Mulberry Bush Nursery and Pre-School

Individual sleep pods and natural play materials give the youngest children a clear place in Mulberry Bush Nursery and Pre-School’s offer on Chippenham Road in Romford. Baby Buds and Little Berries occupy the nursery address, while Acorns operates at a separate address. This review concerns the nursery site.

The nursery has capacity for 24 children, with an age range from birth to five. No Ofsted inspection has been published for this setting yet.

Baby Buds caters for children aged six months to two years. Its stated ratio is one adult to three children, the statutory minimum for under-twos. A sofa provides space to spend time with a key person, while individual sleep pods give babies a designated place to rest. Wooden resources, sensory play and opportunities to make marks provide different ways to explore; babies also spend time outdoors.

For children aged two to three, Little Berries combines natural materials and everyday objects with opportunities to choose their activities. Children can move between indoor and outdoor play, and small toilets and sinks make practising personal care more manageable.

The EYFS is the statutory framework for learning and development: here, play, exploration and everyday routines provide opportunities to build communication, physical skills and independence. These are foundations rather than a special programme unique to this nursery.

A key person is allocated before a child starts, becoming the family’s main contact and helping to plan care and learning. A buddy takes over when that practitioner is absent, including responding to the home link book and supporting toileting. Familiarity extends beyond one adult.

Settling involves parents staying initially, then extending their time away according to how their child copes. Families should allow time for that gradual process.

SEND support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle. The key person, SENDCo and parents agree intended outcomes and a review date, with specialist advice sought when needed. This gives families a defined process for discussing support. A designated safeguarding lead role also forms part of the staffing structure; this is an arrangement, rather than an inspection judgement on effectiveness.

The nursery address is 85-89 Chippenham Road, Romford, RM3 8HP. Enquiries can be made on 07599 290454 or through admin@mulberrybush-nursery.com.

Sessions and Attendance

Paid sessions run from 8am to 3.30pm or from 8am to 6pm. The nursery operates beyond term time and does not sell term-time-only places.

Funding and Paid Extras

Funding includes the two-year-old entitlement for families receiving additional support, the universal entitlement for three- and four-year-olds, and the working parents entitlement for those ages. Funded hours operate Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm, for 38 weeks annually.

On funded places, food and nappy supplies are charged separately: the food schedule covers breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner, while consumables cover nappies, wipes, cream, sacks and disposal. Current prices come in the nursery’s written quotation.

• Site and starting age. Baby Buds starts at six months, although the nursery’s overall age range begins at birth. For a younger baby, ask which care arrangement applies at this address.
• Food arrangements. Funded terms charge for meals, while the food policy requires packed lunches. These arrangements conflict. Confirm which applies to your child, including any allergy requirements.
• Settling time. Parents are expected to remain for the first sessions and reduce their presence gradually. At a visit, discuss how this fits your return to work and who provides buddy cover.

Mulberry Bush suits families considering full days from 8am to 3.30pm or extended days from 8am to 6pm, with separate spaces for babies and toddlers. Sleep pods, accessible personal-care facilities and key-person continuity provide concrete points to weigh. The meal arrangements need clarification before committing.