.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2025 activities included choosing resources, playing alongside other children and exploring natural materials. Books and visual resources supported communication, while sensory exploration gave babies and toddlers opportunities to experiment.

In May 2025, the school's sensory and soft playrooms gave children additional spaces to explore. Practitioners also involved children in putting on shoes and coats, linking practical independence with getting ready for outdoor play.

At the May 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that activities were adapted to include children with SEND, with the special educational needs coordinator, parents, staff and other professionals working together, but some children needed more challenge and sustained adult interaction.

In May 2025, sleeping children used a separate room, with checks and monitoring procedures. Staff recognised that some children needed extra help settling. Parents received updates about their children's wellbeing, and their information helped shape activities around individual interests.

Children brought meals and snacks from home in May 2025 and could help themselves to water. Hygiene routines and maintenance of the environment were also strengths of the daily arrangements at that time.

The address is Side By Side Avigdor Mews, Lordship Road, London N16 0QJ.

In May 2025, opening hours ran from 8.30am to 4pm on weekdays other than Friday, when closing was at 1.15pm. That earlier Friday finish is a significant detail when weighing the timetable against work commitments.

• Adult interaction. In May 2025, some group activities and spontaneous play needed more adult involvement and challenge. At a visit, ask how practitioners keep children engaged across both kinds of play.
• Consistency across the team. The May 2025 improvement priorities included stronger individual coaching, feedback and information sharing. Ask how this work has changed everyday practice.
• Attendance fit. The May 2025 timetable ended earlier on Fridays. What attendance pattern and current hours would fit your family's week?

Side By Side Creche merits consideration for families seeking a small setting for a baby or toddler. The May 2025 picture combines physical exploration, sensory play and a separate sleeping space with clear priorities for improving adult interaction and staff coaching. Its appeal rests on those practical details, alongside the Good judgement, rather than on size alone.