Zikora Day Nursery And Preschool

Autumn leaves brought indoors and a turtle weighed over time give Zikora Day Nursery And Preschool a practical, hands-on character in its November 2024 account. Everyday objects become material for conversation, counting and discovery.

At its 21 November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children, including those with SEND and those learning English as an additional language, made good developmental progress. There were also two clear priorities: stronger questioning and more consistent help with sharing.

The nursery has capacity for 85 children aged 12 to 60 months at Ibex House in London.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, play connects language, physical skills and exploration. In November 2024, staff used observations of children to plan activities around what they could already do and identify learning gaps.

An indoor autumn trail reused leaves gathered on a nature walk. Children explored their sounds and textures, connecting an outdoor experience with new descriptive language. Storytelling involved costumes and props, giving children ways to act out characters rather than simply listen.

Practical learning extended to animal care. In November 2024, children helped feed a fish and turtle, and followed the turtle's growth using scales. Tweezers and tongs exercised small hand movements; outdoor balancing, jumping and games developed coordination and awareness of space. These examples connect early mathematical and physical learning with activities children can take part in directly.

In November 2024, settling involved learning babies' routines from parents and following them during the initial period. That gave home habits a place in the nursery day. Staff worked with their key children through regular observations and assessments, while external professionals contributed to curriculum planning.

Books represented children's different languages, and cultural events brought parents into activities exploring family backgrounds. These gave children opportunities to recognise their own experiences and encounter other people's.

Independence had a concrete physical provision: in November 2024, nose-wiping stations included mirrors and bins positioned within children's reach, including babies. Behaviour support included sand timers for taking turns, although adults did not consistently prompt children to use them when disagreements arose.

The address is Unit 7, Ibex House, 1 Forest Lane, London, E15 1HR. Opening hours are 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holidays excluded.

In November 2024, attendance included both full-time and part-time sessions, and the nursery provided government-funded childcare. These are dated attendance and funding arrangements, separate from the current opening window.

• Language development. In November 2024, staff needed to develop their questioning further. The priority was to extend children's thinking and language beyond the conversations already taking place.
• Sharing and disagreements. In November 2024, turn-taking strategies were used inconsistently with younger children. This matters because disagreements could interrupt their learning.
• Attendance and costs. The November 2024 offer combined full-time and part-time attendance with funded childcare. At a visit, what booking pattern and written charge arrangements would apply to your child?

Zikora suits families considering either full-time or part-time attendance who value practical play, family routines and opportunities for independence. Its November 2024 picture is appealingly concrete: leaves, story props and animal care all contribute to learning. The balance is clear, too. Questioning and support for sharing needed greater consistency, so the Good judgement comes with useful priorities rather than an unqualified endorsement.