Ladybird Nursery Thornsett

About this day nursery

Ladybird Nursery Thornsett is located in south-east London between Birkbeck and Norwood Junction train stations. The day nursery operates across two floors and is registered to care for children from birth to four years old. The ground floor has direct access to a main garden at the rear, and there is also a separate baby garden at the front of the building. Facilities include air-conditioning and CCTV, and an automated external defibrillator is installed on the premises. The day nursery is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year and accepts a range of government funding schemes.

Ofsted inspected the nursery in March 2023 and gave it an overall rating of Good. The inspector reported that children are happy and motivated learners who form secure attachments with staff. Parents who spoke to the inspector praised the staff's caring approach and the effective communication. Children's health and well-being are supported, and they learn about different cultures and visit places in the local community. To improve, the inspector recommended that staff refine the organisation of transition times and use strategies to further extend children's language skills.

Our ethos

The heart of Ladybird Nurseries is simple: we provide a genuine home-from-home environment. Run by the same family since 1995, we believe the best foundation for a child is built on trust, warmth, and decades of experience. Our family ethos is expressed through partnership — by working closely with every family, we create a secure, nurturing space that allows each child the confidence and opportunity to thrive and fulfil their unique potential.

What it's like

The setting is clean and welcoming, with children happy and content due to effective settling-in procedures and secure attachments with their key person. Children are motivated learners, enjoying the activities, showing confidence and high self-esteem, and freely accessing the garden. Staff have high expectations for all children, including those with SEND and EAL, ensuring good progress and preparation for their next educational stage.

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged monthly, with rates varying by standard, 15-hour, or 30-hour funded status. A minimum booking of two full days is required. While permanent half days are not available, ad hoc sessions, early starts, late finishes, and additional consumables during funded hours are charged at flat rates.