Opening hours
08:00 - 18:00
Katharine Bruce Day Nursery
Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jun 2025)
Number of places
54 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Westminster
About this day nursery
Katharine Bruce Nursery and Pre-School, located in Kensal Green near Queen's Park and Kensal Rise stations, offers Early Years education and childcare for children from birth to 5 years old. The day nursery prides itself on its bright and spacious environment, including ample outdoor space for all-weather activities.
The long-standing staff at Katharine Bruce believe in providing a varied learning experience, with a daily schedule that includes science experiments, yoga, growing vegetables, messy arts play, and woodwork. A sensory room is also available for babies.
The day nursery actively involves parents and grandparents through activities like reading in different languages, dads' day, and grandparents' afternoon tea. An on-site chef prepares nutritious meals and snacks, catering to various dietary needs and allergies.
The nursery has received an 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted and a Silver Award from the Healthy Early Years London scheme, recognising its commitment to child health, wellbeing, and development.
Our ethos
At LEYF, all staff live our values. We are Brave, curious, bold and adventurous, pushing boundaries and testing new ideas, always standing up for the rights of children. We are Inspiring, encouraging continuous development for children and staff, and challenging each other to question and explore. We are Nurturing, warm, caring, loving and welcoming, creating safe and homely environments for each child. We are Fun, imaginative and creative, and learn through play.
What it's like
Staff ensure children become confident and independent learners, showing high levels of motivation and engagement. The experienced team provides high levels of challenge and quality interactions, supporting children to develop sophisticated vocabulary through a language-rich curriculum and real-life experiences. Children demonstrate respect and understanding of the nursery motto "Be kind, brave and show the hand of friendship to one another," while activities like storytelling and yoga help them manage their emotions.
Ofsted OutstandingChef on siteOutdoor spaceSensory roomFamily involvement
Pricing & funding
The nursery charges a registration fee. No specific session rates, age bands, or monthly fees are provided in the available text.
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)
Good to know
- Registration fee is waived if a place is accepted within 3 days of attending a visit.
Key facts
Age range
Birth to 5 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Food
Chef on site provides meals and snacks.
Registered with Ofsted
1930
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Katharine Bruce Day Nursery
Last inspected 26 June 2025 · Penny Harman
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
What it's like to attend
Staff ensure children become confident and independent learners, showing high levels of motivation and engagement. The experienced team provides high levels of challenge and quality interactions, supporting children to develop sophisticated vocabulary through a language-rich curriculum and real-life experiences. Children demonstrate respect and understanding of the nursery motto "Be kind, brave and show the hand of friendship to one another," while activities like storytelling and yoga help them manage their emotions.
Inspector highlights
- Staff ensure children are immersed in language, learning new words and regularly reviewing them to embed new vocabulary.
- Children learn about healthy eating and where food comes from, growing produce and becoming "mini chefs" to create dishes.
- Children are motivated to persevere when encountering difficulties, guided by staff to build confidence in their abilities.
- Children are supported exceptionally well in developing small-muscle skills for writing through activities like squeezing clay and "splatter paint."
- Leaders ensure staff receive personalised professional development and build strong links with the community, local authority, and parents.
Inspection #10398066 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents love the 'open door' policy at nursery. parents say that staff are incredibly nurturing and that their children are greeted each day with enthusiasm. They know what their children are learning and can see the progress they have made since starting at nursery, and particularly how they have grown in confidence. They feel their children are well prepared for their next stages in learning, including starting school.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Leaders ensure that all children, including children from disadvantaged backgrounds and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are given access to a curriculum that supports them to thrive and achieve to the best of their abilities.
Outdoor space
Children enjoy learning about where their food comes from and the importance of healthy eating as part of a healthy lifestyle. Children enjoy growing tomatoes, carrots and rosemary in their greenhouse. The nursery chef then supports children to become her 'mini chefs'. They use their home-grown produce to create 'yummy' dishes to share with their friends and family.
Google Reviews of Katharine Bruce Day Nursery
5.0
(5 Google reviews)
Diana
7 months ago
My son loves going to Katharine Bruce. The staff are amazing - really warm and caring, and attentive to each child’s needs. We had some difficulties settling in and everyone was really supportive (of him and me!) Every time I pick him up they tell me about his day and what he said and did that day. I really look forward to the end of day report and am very grateful to the staff who are incredibly patient and kind (they must be tired but they’re always smiling and take time to talk to each parent). It’s starting to feel a lot family, which is lovely. Yvonne, the manager, does a fantastic job keeping things going and I’m very pleased that everyone’s hard work was reflected in the recent Ofsted report which rated Katharine Bruce as outstanding. My son also seems to really enjoy the food there and eats a much more varied diet than I seem to be able to persuade him to eat at home. All in all 5 stars - a great nursery and highly recommended.
Read on Google
Qamar Brrow
5 months ago
My kids are so happy especially my daughter she will miss all the teachers there when she moves to another school 🥹 especially Gloria
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Renuka S
3 years ago
Katharine Bruce,Leyf, Best Nursery I have seen in The UK. My daughter was so happy after attending in just one week, After that she never cry. Still miss her all Teachers, Manager, and speacial love to Gloria Mam. Every time we pass the Fifth avenue road she said my nursery, Want to go back to my nursery. She is very attached with each staff of Katharine Bruce Nursery. Really wish Can have more child for same nursery. All the best Love you all miss u all.
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Natalia Sunne
9 years ago
The best nursery ,staff really friendly and helpful,my daughter love it
Read on Google
Sana Hussain
10 years ago
Reviews from Google for Katharine Bruce Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2025
Date: September 2010
- June 2025Outstanding
- October 2019Good
- June 2015Outstanding
- March 2013Requires improvement
- September 2010Good
Frequently asked about Katharine Bruce Day Nursery
About the setting
Katharine Bruce Day Nursery was established in 1930 and re-registered in 2005. The nursery is open each weekday from 8am to 6pm and operates for 51 weeks in the year. The provider receives funding for the provision of free early education to children aged two, three and four years. There are 12 members of staff, of whom 10 hold appropriate qualifications, ranging from levels 2 to 5.
- URN
- EY305975
- 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
- Previous rating
- Good
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