--- title: "Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle Day Nursery, London" url: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-bear-s-in-elephant-and-castle-se17-1en-2500613 description: "Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle, a day nursery in London — rated Good by Ofsted. See fees, opening hours, photos and contact details." lang: en-GB --- Nursery Advice: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/ Claim Your Nursery: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/claim # Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle Ofsted: Good (Aug 2025) · 4.9 (9 Google reviews) · Elephant 1, 7 Castle Square, London, SE17 1EN · Southwark 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 and Castle offers care for children from birth to four years old. The day nursery has air-conditioned rooms and a sensory room. Meals are provided by the caterer Zebedees. It is open from 7.30am to 6.30pm on weekdays throughout the year and offers funded childcare places for eligible two, three, and four-year-olds. At its inspection in August 2025, Ofsted rated the day nursery as Good. The report noted that children arrive eager and happy, are focused in their activities, and form strong attachments with staff. The inspector found that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is a strength of the setting. Parents commented to Ofsted that communication is a strength of the nursery and that they feel well informed about their child's learning. 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 setting Sensory room Nut-free meals Millie's Mark accredited Outdoor play area ## Pricing & funding Funding accepted 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 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 Food Catering provided by Zebedees; freshly prepared, nutritious, and nut-free meals 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 Safeguarding effective Overall effectiveness Good Quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good What it's like to attend 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 - 1 review the organisation of lunchtimes to ensure children are not waiting for extended periods and that they have the tools needed to self-serve independently - 2 promote 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: Ofsted View full Ofsted report (https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50287561) ## 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. ## Google Reviews of Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle 4.9 (9 Google reviews) 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. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM4c3NyNVFnEAE!2m1!1s0x487605ff8ce76391:0xfce02bb9e550e07c) 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. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR5bC0zbkhnEAE!2m1!1s0x487605ff8ce76391:0xfce02bb9e550e07c) 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. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNxLXNxUnBRRRAB!2m1!1s0x487605ff8ce76391:0xfce02bb9e550e07c) 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. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM4NnRxZWh3RRAB!2m1!1s0x487605ff8ce76391:0xfce02bb9e550e07c) 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 Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR5bTRXLWpnRRAB!2m1!1s0x487605ff8ce76391:0xfce02bb9e550e07c) Reviews from Google for Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle. See all on Google Maps (https://maps.google.com/?cid=18221612169757253756&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Date: March 2022 - August 2025 Good - September 2022 Good - March 2022 Inadequate ## Frequently asked about Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle ### What outdoor space does Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle have? ### What is Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle working on improving? ### From what age does Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle accept children? ### How can Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle be contacted? ### How does Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle support children with SEND? ## Nearby day nurseries in London Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle. - Ofsted: Good 0.2 mi ### Rockingham Community Pre-school Playgroup London · SE1 6QN https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/rockingham-community-pre-school-playgroup-se1-6qn-107642 - Ofsted: Good 0.2 mi ### Kido Elephant Park London · SE17 1FN 3.8(6 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kido-elephant-park-se17-1fn-2567271 - Ofsted: Good 0.2 mi ### 1st Place at the Elephant London · SE17 3AN 4.3(12 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/1st-place-at-the-elephant-se17-3an - Ofsted: Good 0.3 mi ### Rockingham Community Day Nursery London · SE1 4JW https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/rockingham-community-day-nursery-se1-4jw-107456 - Awaiting first inspection 0.3 mi ### Ark Start Globe London · SE1 6AG https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/ark-start-globe-se1-6ag-2813325 - Ofsted: Inadequate 0.4 mi ### Smartkiddies Childcare London · SE17 1BF https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/smartkiddies-childcare-se17-1bf-2643212 See all nurseries in London →: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q=London ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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Also, the staff are very considerate about Leo's special needs and we are very happy to have chosen this nursery for him.", "datePublished": "2021-03-20T16:52:23.063623Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jim Cratchley" }, "reviewBody": "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. 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The website also describes it as an unrivalled outdoor space for play, while the inspection record notes that learning was observed both inside and outside." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle working on improving?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting is working on making lunchtimes better organised so children do not wait for long periods and can serve themselves more independently. Staff are also developing children’s understanding of rules and boundaries so they learn how to keep themselves and others safe." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "From what age does Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle accept children?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts children from 0 to 4 years old." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle be contacted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Telephone: 020 3947 5757. Email: hello@littlebearsnursery.co.uk. Website: https://littlebearsnursery.co.uk/elephant-central/" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Little Bear's In Elephant And Castle support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff work closely with outside agencies to secure the right support for children with SEND. Provision is planned before the move to school, and key staff arrange help around each child’s needs so support is in place early." } } ] } ] } ] ```