The Alphabet House Nursery School Upton Park

In February 2023, storytelling, construction play and journeys into the local community shaped children's experiences at Alphabet House Upton Park. At its February 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good and safeguarding effective. That is a dated assessment of the care and education.

The nursery has capacity for 60 children, accepting ages from three months to five years. Its address is 23 Harold Road, Upton Park, London E13 0SQ.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday routines contribute to their education. In February 2023, children combined activities they chose themselves with those organised by adults, giving them opportunities both to pursue an interest and to try something introduced by staff.

During that month, children used illustrated cards to pick songs, while babies and toddlers joined in the movements. Older children acted out The Three Billy Goats Gruff with props, recalled its plot and discussed how fairy tales begin and end. These were concrete opportunities to practise language and participate with others.

Construction play in February 2023 drew on nearby building work. Children handled trowels and compared materials while working out how to build together. Mathematical learning needed more attention: staff sometimes missed chances to introduce ideas about shape and measurement during these discussions.

February 2023 also brought planned community outings, including library visits and journeys by train or bus. Children used a secure garden daily. The combination connected indoor interests with experiences beyond the nursery rooms.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children formed secure relationships with staff and that early intervention, professional involvement and care plans supported their progress. In February 2023, settling arrangements allowed children additional time to adjust, while staff judged when to help and when to let a child attempt something independently.

Home languages also had a practical role that month. Staff gathered familiar words from families and used them in conversation. Adults sought children's permission before offering physical comfort, and children practised dressing, handwashing and bathroom routines with little prompting.

In February 2023, individual placemats carried dietary requirements, and adults supervised eating while encouraging younger children to feed themselves. Parents received daily updates, photographs and development observations through an app, alongside regular parents' evenings. This gave families several ways to follow their child's experiences.

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, with closures for bank holidays, Christmas and staff training days. This calendar matters for families arranging continuous childcare around work.

In February 2023, the nursery received early education funding for children aged two, three and four.

• Mathematics in play. In February 2023, opportunities to extend mathematical understanding were sometimes missed. On a visit, ask how staff now introduce measurement and shape during construction and other play.
• Settling and communication. February 2023 practice included extra settling time, app updates and parents' evenings. Discuss how settling and communication would work for your child now.
• Annual closures. Bank holidays, Christmas and training days interrupt the otherwise year-round calendar. Families needing continuous care should plan around these breaks.

Alphabet House Upton Park suits families seeking year-round weekday childcare, with a February 2023 picture of storytelling, practical play and community experiences. Relationships and family communication were strengths of that assessment. The clearest educational consideration is how mathematical ideas are developed through everyday activities.