Charis Daycare Nursery

Bus journeys, museum visits and conversations about meeting firefighters give Charis Daycare Nursery a character rooted in experiences beyond the nursery, captured in September 2024. At its September 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective, while finding that physical activity needed further development.

Based at Charis Christian Centre in Leyton, the nursery has 28 places in total and accepts children aged 3 to 60 months. Its term-time calendar makes school holidays an important part of the childcare decision.

In September 2024, children explored cultural differences through food, clothing and sharing their experiences. These were concrete ways to introduce respect for other people, rather than leaving it as an abstract idea.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the September 2024 programme gave children opportunities to revisit activities and practise skills, with staff adjusting planned experiences around what children needed to learn next. Clear speech and repetition introduced new vocabulary to children learning English as an additional language.

Outdoor time happened daily in September 2024, but being outside did not consistently mean enough energetic movement. Running, climbing and manageable physical risks needed more encouragement to help children develop core strength. That distinction matters: fresh air and physical challenge serve different purposes.

In September 2024, staff helped children tackle everyday tasks, including using the toilet, and worked with parents when a child needed another strategy. For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), staff considered individual learning needs and involved other professionals where appropriate.

Predictable routines and help with changing activities shaped the September 2024 day. Children were taught to clear up after themselves, linking expectations about behaviour to practical responsibilities.

Parent open days were also part of the September 2024 approach. Staff shared ideas for continuing learning at home, giving families a practical connection between nursery activities and what they could do together outside the setting.

The address is Charis Christian Centre, 78 Capworth Street, Leyton, E10 7HA. Opening hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the nursery closes for school holidays. Families needing holiday childcare therefore need to plan around that calendar.

In September 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated participation fact, rather than a promise of an individual child's entitlement.

• Physical challenge. In September 2024, outdoor activity needed more opportunities for running, climbing and appropriate risk-taking. On a visit, ask how the daily routine now develops these skills.
• Care for younger children. The accepted age range starts at 3 months, while children attending in September 2024 were aged two to four. For a child under two, what would their daily care and settling arrangements be?
• School-holiday cover. Attendance follows a term-time calendar. This suits families whose childcare needs follow school terms, but requires separate planning for holiday periods.

Charis suits families seeking term-time childcare. Everyday independence and experiences beyond the setting were strengths of its September 2024 provision. Its September 2024 picture combines cultural learning, parent involvement and practical self-care work with a clear limitation around physical challenge. The calendar and the arrangements for younger children deserve close attention before choosing it.