Once Upon a Time Day Nurseries, Uxbridge 1-5's

Books give this Uxbridge nursery its clearest thread. In January 2025, staff built activities around a book of the week, weaving each child's learning priorities and advice from external professionals into the programme. Ofsted rated the setting Good in January 2025, with effective safeguarding.

The nursery cares for children aged one to four and has 42 registered places. It operates from 1st Uxbridge Scouts Hall in Rockingham Rec Park and works within the Early Years Foundation Stage and follows the High Scope ethos. In January 2025, weekday opening ran from 8am to 6pm throughout the year.

Stories are more than a quiet-time extra. Children were seen asking for favourite books, settling closely with staff, repeating familiar lines and encountering new language through expressive reading. The same weekly book links nursery learning with activities children can complete at home. This gives families a concrete way to continue a topic together.

Play also makes room for mathematics and imagination. Children used tape measures and weighing scales while staff introduced ideas about size, weight and measure. Superhero dressing-up encouraged imaginative play and confidence, while a sudden snow flurry became an opportunity for energetic exploration outdoors.

In January 2025, two areas for development were identified. Children needed more chances to find out how people and communities are alike and different, and oral-health learning needed strengthening. Progress in both areas matters to families considering the setting.

Low staff turnover helped adults know children well in January 2025. Staff responded promptly to children's requests, supported them to name feelings and encouraged them to resolve conflicts and take turns. Children showed empathy towards upset peers. That combination points to close relationships alongside growing independence.

Support for children with SEND was a strength. Staff identified emerging gaps, used personalised programmes and worked with parents and external professionals, including speech and language therapists. Additional funding supported targeted staff training and resources.

Nutritious meals were cooked on the premises in January 2025. Staff used systems for allergies and choking risks, ate alongside children to model healthy choices and helped them learn to use cutlery. Children also practised putting on coats and changing shoes before outdoor play, useful preparation for school routines.

Parent partnership had practical substance. Families were invited to activity sessions and kept informed about progress and next steps. Parents reported that these sessions also helped younger siblings settle when they later joined.

The setting is at 1st Uxbridge Scouts Hall, Rockingham Rec Park, Rockingham Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2UW. Full day care ran Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm throughout the year in January 2025. The provider can give families its current session choices, closures and charges.

Government-funded childcare was provided in January 2025, alongside specific funding for disadvantaged children. The provider can explain its current delivery pattern and any extras.

• Curriculum development. Learning about similarities and differences between people and communities needed development in January 2025. Seek a current example of this work.
• Oral health. Children had limited opportunities to learn about looking after their teeth. Families may want an update on the programme now used.
• Current practical terms. Current session choices, funded-hours delivery and charges may have changed since January 2025. Obtain the complete current offer before applying.

This setting suits families who value warm staff relationships, story-led learning and hands-on partnership with parents. The book-of-the-week programme gives learning a recognisable rhythm, while personalised SEND work and practical self-care support add substance. The Good outcome is reassuring, though families should seek current answers on oral health, learning about communities and the precise booking model.