Susan Lawrence Nursery

Sand timers for scooter turns and large wooden blocks for building give Susan Lawrence Nursery a practical, physical character. In February 2026, children practised sharing equipment and tested their balance outdoors. These are everyday opportunities to make choices and learn alongside other children.

At its February 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all assessed areas to be at the expected standard and safeguarding standards to be met. The nursery has capacity for 56 children, with an accepted age range of 3 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday routines support communication, physical skills and emotional development.

In February 2026, babies combined dolls, pretend picnics and sand-filled cups in imaginative play, with staff following their interests. Older children discussed story characters and connected conversations to their own experiences. The People Who Help Us topic explored safety and helpful roles; a child's account of a broken-down car prompted staff to include recovery services.

Outdoor activity gave younger children opportunities to persevere with trikes and balancing beams. Visiting professionals led music, yoga and dance activities. Participation needed closer attention indoors: during play-dough making, some younger children waited so long for their turn that they lost interest.

At the February 2026 inspection, Ofsted identified insufficiently personalised settling, inconsistent delivery of targeted support plans and uneven teaching practice, including background music that could interfere with babies hearing staff. These concerns matter alongside the expected-standard judgements, especially for children needing a carefully planned start or additional support.

In February 2026, staff respected babies' home routines and comfort needs, and key people offered cuddles and reassurance. Children practised handwashing and toothbrushing; older children joined a song about brushing their teeth. Babies received encouragement to feed themselves, while older children helped themselves to healthy snacks.

Families received updates about learning and daily activities, with home learning packs supporting activities beyond nursery. Parents' evenings and coffee mornings provided further opportunities for contact. Staff worked with families on barriers to learning and developed targeted plans, although their use needed greater consistency.

The address is Susan Lawrence Childrens School, Lawrence Avenue, London, E12 5QR. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

• A personalised start. Settling arrangements needed improvement in February 2026. On a visit, ask how the settling plan will reflect your child's routines and comfort needs.
• Babies' listening environment. Background nursery rhymes required review in February 2026. Ask how staff balance music with opportunities for babies to hear and respond to speech.
• Support in practice. Targeted plans were not used consistently in February 2026. Families needing additional support should discuss how agreed strategies reach everyone caring for their child.

Susan Lawrence Nursery suits families who value physical play, conversation and a key-person approach, alongside weekday opening hours extending into the early evening. Its February 2026 daily life included thoughtful examples of children making choices and practising independence. The decision deserves equal attention to settling, consistent teaching and the delivery of individual support: these are the practical issues to explore before joining.