MEplace

Breathing exercises and a private garden give MEplace a clear identity: children's feelings and physical activity sit alongside early learning. The nursery occupies space in Hackney Wick's Bagel Factory, with a colourful interior created with 2LG studio. Its curriculum brings together movement, communication, creativity and an understanding of the natural world.

Ofsted rated MEplace Good at its 25 October 2022 inspection. That judgement belongs to the provision assessed then. The nursery has capacity for 95 children, while its childcare offer covers ages one to five.

The strongest reason to consider MEplace is the connection between its educational approach and the practical shape of the day. Yoga and gratitude activities give its emphasis on wellbeing something concrete. Plant-based food and outdoor play extend that approach beyond organised learning.

Learning and Activities

MEplace follows EYFS, the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, conversation and practical exploration help children build skills. Alongside this, its own curriculum uses six pillars, named Mind, Body, People, Life, Planet and Fun. Breathing exercises, nature hunts, music and activities about emotions turn those headings into experiences children can take part in.

The balance includes both adult-guided activities and time for children to choose their play. Younger children's learning places emphasis on communication and sensory exploration. Older children use literacy and number skills in daily activities, with additional time for books and reading. This is preparation through experience rather than formal lessons.

In October 2022, staff planned around children's interests and used what they knew about each child to decide the next learning steps. Babies explored shaving foam and searched for animal figures, while older children practised cutting paper. These are different routes towards coordination and creative expression, rather than a single activity pitched at every age.

During that same month, children used tweezers to move coloured pom-poms into numbered cups, combining counting with precise hand movements. Books were accessible in a quiet reading corner, and children chose stories to retell. The detail matters: early numeracy and language had practical materials and places of their own.

Outdoor and Community Life

A private garden gives outdoor play a place within the nursery itself. Sensory play structures provide materials to explore, while the interior uses different textures and sustainably sourced materials. The design is therefore more than a colour scheme; it supplies things children can investigate.

In October 2022, children visited a park daily and took part in yoga. They also explored countries and music, with older children joining activities for Black History Month. Those experiences connected physical activity with learning about people beyond their immediate group. The daily park routine is a dated observation, rather than a promise about today's timetable.

Relationships receive attention before a child starts. The Welcome Process begins a month ahead, gathering information about interests, routines, abilities and medical history. Children are introduced gradually during settling; normal fees apply during this period.

Sleep has a dedicated area with soundproof walls. Staff work with parents to understand whether a child needs a familiar toy, close company or cuddling to settle. Separating rest from busier play gives sleep a physical place in the nursery day.

In October 2022, children used emotion stones to discuss feelings and could hold Gentle George teddy bear for comfort. Staff reassured upset children and helped them settle. The approach gave children both words and an object to use when managing difficult feelings.

At its October 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and SEND support helpful, while asking for stronger professional links to enable earlier help, including for speech and language difficulties, and more thinking time after staff questions. These are material qualifications to the Good judgement, especially for families whose children may need additional support.

Sessions and Attendance

The address is MEplace Nursery, Bagel Factory Central, Unit 2, 17 Rothbury Rd, London E9 5EN. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6.30pm.

Membership enquiries use the Join MEfamily form. Acceptance is confirmed in writing with enrolment details and the contract documents. A deposit is required, and fees are paid monthly in advance. Sickness and holiday absences do not attract refunds.

Funding and Paid Extras

In October 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation, allowing families to cost the agreed childcare pattern.

Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included in nursery fees, as are nappies, wipes and teaching materials. The plant-based menu is designed by a nutritionist and prepared in a nearby certified kitchen; its allergy policy explains that cross-contamination cannot be ruled out, including because the kitchen uses nuts.

• Additional support and conversation. The October 2022 improvement points concerned earlier professional help and giving children longer to answer. At a visit, ask how referral links work and how staff allow children time to express themselves.
• Settling and work commitments. Gradual introductions are charged at normal fees. Ask how the branch's settling timetable would fit your child's needs, routines and your working days.
• Food allergies. The food policy does not guarantee protection against cross-contamination. Allergy-affected families should confirm current preparation and handling arrangements before agreeing attendance.
• Attendance and notice. Agree the proposed full-day or half-day combinations and cancellation terms together in writing before committing.

MEplace merits consideration for families who value an educational approach giving emotions, movement and sensory learning visible roles. The garden, dedicated sleeping area and practical curriculum activities give that approach substance. Its October 2022 Good judgement supports consideration, qualified by the professional-link and questioning improvement points. Families should weigh the gradual settling process and allergy policy alongside the attendance pattern they need.