The Enchanted Castle, Day Nursery

In November 2024, water play, pretend shops and hands-on painting gave this East Ham nursery a concrete character. At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated The Enchanted Castle, Day Nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective. The strongest detail lies in how ordinary play became an opportunity to practise movement, explore materials and try things independently.

The nursery has capacity for 130 children aged 0 to 60 months. That is a whole-setting limit, rather than a measure of the group a child joins.

In November 2024, the garden contained a wooden play house used for pretend shopping, small wheeled toys and a water fountain. Riding supported balance and coordination; filling jugs and pouring water through funnels introduced ideas about quantities and how water moves. These were practical learning experiences with something for children to handle and investigate.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care: play supports learning alongside everyday care. In November 2024, children mixed paint colours and used brushes for hand printing, practising movements relevant to later writing. Pretend cooking with toy utensils gave them opportunities to rehearse everyday situations.

There was a limitation. In November 2024, staff did not consistently broaden their exchanges with children across enough areas of learning. Enjoyable activities alone did not ensure that every opportunity was extended.

At the November 2024 inspection, Ofsted found good support for children with SEND and good progress from children's starting points, with preparation for their eventual move to school. Staff worked with families and outside agencies, using shared targets and individual plans to organise support.

In November 2024, staff used calm responses and simple boundaries to help children manage emotions. Communication included a parent app and updates about the day, but some families were not consistently told what their child would learn next. Daily news and a clear learning plan serve different purposes.

Food also supported independence in November 2024: children poured, fed themselves, washed their hands and cleared plates. Snacks included fruit, while a lunch example combined vegetables, chicken and rice.

The address is 557-565 Barking Road, East Ham, London E6 2LW. Opening hours are 7.45am to 6.15pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year except Bank Holidays.

In November 2024, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Learning beyond the activity. November 2024 findings called for staff to broaden the learning developed through their interactions. Consider how practitioners extend a child's interest beyond the immediate task.
• Knowing the next step. In November 2024, communication about planned learning was inconsistent across families. Clear next steps matter alongside updates about meals and play.
• Care for the youngest children. The current age range begins at birth. On a visit, what settling and sleep arrangements would apply to your baby?

For families seeking weekday care across the year, the opening hours offer a substantial practical window. The November 2024 picture combines hands-on play and individual support with two precise cautions: extending learning consistently and explaining next steps to every family. Those are useful priorities when weighing the nursery for your child.