Ladybird Day Nursery

Hatching chicks and a conversation about toothbrushing give Ladybird Day Nursery’s March 2023 nursery day its character: children explored real experiences, with staff building activities around what caught their interest. At its March 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall and for education, behaviour, personal development and leadership.

This is the Goldhawk Road setting in London, accepting children aged 6 to 60 months. The inspection offers a picture of relationships and everyday learning at that time, with a specific improvement point about information flowing from home to nursery.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care; here, its practical meaning is learning through play, conversation and growing independence. In March 2023, children chose their own play alongside activities guided by adults, and staff changed resources when children’s attention moved elsewhere.

A recent dental appointment became an activity with model teeth, connecting brushing with conversations about food and dental health. Newly hatched chicks drew children to an incubator, where they exchanged observations. These were concrete starting points for discussion, rather than topics detached from children’s experiences.

Outdoor activity also accommodated different stages of development in March 2023. Babies had space to practise crawling and standing; older children played with balls and used a sand tray. Songs brought younger and older children together through movement, actions and words.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff able to pass concerns to the designated safeguarding lead and managers using training and regular discussions to maintain awareness.

In March 2023, children had close relationships with their key person and other staff. Advance warnings helped them prepare for changes of activity, while the golden rules gave staff a shared way to recognise positive behaviour. Everyday care included reminders about handwashing and recognising when noses needed wiping.

Food was prepared in the nursery in March 2023, with coloured crockery distinguishing children’s dietary needs and individual eating plans developed with parents. Daily information reached families through conversations and an online application, but few parents contributed updates from home; improving that exchange was the action requested.

The address is 277 Goldhawk Road, London, W12 8EU. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year except bank holidays. For parents matching childcare to work, that weekday opening window is the central practical fact.

• Communication in both directions. In March 2023, parents received daily updates but rarely shared information through the application. At a visit, ask how home observations now contribute to planning for your child.
• Care across different stages. The March 2023 garden activities included babies practising movement and older children playing ball games. Ask how the day and outdoor arrangements work for your child’s age.

Ladybird suits families seeking weekday childcare on Goldhawk Road who value play connected to children’s interests and practical independence. Its March 2023 examples are useful: dental-health play, chick observations and activities adapted to children’s attention. The communication improvement point deserves equal weight when assessing the fit for your family.