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Carlton Hill Community Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2022)
·
4.3(21 Google reviews) ·86 Carlton Hill, Maida Vale, London, NW8 0ER · Westminster
Number of places
73 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2022
Local authority
Westminster

About this day nursery

Carlton Hill Nursery and Pre-School, part of the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), provides early years education and childcare for children aged from birth to 5 years. Situated in a charming period building in Maida Vale, the day nursery boasts a spacious garden for outdoor play.

The dedicated staff team plans a variety of engaging activities, from creative free play focusing on wooden toy making and cooking in the home corner, to more structured science experiments and outdoor exploration like tree climbing and gardening. A unique feature is the on-site chef who prepares healthy meals aligned with LEYF's nutritional guidelines.

The day nursery emphasises a learning environment where children respond positively to high expectations and genuinely enjoy their educational journey. They aim to foster continuous development in children through exploration and questioning, all within a nurturing, safe, and homely atmosphere that encourages imagination and learning through play.

Our ethos

At LEYF, all staff live our values. We are curious, bold and adventurous, pushing boundaries and testing new ideas while advocating for children's rights. We encourage continuous development for children and staff, challenging each other to question and explore to learn together. We are warm, caring, loving and welcoming, creating safe and homely environments for each child. We are imaginative and creative and learn through play.

What it's like

Children are greeted warmly and settle quickly, feeling secure and confidently making choices about their play. They respond positively to staff expectations, demonstrating enjoyment in learning by immersing themselves in play, such as exploring speed and direction with cars on a ramp. They are independent and happily follow routines and help with tasks like tidying.

Good Ofsted ratingHealthy meals by on-site chefSpacious gardenFocus on play-based learningExperienced staff

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

08:00 - 18:00

Age range

Birth to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Food

On-site chef prepares all meals

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Carlton Hill Community Nursery

Last inspected 2 February 2022

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children are greeted warmly and settle quickly, feeling secure and confidently making choices about their play. They respond positively to staff expectations, demonstrating enjoyment in learning by immersing themselves in play, such as exploring speed and direction with cars on a ramp. They are independent and happily follow routines and help with tasks like tidying.

Inspector highlights

  • Managers use constant self-evaluation to strengthen practice, maintaining strong communication with parents through weekly newsletters with more information and photos.
  • The whole team has established positive relationships with parents, who speak highly of staff and feel included in their children's learning.
  • Managers plan an ambitious curriculum with a strong focus on environmental issues, teaching children to reuse items and be less wasteful.
  • Overall, children benefit from engaging interactions with staff who provide good opportunities for speaking and listening, promoting singing, stories, and conversations.
  • Key persons support children well, understanding their personal and developmental needs and providing stimulating learning experiences.

Areas to develop

  • 1enhance staff's interactions with children, to ensure they check children's understanding and provide them with sufficient time to think and respond
  • 2support staff to consistently help children to reflect on their behaviour and how their actions may affect others.
Inspection #10128429 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and physical exercise each day in the garden. Babies get to practice walking and climbing steps on a slide, while older children manage risks by climbing trees and observing wildlife, kindling an interest in nature.

Google Reviews of Carlton Hill Community Nursery

4.3
(21 Google reviews)
Maricarmen Barragan
3 months ago

My daughter started at this nursery when she was around 10 months old, and from day one she felt so welcomed and happy. She has been there ever since and truly enjoys it. She loves all the activities they do, and it’s clear how much care and thought goes into each day. The staff are super friendly, communication with parents is excellent, and the outdoor space is absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend this nursery.

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Martha McPherson
5 months ago

This nursery is just the best. All the staff are so passionate and caring and the whole place is wonderful. The outside space is unlike anything else you’ve seen in a London nursery , it’s enormous and with so many varied activities from a mud kitchen to a vegetable garden, a sand pit and climbing frame. I was lucky enough to get a place at this nursery with my child was one and he’s been here for a year and a half. From day one, I felt incredibly comfortable with everyone there - from the nursery manager to the room leads to every single staff member. The educational aspect (motor skills development, language, sensory room) is completely integrated with an individualised care mindset for every child. staff give updates every day and really know about your child and their progress. Do not hesitate if you can get a place here!!

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Maria Pasqua Locorriere
8 months ago

We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Carlton Hill Nursery. From the very beginning, we felt that our daughter was in the most nurturing and supportive environment we could have hoped for. The staff are truly exceptional – warm, kind, and incredibly skilled. They’ve treated our daughter with such care and genuine affection, and it’s clear how much effort they put into making every child feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow. Over her time at the nursery, we’ve watched our daughter grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity. She has learned so much – not just academically, but socially and emotionally too. The resources available are excellent, thoughtfully chosen to support play, creativity, and learning. And the garden – what a gem! It's such a magical space for children to explore and enjoy nature. We’re genuinely sad to be leaving Carlton Hill Nursery – it has become such a special part of our lives. We will always be grateful for the care and dedication of the team, and we wholeheartedly recommend this nursery to any family looking for a truly outstanding early years setting. Thank you for everything, Carlton Hill Nursery!

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Ariele Noble
8 months ago

We are incredibly fortunate to have found this absolute gem of a nursery for both our children. Where kids are truly appreciated. Where teachers know your children in ways you thought only you could. Where we, our children and our extended families all felt at home. I am grateful to this amazing community for being the village we relied on to help raise our children in their earliest years. We are deeply grateful to everyone at the nursery for the love, dedication, and support they’ve given our family. We couldn’t have imagined a better beginning for our children.

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Lara Suleiman
8 months ago

I couldn’t have imagined a better beginning for my child. My daughter has joined Carlton Hill as a baby and has now transitioned on to reception. I am very grateful for the care, love and attention she has received at Carlton Hill. What sets this place apart is its people - the teachers and the management. They are very loving, caring and kind. They are professional and it is clear how much thought and effort goes into their work. I highly recommend LEYF Carlton Hill if you are looking for a caring environment for your kids to thrive!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Carlton Hill Community Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: June 2010

  • February 2022Good
  • December 2013Outstanding
  • June 2010Outstanding

Frequently asked about Carlton Hill Community Nursery

About the setting

Carlton Hill Community Nursery registered in 2005 and is run by the London Early Years Foundation. The nursery is in Maida Vale, in the London Borough of Westminster. It operates each weekday, from 8am to 6pm, throughout most of the year. The nursery employs 20 staff to work with the children, with 15 holding an early years qualification at level 3 or level 2.

URN
EY305988
Registered person
The London Early Years Foundation
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more