RightStart Daycare, Horns Road

Fish tanks, picture books and garden hide-and-seek give RightStart Daycare, Horns Road a concrete character in its February 2023 account of daily life. At its 2 February 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and recognised effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The nursery serves children aged 6 to 60 months at the Cadet Centre in Ilford. The positive inspection judgement needs to be read alongside a later regulatory action notice concerning premises, risk assessment and staff practice.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the February 2023 examples included learning through play, conversation and practical tasks. Babies watched fish in tanks while staff introduced related picture books, connecting something real with early reading experiences.

In February 2023, dinosaur play introduced unfamiliar vocabulary, while preschool children practised counting before outdoor play. Bikes, sand and a water tray offered different ways to explore movement and materials. Children also chose drawing and construction activities themselves, giving their interests a place in the day.

Garden games and outings into the local community formed part of that February 2023 experience. These extended play beyond indoor activities.

In February 2023, children developed independence through handwashing, serving food and attempting coats and hats. Food choices accommodated allergies and religious or medical needs, and staff had guidance for helping children with toilet training.

Communication then included daily updates, termly reports and consultation meetings. However, the key-person arrangement needed strengthening, especially for toddlers; behaviour guidance also varied between staff, leaving children less clear about expectations. Individual practice needed closer evaluation, with stronger training and support for teaching.

Following a regulatory visit on 5 June 2023, Ofsted issued actions covering premises suitability and safety, written risk assessments, staff supervision, accident and first-aid records, and infection prevention, with a deadline of 28 June 2023. The latest published regulatory position is that June 2023 action notice. It is a dated finding, rather than a statement about practice today.

The address is Cadet Centre, 67 Horns Road, Ilford, IG2 6BN. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and two weeks at Christmas.

In February 2023, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. That is an inspection-time participation statement, rather than a current funding or charging arrangement.

• The June 2023 actions. These concerned safety and daily management as well as paperwork. At a visit, ask how the required changes were implemented and how they are maintained.
• Toddler continuity. In February 2023, the key-person system was less effective for toddlers. Explore how responsibility for an individual child's development now works.
• Consistent expectations. February 2023 behaviour guidance varied between practitioners. Ask how staff agree and use the same approach.
• Attendance planning. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays. Which booking patterns and current funding arrangements would fit your family?

RightStart merits consideration for families seeking weekday childcare in Ilford who value play, practical independence and communication about their child's day. Its February 2023 examples make those priorities tangible. The later safety and management actions are substantial, however, and should carry real weight in a family's decision.