Charing Cross Day Nursery

Clay hedgehogs, tomato growing and a sung version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar give Charing Cross Day Nursery a recognisable character. These were among the experiences children had in September 2024: practical, physical activities alongside stories and conversation.

At its September 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged its safeguarding arrangements effective. On Fulham Palace Road in London, it has capacity for 50 children aged 6 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday routines into their education. In September 2024, activities moved from babies sticking leaves into collages to older children threading shapes and preschool children making hedgehogs with clay and matchsticks. Each offered practice with the hand movements used later in drawing and writing.

Physical play had several forms that month. Low furniture helped babies pull themselves along as they progressed towards walking; equipment supported balancing and climbing. Tennis, dance, yoga and sports activities added adult-led movement sessions.

The garden area connected food with growing. In September 2024, children tended tomatoes and sunflowers, while conversations explored seasons and what plants need. Fruit snacks also prompted discussion about taste and preferences. Learning could start with something children could handle, grow or eat.

In September 2024, induction and continuing conversations with families informed planning for individual children. Daily exchanges and parent meetings kept families involved, with advice covering behaviour, toilet training and language development.

Routines gave children opportunities to practise sharing, taking turns and serving themselves at lunch that month. Staff also made space for children to talk about their feelings. These are useful details for parents weighing how care and increasing independence fit together.

Language teaching needed refinement in September 2024: staff sometimes moved on before children could answer questions or try newly introduced words. Enthusiastic storytelling needs room for the child's contribution too.

The address is Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF. Opening hours are 7.15am to 6.15pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays, Christmas and staff training days.

In September 2024, the nursery provided funded early education and childcare.

• Conversation time. The September 2024 improvement point concerned giving children longer to respond and use new words. During a visit, look at how staff pause and follow children's answers.
• Physical play. September 2024 activities included climbing, balancing and tennis. Discuss how movement opportunities are adapted for your child's stage.
• Attendance pattern. The weekday opening window extends from 7.15am to 6.15pm. Which booking patterns would fit your family's week?

Charing Cross Day Nursery merits consideration by families seeking year-round weekday care and practical learning through movement, making and growing. Its September 2024 Good judgement provides a dated quality assessment; the language improvement point gives parents a precise aspect of everyday teaching to explore.