Food
Catering provided by Zebedees; freshly prepared, nutritious, and nut-free meals
Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle
Ofsted: Good
(Aug 2025)
Number of places
72 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Aug 2025
Local authority
Southwark
About this day nursery
Little Bear's in Elephant Central is a contemporary, purpose-built nursery school catering to children aged 3 months to 5 years. This 71-place setting prioritises a family-like environment and offers a unique sensory room designed to stimulate development across all age groups, particularly benefiting non-verbal learners through multi-sensory engagement.
Meals are provided by Zebedees, a caterer known for freshly prepared, nutritious, and nut-free food. The nursery proudly holds a Millie's Mark accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to going above and beyond in child safety.
With an "Outstanding" Ofsted rating, Little Bear's aims to offer a secure, enjoyable, and nurturing space where young children can flourish and express their individuality during their crucial early educational journey. The facility also boasts an excellent outdoor play area and air-conditioned rooms well-equipped with educational resources.
What it's like
Children arrive eager and happy, separating easily from parents and forming strong attachments with staff. They are focused and engaged in activities that are part of the setting's broad and ambitious curriculum, showing curiosity and inquisitiveness in their learning experiences.
Purpose-built settingSensory roomNut-free mealsMillie's Mark accreditedOutdoor play area
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Key facts
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 7:30 to 18:30
Age range
3 months to 5 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle
Last inspected 18 August 2025
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children arrive eager and happy, separating easily from parents and forming strong attachments with staff. They are focused and engaged in activities that are part of the setting's broad and ambitious curriculum, showing curiosity and inquisitiveness in their learning experiences.
Inspector highlights
- Children arrive eager and happy to begin their day.
- Children are focused and engaged as they take part in activities that form part of the setting's broad and ambitious curriculum.
- The support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength of the setting.
- Staff at the setting know children well.
- Partnership with parents is good.
Areas to develop
- 1review the organisation of lunchtimes to ensure children are not waiting for extended periods and that they have the tools needed to self-serve independently
- 2promote children's understanding of why there are rules and boundaries in the setting so they can develop their knowledge of how to keep themselves and others safe.
Inspection #10414761 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents speak highly of the setting and describe the staff team as warm and welcoming.
Parents comment that communication is a strength of the nursery, and they feel well informed of what is happening and how they can continue to support their child's learning at home.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength of the setting. Staff work tirelessly with outside agencies to ensure children receive the additional support they need and provision is in place before they transition to school.
Outdoor space
The report does not provide specific details about the outdoor space or how children use it, beyond mentioning that the inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors.
Parent Reviews of Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle
4.9
(9)
Ade Oshin
5 years ago
This is a great nursery. My son has been here since January. They are really welcoming and he loves being there. They always think of great ways to engage him. From baking cookies to trips outside. The team and Manager are great and he has bonded with the other kids. Good food choices. And a focus on helping the kids be more independent.
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Eleni Tsami
5 years ago
My little Leo had a great settling time and felt comfortable very very soon. He is excited to go to the nursery every morning and jumps around when we arrive there in the morning. Also, the staff are very considerate about Leo's special needs and we are very happy to have chosen this nursery for him.
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Jim Cratchley
4 years ago
My daughter has been attending LB's in Elephant for nearly a year and it's been an incredible experience for all of us! All the staff are supportive, patient and caring and the classrooms are bright and full of super fun activities, which has all helped with her learning and confidence. And it's all inclusive so great value. Couldn't be happier.
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Laura Oak
5 years ago
Our 2 year old started at Little Bears Elephant Central 8 months ago and he is very happy there. He has a fantastic relationship with his key worker, and is very fond of all the staff, so much so he talks about them on the days he is not there! The premises are wonderful, with many engaging activities and nothing is too much trouble for the staff. We would, and have, recommend Little Bears to other parents.
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Aasiya Merchant
5 years ago
Very warm, friendly staff and very patient with frantic parents (like myself), excellent communication with parents on the app and even on telephone- my clingy child has settled beautifully! Naturally- lit and spacious classrooms with a proper teacher-child ratio..the best nursery in Elephant and Castle area!
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: March 2022
- August 2025Good
- September 2022Good
- March 2022Inadequate
Frequently asked about Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle
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