Little Ellies

Books, practical independence and support from a children's centre shape the January 2023 picture of Little Ellies in Beckton. At its 10 January 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall. The strongest examples were small but useful: children putting on coats themselves, serving their own food and using stories to explore separation from parents.

Little Ellies accepts children aged 3 to 59 months. Its address is on Tollgate Road, London E6 5UP, within Ellen Wilkinson Primary School & Children's Centre.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing education and everyday wellbeing into the same framework. In January 2023, stories, conversation and songs were part of the day, while toddlers investigated glue as it moved and made patterns. Exploring the glue's movement gave toddlers a practical opportunity to investigate a material.

Books also served an emotional purpose. In January 2023, staff used a story about baby owls to discuss separation and parents returning. Older children practised everyday tasks for themselves, including dressing and mealtime routines. These were useful steps towards managing more independently before starting school.

Outdoor activity included the garden and visits to a local park in January 2023. Both gave children opportunities for movement beyond indoor activities.

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and judged that targeted work with parents and professionals helped children, including those with SEND, progress well. Staff recognised when children needed extra help and organised support around their development.

For children learning English alongside another language, staff used familiar expressions from home in January 2023. Parents could participate through outings and play sessions, and workshops covered subjects such as oral health. Links with colleagues at the children's centre also supported families needing early help.

Two weaknesses qualified that positive picture. In January 2023, questioning and conversation did not consistently broaden vocabulary in the toddler and preschool rooms. Behaviour guidance also needed greater clarity: children were encouraged to resolve disagreements verbally but were not consistently taught the language to do so.

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas. The Tollgate Road address places the nursery within Ellen Wilkinson Primary School & Children's Centre.

In January 2023, funded early education was offered to children aged two, three and four. Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Language and behaviour. The January 2023 improvement priorities concerned vocabulary and clearer guidance in the toddler and preschool rooms. During a visit, ask how practitioners now extend conversation and teach children words for disagreements.
• Shared premises. Little Ellies operates within Ellen Wilkinson Primary School & Children's Centre. Keep the nursery decision separate from the school application: nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

Little Ellies suits families who value practical independence, stories with an emotional purpose and connections with a children's centre. Its January 2023 Good judgement provides a positive starting point, balanced by specific weaknesses in language development and behaviour guidance. Those priorities deserve attention alongside the examples of supportive relationships and everyday learning.