Explorers Elm Park

A bridge built from blocks, stories written by children and babies asking for water through signs give Explorers Elm Park a recognisable character. At its March 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found exceptional progress across children's stages of development. That is a strong dated judgement, rather than a description of today's daily practice.

The Hornchurch nursery has capacity for 42 children, with an accepted age range of 3 to 60 months. Its inspection-time strengths centred on children's independence, communication and involvement in decisions.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play supports communication, physical development and social learning. In March 2023, children explored science and cooking through experiments and predictions. Older children studied bridge pictures before planning their own block construction, giving their play a practical problem to solve.

Communication ran through these experiences. In March 2023, babies used signs to request water, while preschool children performed a story they had created. Conversations about fruit introduced its country of origin; preparing fruit skewers brought shape and size into the activity. Learning connected to something children could handle, discuss and make.

Community experiences also extended the day. In March 2023, babies walked daily to see ducks at the park, and children visited a flower shop, a greengrocer and the library. A sports coach visited weekly, alongside music and movement activities. These experiences connected physical activity with opportunities to discover local occupations and places.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective, with staff understanding how to raise concerns and using risk assessments to reduce hazards. This assurance belongs to that inspection date.

In March 2023, staff taught calming strategies and modelled consideration for others. Children sought help with disagreements, older children helped younger ones with coats, and mealtimes involved serving food and washing plates. These were concrete opportunities to practise independence and care for other people.

Children also voted on choices in March 2023, and parents shared their aspirations with staff. Training included safer sleep and healthy eating, connecting staff development with everyday care.

The address is 33 The Broadway, Elm Park, Hornchurch, RM12 4RN. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closure between Christmas and New Year.

In March 2023, the nursery offered funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is an inspection-time funding position.

• Age of the judgement. The Outstanding grade dates to March 2023. Treat its examples of daily life as a dated picture when weighing the nursery now.
• Settling into care. Communication and independence were prominent in March 2023. On a visit, how would a key person help your child settle and share their progress with you?

Explorers Elm Park merits consideration from families who value communication, practical learning and children's growing independence. Its March 2023 examples are compelling: signs gave babies a way to express needs, while construction and storytelling gave older children scope to develop their ideas. The weekday opening window is useful for families fitting childcare around work.